Assigning identity to Main and sub panels

[duffusc]

I am trying to determine the best way to assign a main distribution panel and the sub panels it feeds.
From what I can find (minimal) there does not seem to be any standardized labeling direction.

What is the best way to label the main distribution feed and the numerous panels it supplies?

In some cases one breaker from the main will supply two to three different locations. Some of these locations will have one or two additional panels tapped off the main lugs at these locations.

We are trying to meet the new Homeland Security requirements that do not provide the general information needed.

Any help or direction to locate information is appreciated. d

[jeffo]

Panel names are completely arbitrary and up to the designer. In saying that, there are some conventions used and depending on the type of building, a hierarchy should be used.

Below is the common prefixes for panel names:

DP - Distribution Panel (ie a panel that feeds another panel)
PP - Power Panel (not used much anymore but often feeds just power devices)
LP - Lighting Panel (only lighting on the panel)
RP - Receptacle Panel (self explanatory)

sometimes you will see LP stand for "lighting and power".

Lets say that the building has a main panel and two subpanels. You would have DP-1, and LP-1, LP-2.

If it's a large building, you might want to somehow indicate the floor in the panel name (ie DP-L8-1 for the 1st distribution panel on level 8). If it's larger building that has many areas, you might want to include that (DP-WW-L8-1 for the 1st distribution panel on level 8 of west wing).

When I do designs, I also typically include the voltage of the panel in the name. I make A=600V (or 480 if in US) and B=120V. So a 120V panel would be DP-WW-L8-B1 or a 600V panel DP-WW-L8-A1. Also if it's an emergency panel, I add an 'E' to the name (DP-WW-L8-EA1).

It's hard to give meaningful names to panels without seeing a single line diagram of the building. Just out of curiosity, what does panel names have to do with Homeland Security?

[duffusc]

Thanks Jeffo for your helpful reply.

Requading your question, it has to do with isolation and or containment of a particular area in the event of a domestic threat. d