PanelDexHow the directory is laid out
The directory follows the panel: odd circuit numbers down the left column and even numbers down the right, with the numbers on the inside edges where the breakers are. Each row gets equal height, so the card lines up visually with the breakers when it hangs on the open door.
- Title: the panel name, with location, system, main and what feeds it underneath.
- Each circuit: a number box, the description (or the room, if there's no description) and the breaker rating.
- 2-pole and 3-pole breakers: one description spanning their spaces, with a bar beside the numbers to show they're tied.
- Tandems: two lines, such as 13A and 13B.
- Footer: the date it was printed, the bus rating and the number of spaces.
Choosing the size
Measure the flat area inside the door before you print. Many doors have a card holder or a printed area on the back; use its inside dimensions. Then pick:
| Option | Page size | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm) | Large doors, panel rooms, a copy on the wall beside the panel |
| Half letter | 5.5 × 8.5 in (140 × 216 mm) | Many residential panel doors |
| Custom | 2 in (51 mm) up to 17 × 22 in (432 × 559 mm) | Exactly the space you measured, in inches or mm |
The dashed border is the trim line; everything inside it is the directory. A small margin outside it holds the credit line, so the card itself stays clean.
Writing descriptions that still make sense later
In general terms, NEC section 408.4(A) asks for each circuit to be identified by its specific purpose, in a directory at the panel, clear enough to tell it apart from the others, and without relying on things that change, like who sleeps in which bedroom. Local rules and code editions differ, so treat that as background, not a checklist. Some habits that help:
- Name rooms by location: “Bedroom, northeast corner” or “Front bedroom”, not “Emma's room”.
- Say what's on the circuit: “Kitchen counter, left of sink”, “Dishwasher”, “Garage door opener and ceiling light”.
- Mark spares and spaces so the next person knows what's free.
- For a subpanel, put the feeding panel and circuit in Fed from, so the directory says where to shut it off.
Printing and fitting it
Print at 100% or Actual size; any “fit to page” setting shrinks the card. Card stock lasts longer than plain paper on a door that gets opened often. Trim on the dashed border with a paper trimmer or a ruler and craft knife, then slide it into the card holder or fix it to the inside of the door with clear tape. A clear sleeve or laminating pouch keeps it readable for years.
Pair the directory with breaker labels beside each handle, and add the share link's QR code as a sticker if you want the full schedule, with wire sizes and loads, a phone scan away.
Labelling tool only. Turn power off and follow local code; have a licensed electrician do electrical work.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a breaker panel directory be?
Measure the inside of the panel door, or the card holder if it has one, and enter that as a custom size. If there's room for it, half letter (5.5 × 8.5 in) fits many residential panel doors, and Letter suits larger doors.
How big is the text?
The text scales to the page and the number of spaces: fewer spaces or a bigger page means larger text. Each row gets an equal share of the height, and long descriptions wrap onto two lines before they shrink.
Will the “Made with PanelDex” line show on the card?
No. It prints in the page margin below the dashed trim border. When you trim on the border, it's cut off with the margin.
Can I print a blank breaker directory?
Yes. Start a new blank panel with the right number of spaces and download the directory. You'll get numbered, empty rows in two columns to fill in by hand.
More templates and guides
Last updated · Written by the Rooh Sites team. General information, not electrical advice.