Recently became aware of a 2023 NEC revision requiring dates on labels for new service and feeder (which was an added requirement) fed equipment even though 70E doesn’t require the date on labels. Is it time to just include the date…. And will 70E be updated to align with 70. Posting from my phone i can add the referenced article numbers later. Thanks in advance.

I always put the study date on my labels. That way I could compare them to the date of the latest study or system changes.

Likely language in the 2026 edition of NFPA 70, releasing later this year, will bring more of the arc flash language directly into the NEC. It will identify the need to identify arc flash hazards at switchboards, MCCs, control panels, etc. and identify what content shall be included on the label. I have always included a "date" on labels. In my opinion "date" is not explicitly defined. Over the years I have found identifying the year the analysis was performed on the label is most ideal. The associated report includes the complete date (i.e. January 15th, 2025). I prefer only listing the year of analysis on the label so when changes/new equipment are made after the original analysis I can ensure they say "202x Analysis". The report will then define the original date of analysis and date of the associated revision.

I have found it messy to start with labels that may say March 16, 2023. Then a revision occurs and those devices have labels listing June 2, 2023. This is followed by another revision and another. Before you know it it is not clear from the labels when the full analysis is up for a full review. It conveys the necessary date reference clearly to personnel in the field while the report tracks the details of all efforts.