Why Panel Builders Waste Time Re-Labeling New Equipment
A while back, I got a call from a panel builder who sounded pretty frustrated.
They had just finished a big install — all new control panels, everything wired and tested. The problem? Half the labels were peeling, and a few had already started fading.
These weren’t their labels, by the way. They came pre-installed from an OEM.
You can probably guess what happened next — the builder had to go back and relabel the entire thing before it could be signed off. That’s time, labor, and cost no one budgets for.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Labels
This happens more often than most people realize.
When labels aren’t made from industrial-grade plastics — or when adhesive isn’t spec’d for heat, oil, or UV — it doesn’t take long for them to fail.
What looks fine on day one can start curling or fading in a few months. Then someone’s pulling panels apart just to replace tags that should’ve lasted for years.
It’s not just frustrating — it kills productivity.
Why It Happens
Usually, it comes down to one of three things:
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Low-cost vinyl or inkjet labels that weren’t meant for industrial environments.
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Non-rated adhesive that softens under heat or exposure.
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Poor engraving depth or contrast that makes text hard to read after a few cleanings.
Most builders assume those labels will hold up. Until they don’t.
How We Prevent It
Every label we make is cut and engraved from UL-rated Duets XT plastic, not printed or stickered. The adhesive backing is 3M 468MP, designed to stay put on powder coat, metal, and painted surfaces.
It’s not overkill — it’s just what actually works.
Our customers tell us they used to spend hours redoing labels on new panels. Now, they don’t think about it anymore — they just install them and move on to the next job.
That’s exactly how it should be.
Takeaway
If you’ve ever had to re-label a new panel, it’s not your fault — but it’s 100% preventable. Use the right materials, and you’ll only label once.
Because nothing wastes time faster than doing the same job twice.