Transformer Warning & Safety Labels

High-Voltage Labels for Transformer Safety

High-voltage labels keep everyone safe around transformers. These labels are designed to communicate the potential dangers of high voltage with bold, clear text and symbols. These labels are essential for identifying electrical equipment operating at voltages that pose serious risks. These labels communicate the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, minimizing exposure to dangerous energy sources.

These labels are made from durable materials to resist wear and tear, moisture and UV in order to maintain a crucial presence. These labels add an important layer of protection by reminding workers and the public about the risks of electricity. Their strong adhesive sticks securely to transformer surfaces, staying in place through weather changes and exposure to dirt or debris. 

Warning Transformer Labels for Clear Communication

Exterior Warning labels serve as the first line of communication, alerting personnel and the public before any interaction with the transformer.  This label warns of the high voltage inside the transformer and the potential risks of shock, burns and death and is always placed on the exterior of the transformer.  The text is accompanied by a corresponding graphic symbol for added clarity.  

“DANGER” Labels: Bold Messaging for Critical Risks

Similar to the warning label, the danger label is displayed inside the transformer enclosure,  providing a secondary line of communication, reinforcing safety messages for personnel performing maintenance or inspections.  The label spells out the dangers of high voltage including shock, burns and fatality and is displayed alongside a graphic symbol to accentuate the message.  Both the Danger and the Warning labels follow ANSI Z535 guidelines for graphic presentation and are available in either horizontal or vertical formats.

Bilingual Labels: Universal Safety Messaging

Bilingual labels bridge communication gaps, making transformer safety accessible to diverse workforces and communities. These labels ensure that safety messages are universally understood, reducing the chance of miscommunication in multilingual environments, often pairing English with Spanish or French. Made from vinyl or engineer grade reflective, bilingual labels are built to withstand harsh weather, and years of outdoor exposure. The text and symbols on these labels make it easy for anyone to understand the message, whether it’s a warning about high voltage or instructions for safe operation.

What Information Do Transformer Warning Labels Need to Include?

Like other safety signs and labels, transformer warning signs need to include the following information:

• Signal Word – In the instance of electrical hazards, the word is typically “Warning” or “Danger,” depending on how immediate the danger is. Warning signs use an orange color, which indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, can result in injury. Danger signs use the color red to show that there is an immediate hazard with a high probability of injury. The NEMA standard requires that two transformer safety labels be placed on each transformer: a WARNING label on the outside of the transformer and a DANGER label on the inside of the door to provide a secondary line of defense.
• Legend – The legend describes the nature of the hazard and how to avoid injury, such as by wearing proper PPE.
• Image – Some transformer labels have an image, such as “Mr. Ouch” or another visual indicator of the hazard.