Professional Guide

Best Electrical Label Printers for Consumer Units: 2025 Expert Review

Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

Open up an old fuse box in a typical Leeds terrace, and you'll often find fading felt-tip scrawls or, worse, nothing at all. Identifying which fuse controls the 'Kitchen Sockets' versus the 'Cooker' becomes a dangerous guessing game. Under BS 7671 regulations, clear identification of circuits isn't optional; it's mandatory.

For professional electricians and keen DIYers, a reliable label printer is as essential as a good set of screwdrivers. We need labels that stick to plastic RCBOs, don't fade over time, and remain legible for the next person who opens the board.

In this review, I'm looking at three labelling solutions suitable for electrical work: a robust budget embosser that never needs batteries, a smart app-based printer for quick circuit labels, and a heavy-duty desktop unit for printing professional circuit schedules.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Thermal Printing Longevity"

The Theory

"Thermal prints last for years without fading."

The Reality

Direct thermal labels can turn black if exposed to high heat (like inside a hot industrial panel) or fade in direct sunlight. For standard domestic consumer units in cupboards, they are fine, but keep them away from radiators.

The Spec: "Bluetooth Connectivity"

The Theory

"Instant connection every time for quick printing."

The Reality

On a cold morning in a basement with no signal, apps can sometimes be fiddly. Always have a backup plan (or a permanent marker) just in case your phone battery dies.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Phomemo Embossing Label Maker with 3 Tape Rolls

Budget Pick

Phomemo

This offers old-school reliability. There are no batteries to die and no complex apps to crash. It creates raised, 3D embossed labels that are incredibly durable and resistant to water and oil. It's perfect for labelling harsh environments or main isolator switches.

Price£13.66 (at the time of writing)

TypeMechanical Embosser

PowerManual (No batteries)

Tape Width9mm

The Good

Zero battery anxiety - works every time
Labels are extremely durable and tactile
Retro aesthetic looks professional on industrial fittings

The Bad

Slow to type out long text (character by character)
Limited character set (caps only)

Installer Tip:

I use this for the critical stuff that must remain legible for 20 years, like 'MAIN SWITCH' or identifying the earthing conductor. The embossed plastic doesn't fade like ink does.

Priced at £13.66 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Label Printer 4x6

Quality Choice

JADENS

Whilst marketed as a shipping printer, this is a secret weapon for professional electricians. It prints large 4x6 inch labels, which are perfect for creating clear, legible Circuit Schedule charts to stick on the inside of consumer unit doors—far superior to handwriting in tiny boxes.

Price£66.49 (at the time of writing)

Print SizeUp to 4x6 inches

ConnectivityBluetooth & USB

CompatibilityWindows, Mac, iOS, Android

The Good

Prints large, clear circuit charts and EICR notices
Professional thermal quality (no ink needed)
Wireless printing from your smartphone on site

The Bad

Too large to be handheld; needs a surface to sit on
Not suitable for individual wire marking

Installer Tip:

Use this to print the 'Circuit Details' schedule required by Reg 514.9.1. Set up a template on your phone for a 10-way board, type in the details (e.g., 'Ring Main', 'Cooker', 'Lights'), and print a single large sticker to adhere next to the board. It looks miles better than handwriting.

Priced at £66.49 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Nelko Label Maker Machine P21 Portable Bluetooth

Problem-solving

Nelko

This pocket-sized printer solves the issue of messy handwriting on RCBOs. Using the Bluetooth app, you can quickly type 'Kitchen', 'Shower', or 'Shed' and print neat, uniform stickers that fit perfectly on modern breaker switches.

Price£14.99 (at the time of writing)

ConnectivityBluetooth (App-based)

PortabilityPocket-sized

Print TechDirect Thermal

The Good

Extremely portable; fits in a pocket or tool belt
App allows for custom icons and different fonts
Rechargeable battery (USB)

The Bad

Requires a smartphone to operate
Thermal labels can darken if the fuse box gets very hot

Installer Tip:

Use the 'Cable' or 'Flag' mode in the app to create labels that wrap around wires inside the consumer unit. This is vital for identification if the neutral and live bars aren't clearly numbered.

Priced at £14.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is labelling a consumer unit so important?

It is a requirement under BS 7671 (The Wiring Regulations). Regulation 514.9.1 states that each protective device must be arranged and identified so its relationship to the circuit is clear. In an emergency, you need to know exactly which switch kills the power to a specific fault without guessing.

Do label printers use ink?

Most portable label printers used by electricians, including the Nelko and JADENS models reviewed here, use direct thermal technology. They heat specifically treated paper to create the image, meaning you never need to buy ink cartridges. The Phomemo uses mechanical pressure to whiten the plastic tape.

Can I just use a permanent marker?

You can, but it often looks unprofessional and can fade or smudge over time. In damp Leeds cellars, ink often runs. A printed label is clearer, looks sharper to the client, and generally lasts longer.

What should I label in a consumer unit?

You must label what each circuit breaker (MCB or RCBO) controls (e.g., 'Upstairs Lights', 'Kitchen Sockets'). You should also have a main schedule detailing the rating of the fuse, the cable size, and the type of protection. Don't forget to label the Main Switch and any RCD test buttons.

Do I need a professional to update my consumer unit labels?

If you are just replacing a sticker on the plastic cover, you can do this yourself. However, if you need to take the cover off to trace wires because you don't know what a circuit does, you should call a qualified electrician. Inside the board is live and dangerous.

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