Best Label Printers for Electricians: 2025 Expert Review
OR Electrics
18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician
Walking into a property to perform an EICR and finding a 'mystery' Consumer Unit with zero labelling is every electrician's headache. Not only does it slow down testing significantly, but it's also a potential C3 code on the report. In an emergency, homeowners need to know exactly which breaker isolates which circuit.
In Leeds, where we deal with everything from old back-to-back terraces with legacy wiring to strictly regulated HMOs requiring clear fire alarm designation, a Sharpie on masking tape just doesn't cut it anymore. Professional, legible labels are a hallmark of a safe, compliant installation.
In this review, I'm looking at three labelling solutions: a handy budget pocket printer for van organisation, a dedicated heavy-duty machine for the serious installer, and a versatile mid-range option that balances professional features with portability.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Smartphone App Connectivity"
"Marketing suggests you can whip out your phone and print labels instantly via Bluetooth."
On a dusty site with greasy hands, unlocking a phone and pairing Bluetooth can be a faff. Physical keyboards are often faster for simple 'Sockets' or 'Lights' labels, whilst apps are better for complex logos or QR codes.
The Spec: "Tape Durability"
"All labels stick and stay legible forever."
Cheap 'Direct Thermal' labels (like receipt paper) fade in sunlight or heat. For Consumer Units (CUs), you absolutely need Thermal Transfer (laminated) tapes like Brother's TZe series to remain compliant for decades.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Nelko Label Maker Machine with Tape, P21 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer
Nelko
This tiny unit is fantastic for the price, but it's important to understand its limitations. It uses direct thermal printing (like a receipt), so it's not suitable for permanent distribution board labelling where heat or time might fade the text. However, for organising your van racking, screw boxes, or temporary cable tagging, it's brilliant.
The Good
- Incredibly cheap entry point
- Compact size fits easily in a pocket or tool belt
- Simple app interface with templates
The Bad
- Direct thermal labels fade over time/heat (not for permanent electrical compliance)
- App dependency - cannot type directly on the device
- Limited tape width options
Installer Tip:
Don't use this for the main Consumer Unit labels as they may fade. I use this one exclusively for organising my van stock—labelling bins of Wagos, crimps, and screws. It's perfect for that.
Priced at £14.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonPT-E560BTVP Electrician label printer | Prints up to 24mm
Brother
This is the industry standard for a reason. The PT-E560 prints up to 24mm wide, which is essential for larger industrial boards or creating clear warning notices. The dual auto-cutter is a game changer when you have 12 RCBOs to label in a row—it half-cuts them so you get a continuous strip that peels easily.
The Good
- Prints 24mm labels (ideal for main headers and warning signs)
- Dual auto-cutter speeds up board termination massively
- Built-in electrical symbols and templates via hotkeys
The Bad
- Higher upfront cost
- Physically larger unit to carry around
Installer Tip:
Use the 'Cable Flag' function avoids the label unwrapping over time. Also, the 24mm tape allows you to print your company logo clearly on the CU—looks much more professional than a sticker when I hand over the certificate.
Priced at £184.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonPT-E310BTVP Electrician handheld label printer | Prints up to 18mm
Brother
If you find the E560 too bulky but need more reliability than a budget toy, the E310 includes the vital pro features (QWERTY keyboard, hotkeys for Faceplate/Cable Wrap) in a slimmer body. It solves the issue of portability without sacrificing the durability of laminated labels.
The Good
- Perfect balance of professional features and size
- Dedicated hotkeys for common electrical tasks
- Bluetooth connectivity for advanced editing alongside physical keys
The Bad
- Max width is 18mm (misses out on the 24mm warning labels)
- Manual cutter rather than auto-cut
Installer Tip:
This machine is great for student HMOs where you need to label switches and accessories discreetly. The 18mm tape is plenty big enough for circuit breakers, just ensure you trim the ends closely to fit neatly on modern crowded boards.
Priced at £123.56 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just use a permanent marker on a Consumer Unit?
What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer?
Do I need Bluetooth on my label printer?
Will unclear labelling affect my Landlord EICR?
How do I print a company logo on the labels?
What size tape is best for circuit breakers?
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