Cable labelling Techniques - What works best for you?

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hio77

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#195461 20-Apr-2016 16:45

So, I am going through the process of redoing a lot of the wiring in the place and it has come to my attention my labelling is all messed up.

Sharpie on the cable has warn off in pulling at certain points, Stickers are a PITA and seem to all fall off overtime.

What do you do to label your cables? in particular CAT5+ cables.

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#1536862 20-Apr-2016 16:54

I'd be interested to hear of a good solution too. I purchased a $25 label maker from Warehouse Stationary. The labels don't stick particularly well to anything.

hio77

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#1536863 20-Apr-2016 16:56

DarthKermit:

I'd be interested to hear of a good solution too. I purchased a $25 label maker from Warehouse Stationary. The labels don't stick particularly well to anything.

Yeah we had a label maker around here, i cant for the life of me find where it has gone now though.

forgot to mention the other downside of the sharpie... im lefthanded, love that writing away to note half it has been wiped off!

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#1536864 20-Apr-2016 16:57

DarthKermit:

I'd be interested to hear of a good solution too. I purchased a $25 label maker from Warehouse Stationary. The labels don't stick particularly well to anything.

There is the problem

If you want a good solution you need to spend good money.

Work got me a 3M labeller, it has a function to print cable labels which I have used many times and it works well

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#1536865 20-Apr-2016 17:02

gregmcc:

DarthKermit:

I'd be interested to hear of a good solution too. I purchased a $25 label maker from Warehouse Stationary. The labels don't stick particularly well to anything.

There is the problem

If you want a good solution you need to spend good money.

Work got me a 3M labeller, it has a function to print cable labels which I have used many times and it works well

got a model?

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

chevrolux

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#1536868 20-Apr-2016 17:04

Permanent Marker - It's what SNUP specify for labelling cables behind jacks and patch panels so must be a good option.

hio77

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#1536870 20-Apr-2016 17:07

chevrolux:

Permanent Marker - It's what SNUP specify for labelling cables behind jacks and patch panels so must be a good option.

but then this happens! such a hard life

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#1536881 20-Apr-2016 17:28

I use and really like the Brother label makers. http://www.brother.co.nz/Public/ProductSubCategory/40/41

Use the TZ tape not the M tape as the TZ has a clear laminate over the top which makes it much harder wearing and seems to be UV resistant to stop the label deteriorating (e.g. the M series labels will be damaged by UV). I have no complaints about the stickiness, the paper backing is easy to remove (split down the middle), and it is difficult to rip.

My only grumble is there is an overly-generous lead and tail on either side of the text.

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hio77

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#1536882 20-Apr-2016 17:32

Thanks Dynamic, might look into them.

I do have to say, the labels have have stuck on, aren't bad for been done a good 5+ years ago.

You can see obvious sun discolouration, but otherwise its sweet.

Please ignore the ratsnest look, that is why im looking to clean it all up in the first place!

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#1536889 20-Apr-2016 17:54

Multiple coloured zip ties or electrical tape wrapped around in a particular descending pattern on the cable then noted on the phone or laptop that sync to the cloud has worked well for me.

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#1536905 20-Apr-2016 18:50

hio77:

gregmcc:

DarthKermit:

I'd be interested to hear of a good solution too. I purchased a $25 label maker from Warehouse Stationary. The labels don't stick particularly well to anything.

There is the problem

If you want a good solution you need to spend good money.

Work got me a 3M labeller, it has a function to print cable labels which I have used many times and it works well

got a model?

3M PL150

hio77

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#1536908 20-Apr-2016 18:56

gregmcc:

3M PL150

If it is as reliable as it sounds, certainly isnt too costly to relativistically consider tbh.

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#1536913 20-Apr-2016 19:05

http://www.sharpmark.com/Cable-labels/

Awesome, last years, needs some forward thinking when printing...

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#1536945 20-Apr-2016 19:39

We use two options.

The first is a roll of 3M tape that you write on with a fine vivid or ballpoint. The space for this is about 20mm square with a 50mm clear tail of stretchy tape. Just wrap the white tail around the cable and continue to wrap until a layer of clear covers the writing, then just rip the remaining clear tape off. Works well on cables from 6 to 20mm diameter and a 100 label roll costs about $60. Water and oil resistant. Available from Coreys or Simpson electrical wholesalers

Second option is a 3M labeller with Heat-shrink labelling tape. Rolls come in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch widths with 5 feet of tape for $60. Only problem is the heat-shrink is a tube and won't go over patch cable ends. Not solvent resistant but looks very tidy.

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#1536988 20-Apr-2016 20:41

I just use Sellotape and write on it. Mainly into the patch panel.

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#1537026 20-Apr-2016 21:18

I use a label maker. Double up the print on the tape so it's longer, and then wrap it over the cable. I then use a staple through the label tail if it's not sticking well enough. Most seem fine on my wiring though.

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