Multicomp Pro® Fibre Flag Labels

The Multicomp Pro® fibre flag label is a two-part design. One section wraps around the individual fibre and bonds to itself, while the remaining tab folds back to create a visible flag that projects away from the fibre surface. The printed identification - circuit reference, port number, colour code, or direction - sits on the flag and remains readable without needing to rotate or separate the fibre from its bundle.

This matters in high-density splice trays and cassettes, where fibres are routed in close proximity and any label that requires the fibre to be moved for reading creates a risk of disturbing adjacent splices or bends.

A shoulder design on the label assists accurate placement during fitting. The notched edge provides a physical alignment cue so installers working quickly - often under poor lighting inside enclosures - can position the label consistently without a separate tool or measuring step.

Both part numbers are white polyester, self-adhesive, supplied on A4 sheets, and rated for fibres with an outer diameter of 1-2 mm (OD Ø 1-2 mm). The pre-cut format means labels are removed from the sheet quickly without scissors or knives - useful when working inside a confined enclosure.

For a broader overview of label types across optical fibre applications - from patch cord flags to cable sheath wrap-arounds and patch panel strips - see the guide to labelling fibre optic cables.

The two Multicomp Pro® fibre flag label part numbers differ only in the flag width: 10 mm for MP005839 and 30 mm for MP005840. The wrap height is the same at 20 mm for both, and both are rated for the same fibre outer diameter range. The choice comes down to how much information each individual fibre needs to carry and how much lateral clearance exists within the tray or enclosure.

When to choose MP005839 (compact)

Use the compact format when each fibre requires a short reference - a circuit number, a colour band code, or a single port designation. At 75 labels per sheet, a single A4 sheet covers the majority of individual splice enclosure jobs, and the smaller flag minimises any projection into adjacent fibre routes. This is the higher-volume format and is typically the default choice for installation contractors who need to label consistently across large numbers of splices.

When to choose MP005840 (standard)

Use the standard format when fibres need to carry more data - a circuit description alongside a reference code, a direction-of-travel indicator, or a combination of fields. The wider flag also suits installations where larger text is specified for maintenance legibility in poor lighting, or where barcodes or small QR codes need to be printed on the individual fibre label itself. With 30 labels per sheet, per-sheet cost is higher but waste on small batches (extension work, replacements) is minimal.

Both Multicomp Pro® fibre flag label part numbers share the same base material and adhesive. The substrate is white polyester at 36 micron thickness - dimensionally stable under temperature cycling, resistant to the solvents and cleaning agents used in fibre installations, and thin enough to avoid adding bulk to a tightly packed fibre bundle. The adhesive is a pressure-sensitive acrylic formulation, which provides long-term bonding stability across a wide temperature range and resists plasticiser migration from cable jacket materials over time.

Environmental test results

Multicomp Pro® fibre flag labels have been tested to the following standards and conditions:

• Low temperature (MIL-STD-810F Method 502.4): 72 hours at -40°C, followed by a manipulation test to confirm the label remains intact and legible after cold soak. Relevant to outdoor cabinets and unheated plant rooms.
• Elevated temperature (MIL-STD-202G Method 108A): 1,000 hours at 85°C. This extended soak confirms that the label and adhesive will not degrade inside active fibre distribution frames or equipment rooms operating at high ambient temperatures.
• Sour gas (H2S exposure at 2%): Relevant to oil and gas and offshore installations where hydrogen sulphide is present, which can cause rapid degradation in label materials not formulated to resist it.
• UV weathering (ISO 4982 Part 3, Method A, Cycle 1): 500 hours, followed by a manipulation test. Confirms suitability for installations inside outdoor cabinets or any location with indirect daylight exposure.
• Salt mist (IEC 60068-2-52 Test Kb, cyclic): Confirms performance in marine, coastal, and offshore environments where salt-laden air is a chronic degradation risk.

Multicomp Pro® fibre flag labels are printed on a standard office laser printer - no specialist hardware is required. The 36-micron polyester substrate is compatible with standard laser toner and passes through most A4 laser printers without jamming, provided the printer supports thin stock.

Multicomp Pro® labelling software

Farnell provides free Multicomp Pro® labelling software for use with this label range. The software includes pre-formatted templates for both flag label dimensions so printed content aligns correctly with the label face without requiring manual layout adjustment. It supports number sequences, CSV import (Advanced tier), and barcode and QR code generation (Professional tier) - useful if the MP005840 larger format is being used to add scannable identification to individual fibres for asset tracking or maintenance workflow purposes.

Any laser label design software that supports custom A4 sheet layouts will also work, provided you configure the label dimensions correctly: 10 × 20 mm for MP005839 or 30 × 20 mm for MP005840.

Multicomp Pro® fibre flag labels are available through Farnell (farnell.com), Newark (newark.com), and element14 (element14.com) as part of the Multicomp Pro® range. This route suits procurement teams and contractors who already have Farnell accounts and who are ordering alongside other components and installation materials.

For project-specific requirements - quantities, delivery scheduling, samples for evaluation, or technical data for a specification - contact the manufacturer directly via the details below.

What is the difference between MP005839 and MP005840?

The only difference is flag width: MP005839 is 10 × 20 mm (75 per sheet, 750 per pack) and MP005840 is 30 × 20 mm (30 per sheet, 300 per pack). Both are rated for the same fibre diameter range (OD Ø 1-2 mm), use the same polyester substrate and acrylic adhesive, and are printed in the same way. Choose MP005839 for short reference codes in high-density trays and MP005840 where longer descriptions or larger text are required.

Can I use these labels on buffered and tight-buffered fibre?

Yes. The 1-2 mm diameter rating covers 900-micron tight-buffered fibre and 2 mm tight-buffered fibre. If you are working with bare 250-micron coated fibre without a buffer tube, the label diameter range may not grip reliably - in most practical scenarios, fibre inside distribution frames or splice trays retains at least a 900-micron buffer.

Do I need the Multicomp Pro® software, or can I use my own label design tool?

Any laser label design software that supports custom A4 sheet layouts will work, provided you set the label dimensions correctly (10 × 20 mm for MP005839 or 30 × 20 mm for MP005840). The free Multicomp Pro® software from Farnell includes pre-set templates for these labels, which saves setup time and reduces alignment errors.

Are these labels suitable for use inside outdoor cabinets?

Yes. The UV weathering test (500 hours, ISO 4982 Part 3) and the MIL-STD-810F low temperature test (-40°C) confirm suitability for the temperature cycling and indirect light exposure typical of outdoor cabinet environments. They are not rated for direct outdoor exposure to rain or standing water.

What storage conditions are needed before installation?

Store unused sheets flat at 10-25°C (50-77°F), away from direct light, at 35-65% relative humidity. Excessive heat, humidity, or UV exposure before installation can affect adhesive tack and print legibility.

Where can I buy Multicomp Pro® fibre flag labels?

MP005839 and MP005840 are available through Farnell, Newark, and element14. For samples or project-specific enquiries, contact the manufacturer directly using the details in the section below.