Labelling terminated wires is crucial for maintaining a clear, organized, and safe work environment, especially in data centres and electrical and telecom industries. Proper wire labelling helps technicians identify circuits, troubleshoot issues quickly, and comply with industry regulations. At Silver Fox, we provide reliable solutions to ensure your labelling is efficient, durable, and compliant. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for labelling terminated wires and the suitable types of labels to use.
Why Label Terminated Wires?
Labelling wires is not just about aesthetics—it's a safety and operational necessity. Clear labelling can prevent costly mistakes, reduce downtime during maintenance, and meet compliance standards like ANSI/TIA-606-C for telecommunications infrastructure.
Our Step-by-Step Guide to Labelling Terminated Wires:
- Choose the Right Labelling Solution
Selecting the right label type is essential. Depending on your environment and the type of wire, you may need:
- Prolab® Wrap-Around Cable Labels: Ideal for terminated wires, these labels wrap around the wire and self-laminate, providing a transparent protective layer over the printed text. This makes the labels highly resistant to dirt, oil, and moisture, ensuring long-term readability. Wrap-around labels are easy to apply and adjust after termination.
Get Started with Prolab® Wrap Around Cable Labels here.
- Fox® PVC Tie-On Cable Labels: These tough, pre-perforated labels are made from durable PVC. They are ideal for general commercial applications where low smoke, zero halogen, and UV stability are not required. They are easy to use, available in multiple colours and sizes, and are rapidly printed using Silver Fox's Fox-in-a-Box® thermal printer.
Explore Fox® PVC Tie-On Cable Labels here.
- Legend™ Laser Tie-On Cable Labels: Made from polyester, these laser-printable tie-on labels are ideal for many environments, including those requiring London Underground approval. They are available in various colours and sizes and can be printed using a standard office laser printer.
Learn more Legend™ Laser Tie-On Cable Labels here.
- Fox-Flo® UV Stable, LSZH Tie-On Cable Labels: These labels are crafted from premium Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen material, making them ideal for harsh environments like rail and marine industries. They are also London Underground-approved.
Discover Fox-Flo® UV Stable Labels here.
- Legend™ Thermal 2-Part System Cable Markers: These labels consist of clear plastic tubing with two recesses, one for the label and one for the wire. Due to the design, the blank tubing can be slid onto the cable before termination, and your chosen idents can be added or changed anytime after termination.
Check out our Legend™ Thermal 2-Part System here
- Prepare the Wire for Labelling
Before labelling, ensure the wire is clean and free from oil, dust, or debris.
- Print Your Labels
A high-quality thermal printer like the Silver Fox Fox-in-a-Box® ensures that your labels are clear and durable. This printer offers:
- High-resolution prints
- Fast print speeds
- Compatibility with a range of label types, including PVC, laser, wrap-around, and heat shrink labels
- Easy-to-use software for designing and printing custom labels
- Apply the Label Correctly
The application method varies depending on the label type:
- Prolab® Wrap-Around Cable Labels: Wrap the label around the terminated wire, ensuring the clear tail secures over the printed area for added protection.
- Fox® PVC Tie-On Labels: Attach these pre-perforated labels to the wire using cable ties, ensuring they are in a position where [somebody] can easily read them.
- Legend™ Laser Tie-On Labels: Print on A4 sheets, detach along the perforations, and tie them onto the cable using cable ties.
- Fox-Flo® UV Stable Labels: Attach these durable labels using cable ties, ensuring longevity in harsh environments.
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Legend™ Thermal 2-Part System Cable Markers: Slide the tubing onto the cable pre-termination, and when ready, slide the printed label through the 2nd part of the tube.
- Test Label Durability
After applying the labels, testing them to ensure they remain secure and legible is essential. The test can involve:
- A gentle tug test.
- Exposure to environmental factors (like moisture or chemicals).
- Checking readability under typical lighting conditions.
Best Practices for Wire Labelling
- Consistency is Key: Use consistent naming conventions and label formats to make future maintenance easier.
- Label Both Ends: Always label both ends of the wire to prevent confusion.
- Document the Labelling System: Record your labelling format and the location of labelled wires for future reference.
Conclusion
Labelling terminated wires correctly is a small step that pays enormous dividends in safety, efficiency, and compliance. With the right tools, such as the Silver Fox Fox-in-a-Box® printer and a selection of high-quality labels, including Prolab® Wrap-Around, Fox® PVC, Legend™ Tie-On, Fox-Flo Tie-On and Legend™ 2-Part System, you can ensure that your wires are marked reliably for years to come. Explore our range of labelling solutions at Silver Fox and make wire identification a breeze.
For more information or to get started with our labelling solutions, contact us today!
