About Ethernet Cable Labels, When installing ethernet cables, it is vital to label them correctly to prevent possible networking mistakes.
Proper labeling of ethernet cables also makes troubleshooting network problems easier by preventing someone from unplugging the wrong ethernet cable at an incorrect time, thus preventing downtime and losing money.
Therefore, this article discusses everything you need to know about ethernet cable labels.
Table of Contents
- Top three types of ethernet cable labels
- The labeling principle of ethernet cables
- Conclusion
Top three types of ethernet cable labels
While removable adhesive labels can be an ideal option for label tags, there are other options.
For example, some applications may require a fluorescent label, or you may require to label a heat shrink tube.
Therefore, you should choose a printer with multiple label cartridges to meet various needs.
Heat shrink labels
Also referred to as heat shrink sleeves, heat shrink tubing, shrink tube labels, wire labels, or core markers, heat shrink labels are the most popular wire identification form.
While they are non-adhesive, they can fit around ethernet cables when you heat them. Also, their full-circle design offers a fast, permanent cable marking.
In addition, cable sleeve materials can be excellent in extreme environments, such as those requiring chemical resistance and abrasion.
And, if you want a reliable wire identification, you can print clear, legible text on these ethernet cable sleeves.
The most common diameter sizes of heat shrink markers are 8mm (¼”), 5mm (3/16”), and 3mm (⅛”) while you can also get 21mm (⅞”) heat shrink markers, with the shrink ratios being either 3:1 or 2:1.
There are multiple shrink color combinations, such as white on black, black on blue, black on green, black on red, black on yellow, and black on white.
These color variations are available for particular applications; for example, a black-on-red combination is available for fire alarm wires.
Self-lamination wire labels
These wire and cable labels are wrapped around the wire and provide a clear protective layer around your cable.
They are typically made from clear vinyl or polyester label material with tiny, white printable areas.
The installer can use a label printer or handwrite to mark the data/legend message. You can also use rotate-and-repeat labels to wrap wires, similar to self-laminating wire labels.
The rotate-and-repeat labels have data printed several times on the label and are one color to allow for reading from any angle.
Wire/cable tags
Cable ties or tags are generally used on hoses, wire bundles, and conduits. Their sizes range from 2 ½” to 3” wide and ¾,” ½,” and ¼” high.
They are made of tear-resistant polyethylene material, and their color is normally white. Besides, they are printed using a thermal transfer printer like Impact AWMS-245 Plus or TSC TTP-247 desktop printers.
You can also use cable tags as affordable alternatives to stainless or limonoids steel ethernet cable tags whose production needs a costly engraving machine.
Flame-standard wire tags, such as avionics FRT tags, are available for special applications and are micro-organism and hydrolysis resistant and halogen-free.
The labeling principle of ethernet cables
One of the most talked about things in ethernet cable management, besides having the right tack and cable management system, is using the most effective and efficient ethernet cable labeling system.
Reduce and recycle
We highly recommend using a reusable ethernet labeling system because it is better for the environment.
Further, reusable ethernet cable labels usually snap ON and OFF, so you can identify and mark cables quickly.
More importantly, if you replace a cable or change something, you only need to remove the cable label, place it in a new location, and then put it back on your new cable.
Besides being easy, it saves time, as you do not need to find a different connector or reprint a label.
Use the correct ethernet cable label printer
While this can look like a no-brainer, using the correct cable label printer when designing an effective cable labeling system is essential when rearranging or planning the layout of your data center.
Preferably, your correct ethernet cable label printer must have the following features;
Be efficient
An efficient cable label printer should have a long-lasting battery life and be able to utilize the label cartridge efficiently.
It should also have innovative technology to “roll back” before printing to reduce lead margins and minimize waste. Moreover, it should include auto half and full-cut features to allow network technicians to print multiple labels in the field.
Have enough memory capacity to load multiple label styles
It means that your cable label printer has the labels you require at your disposal, including custom labels and thousands of industry-standard symbols.
Portable
Your ethernet label printer should have a built-in handle for easy carrying. It should also be tough to meet MilSpec drop tests as printers are prone to falling off racks or getting dropped.
Color-coded ethernet cable labels
Too many flag ties and labels of similar colors make it hard to see what is happening. However, the color-coded ethernet cable labels let you easily identify ethernet cables more easily and efficiently.
Since you can use color-coded labels on any group of cables or any size of ethernet cables, you will minimize label cutter, which includes a whole host of benefits.
Label information and size matters
Sometimes, you require more information than you use in a single line of type. For labels to make sense to every person in the data center, we recommend using large labels that include several lines of type.
For instance, you may not always be working on that specific server, so including more details in your labels will be a better idea.
Color can provide enough details about the type of cable and everything you should know to follow and troubleshoot the ethernet cable quickly.
And you can better understand the importance of label information and size by asking yourself, “What will a different network installer, admin, or engineer need to know about this ethernet cable to troubleshoot any problem efficiently?”
You should then include this information in your ethernet cable label.
Label whatever you can
You should always remember instances where you wished you had labeled anything, even if it was not a cable.
Have a standard ethernet labeling nomenclature
Regardless of the type of label printer and ethernet cable labeling system you use, it will all be useless if everyone is not on the same page. For example, one cabler can call a group of ethernet wires one thing, and another cabler may either;
- Need help understanding the labeling on the ethernet cables
- Label ethernet cabless differently
Therefore, while it is vital to label ethernet cables, the labeling system should have a “key” of names, abbreviations, and terms. Every network cabler or technician should understand and use a similar labeling system or “key”.
Consistent labeling
We highly recommend following a consistent ethernet cable labeling system and format for all labels in your building, facility, or company.
Matching facility plans
Match the information on the plans kept for your facility with the ethernet wire’s label, which makes identification and look-up easier.
Durable
Ethernet cable labels should be legible and remain in place when in use. For instance, using vinyl, plastic, or other strong materials is often the best option.
Permanent print
Using a label printer is often considered the best standard when creating labels because the print is permanent and will not smear or fade.
Placement of labels
It is best practice to apply labels at each end of ethernet cables so that you can easily identify them. This entails labeling your ethernet cables whenever they connect to a new device.
Conclusion
While labeling ethernet cables requires some additional time and initial planning, it ensures your system is efficient and easy to work on for many years. In case you have any queries, feel free to contact Cloom Tech.