Cable marking

The only really long lasting way - other than for just a number - is to cover the label with clear heat shrink. But not practical unless you can remove a plug from the cable.

You might have more success labelling the plug or line outlet as these doesn't flex.

I just write on the cable itself with a fine marker pen, it seems to last pretty well on normal T&E (either white or grey). It's not very good on black SWA of course! :-)

I have a printer that prints barcodes and other info onto the stickers - don't really want to try and emulate this with a marker pen!

Seconded - I've done that for most of the AC wiring in the house as I've been tracing things out; I suspect it'll survive pretty well.

In the UK I used to just stick small paper labels to the plugs with plain ol' sellotape - they were all still going strong after nearly ten years.

cheers

Jules

The Dymo Rhino tapes are supposed to have better adhesive, saw one lurking on the local RS trade counter last week ...

We use these in the lab, but a bit pricey.

I believe BT use a fine gold metallic marker pen to write on external cables and jointing sleeves (usually PE). I don't know how long it lasts though.

Cover and overlap the stickers on both sides with sellotape, always works for me.

We use Brady labels which are self amalgamating. They come in various sizes on A4 sheets which can be laser printed.

Fantastic but so is the price.

its a white tape you wrap round the cable write on it and it has a layer of sellotape cleverly built in to it which you then wrap around it so the ink doesnt rub off.

• Each dispenser contains a roll of pre-cut Self Laminating labels for Wire, cable and pipe identification * Each label has a white write on area for easy marking * Special pad allows easy marking * Marker dispenses automatically when the liner is pulled from base of unit * On application, the mark is protected against mechanical influences by an over laminated adhesive lined transparent layer * Temperature Range: -40°C to +120°C

That sounds very similar (obviously I meant laminating and not amalgamating) but the format is much better suited to the one-off uses suggested by the original post than the A4 sheets we use.

In fact I might get some to use at work for the one-offs as the A4 sheets, while good for production runs are a pain for one-offs.

Possibly not useful for the specific application as most such cable is black, but I have recently come across Edding 8404 aerospace markers. Water based ink, fine lines, and largely solvent and rub-proof. Write on many plastics and metals. Amazingly good.

I got mine from Cult Pens (no connection except as a satisfied customer):

Unfortunately, over a long term Sellotape adhesive dries out and the becomes brown. I've got several archival documents that have been runied that way

It also loses adhesion.

I need it to last 2 to 3 years max.