Cable marking

[PM]

Hi all,

I need to put stickers on several mains cables (IEC leads for PC equipment). The stickers wrap round the cables with a small overlap. However the adhesive is not strong enough and after a couple of weeks, or less if the cable is moved around a lot, they start to peel off.

Opinions please on the best way of making these more permanent. My first idea is clear parcel tape over the sticker - will this work? Any better ideas?

[Dave Plowman (News)]

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.

[tinnews]

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! :-)

[PM]

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!

[Jules]

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

[Andy Burns]

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

[whisky-dave]

the label on the ties, or perhaps spraying a clear lacquer or plastic coat type aerosol spray or a clear varnish might work.

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

have other types basically a label covered by clear tape. We use them to identify our mains leads as tested/inspected.

[Frank Erskine]

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.

[Harry Stottle]

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

[Calvin Sambrook]

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.

[george (dicegeorge)]

ELECTRONICS / RAYCHEM - WCD-762 - LOADED DISPENSER COLOURS Unit Price: £9.76 (£11.22)

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

[g]

[Calvin Sambrook]

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.

[Rod]

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):

[John Weston]

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

[Dave Plowman (News)]

It also loses adhesion.

[PM]

I need it to last 2 to 3 years max.