Top 3 Types of Wire and Cable Labels

Top 3 Types of Wire and Cable LabelsThe modern world has witnessed a lot of new technologies that have made processes seamless. Older technologies are being improved upon for wider application and better functionality. The modern world is characterized by fast and seamless processes that improve effectiveness, efficiency and boost performance and results. In setting up a business, a factory, an office network, new building constructions, aviation and aerospace equipment manufacturing, and other industries, wire and cable labels have become the order of the day.

Wire and cable labels help seamlessly identify which wire and cable go to ensure faster identification, connection, and processes. Wire and cable labels help to minimize hazards as well as errors. Workers can easily pull the plug of their desired appliance or machinery without having to go through the long and tedious trial and error method.

Wire and cable labels are, however, in different types depending on the needs of the user. There is heat shrink tubing, wire, cable tags, and self-laminating wraps for faster wire and cable identification. Interested in knowing more about each of these wire and cable labels and why each one may be the right option for your specific needs? Read on.

Top Wire and Cable Label Types

There are three main types of wire and cable labels used by technicians, electricians, and network installers. These include;

Heat Shrink Wire and Cable Labels

These labels can also be called wire labels, core markers, heat shrink tubing, shrink tube labels, or heat shrink sleeves. The heat shrink wire and cable label is easily the commonest option used by technicians and electricians for easy wire and cable identifications. They are especially common among electricians. This wire and cable label is made from printable polyolefin heat shrink tubing. It is perfect for various electrical applications, including electrical panels for vehicles and large power plants. It makes for easy identification of wires and cables, saves time, and reduces the chances of electrical hazards.

For this type of wire and cable labels, the commonest diameter sizes are 3mm (1/8”), 5mm (3/16”), and 8mm (1/4”). However, they are also available in larger sizes of up to 21mm (7/8”). Heat shrink wire and cable labels are commonly used for different wire gauges, including 16-22 AWG, 10-20 AWG, 6-18 AWG, 8-12 AWG, 0-5 AWG, 2-8 AWG, and more. It can be used for wire gauges ranging up to 0000-1 AWG. 

Shrink tube sleeves are available in various color options and color combinations, including green and black, white and black, black and yellow, black and blue, black and red, and more. The shrink ratios are often between 2:1 and 3:1.

Self-Laminating Wire Labels

This type of wire and cable label is great for wires and cables that terminate without a sleeve. Known as “self lams” in the heavy machinery industry, this wire, and cable label is designed to wrap around the wire or cable to provide a clearly labeled protective layer.

The self-lams are made from vinyl label material or clear polyester and often have a small section written or printed on. The installer may either write on the label area or print on it, depending on what works best. Closely similar to this type of label are the rotate and repeat labels. The rotate and repeat labels are designed to wrap around wires and cables. They are available in one color, and relevant information or legends can be printed multiple times, allowing the reader to access the information from any angle.

Wire and Cable Tags

Wire and cable tags are also known as “tie-on cable labels” in some industries. This type of wire and cable labels is perfect for larger cables, wire bundles, conduits, and hoses. They are available in various sizes, including height variations of ¾”, ¼,” and 1/2″ and about 2 ½” – 3” width. This type of label often comes with a thermal transfer label printer that allows for desktop printing of label information and legends. The label printer can either be an Impact AWMS-245 Plus desktop label printer or the TSC TTP-247. The label printers are often white and made from polyethylene materials. Installers often need cable ties or zip ties made from stainless steel or nylons to mount the cables.

Wire and cable labels are overall an affordable and cost-effective alternative in the face of other common options like stainless steel cable tags and limonoids. These two options often require extra expenses in the form of engraving machines to print on them.