Cable Labelling 101: A Beginner's Guide

Here Today, gone tomorrow - Network structure is never static and is always changing to keep up with new technology and increased bandwidth requirements. Cables placed today will be replaced tomorrow.
An Investment worth making - While labeling is only one part of a successful structured cabling or data center installation,it plays an important role in ensuring maximum uptime and audit compliance for your customers.

Proper cable Labelling Guidelines.

As today's data centers are full of cables, the cable labelling work turns to be more difficult.
Labelling network cables is not difficult but it needs time and patience.Many people seem to ignore this job and don't know which criteria when labelling.

When installing cables,prepare a schedule about what kind of cable needed and where the cable to be installed.
When Designing the schedule, note that each cable has an ID. Cable ID can be numbers,letters or any combination as long you understand it.Cable ID are assigned during cable schedule design.

Cable Identification Tips

1. When Commissioning cables,don't write all things since you can't make of them display on such a small label. Good panel layout wire ID, and cable ID usually allow to put minimal information on individual wires.Take some abbreviations and numbers such as "C" for "Cable".Division of departments,and wings on the floor can take alphabets such as "A" or "B".Thus utilizing abbreviations wiselyand considering future expansion.

2. Make sure the naming and numbering system follow a logical hierarchy thus using consistent format.

3. Ensure your naming and numbering system and your system drawings reflect the same information. Don’t mix abbreviations, numbers, or other identification standards.

4. Don’t use hand-written labels. You should better use printed identification because it’s neat, easy to read, and time-efficient. Use the simplest font type.

5. label the cables before pulling, Except testing, cable labeling is the most important step in prewire cable installation. it’s also easy for other workers to find the right bundle during termination and fix cables on the patch panel. When all the cables are cut to the proper length for installation and termination, use permanent labels.

6. Dont apply longitudinally even for self-laminating since bending the cable can break the label.
   

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

(TIA) removes guesswork from label creation and also add value to operations during installations.

Brief History of the TIA labeling standard.

• In 2002 (TIA) set the first voluntary TIA606-A standard. Establishing a minimum level of information that should be included on cable labels, defining a labelling standard that maps a cable precisely to the floor, telecom room and patch panel postion or block position on which it's terminated.
• In 2012 TIA updated to TIA-606-B which t covered more facility classes of every size and type, from small office buildings to large commercial enterprises, corporate campuses and data centers,
• and added more granularity to identification locations within each of these facilities.
• In July 2017 the standard was updated to TIA-606-C

Why follow TIA -606-c

1. Makes your job easier - Following the standard takes the guesswork out of creating labels in the office or on the fly.
2. Improves your efficiency – Reduce time spent creating labels to streamline your entire installation and labeling process.
3. Ensures compliance with warranties-Cable Warranties are dependent upon successful labeling and documentation being turned in directly to the cable manufacturer as proof of system installation.The mark of professionalism-Clear, durable labeling according to TIA-606-C standards is a sure sign of your experience and expertise.
4. Properly labelled systems benefit installers and contractors,IT technicians and IT support, remote help desk troubleshooters.

Importance of proper cable labelling.

1. Keeping up with best practices can benefit the company with increased efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction which u can take pride in.
2. Increases customer satisfaction – Clients appreciate that their projects, whether large or small, are installed in full compliance with all applicable standards. From the building owner's perspective, a non-labeled plant becomes a liability because they can’t get competent maintenance work done cost-effectively.
3. Faster troubleshooting –It also reduces the time and cost associated with identifying and tracing a cable when problems occur or when a move, add or change is required.
4. Asset Management: Cable labeling facilitates effective asset management by providing a clear inventory of cables and their connections. This information is invaluable for tracking assets, conducting audits, and optimizing resource allocation.

How To Make It Easier To follow TIA-606-C.

1.Invest in the right handheld printer- The portable printer should have the following,

• Wireless+Bluetooth connectivity-setting up ur printer from any location.
• 300 DPI high-resolution printing- When you’reprinting 11-12 characters per line on a 2”label, you need high-resolution printing to make it legible. Look for a high DPI that will print labels with clear text, UPC codes, industry symbols and graphics.
• USB port-Import structured text data sets (such as .CSV files), lists and graphics from your laptop or tablet, which also reduces keying mistakes.
• Built-in sequencers,barcoding capabilities(print bar codes and enable RFID tracking of assests and materials) and Cooperation with benchtop printers.

2.Invest in the right labels.
The largest expense in cable labeling is the labels themselves.
look for the following in labels,

• Durability- labels which are tear resistant,scratch resistant and retain their stickness in hot and cold temperatures.
• The right stock
• Easy to read.
• Bulk ordering(choose a vendor that allows you to order in bulk to save time and money.

3.Color coding-Using color-coded labels gives visual clues as to what the cables are used for and how they’re connected to the panel or grid. Colored labels are versatile, and they’re easier to
install or change than a wire jacket.

4.Invest in the right software -Label management software is an essential tool to track and manage the hundreds and even thousands of labels you print for the cables and wires on a network.
Things to look for in printer software:

• Import /Export,label selection,Text and legends,Built-in-app-specific sequencers,Mirror print.

Cable Label installation.

Final steps to install cable labels.

Step 1. Before applying cable labels, ensure that your hands and the cables are clean to promote proper adhesion and readability of the labels.

Step 2: Hold the top part of the labels firmly between your thumb and index finger, ensuring that there is enough label material to wrap around the cables.

Step 3: Press the cable labels down firmly with your thumb to ensure proper adhesion to the cable surface.

TIPThe label should be stuck within 4-5” of the connector, so network troubleshooters and technicians, can find it without having to pull the cable.

*Note *- The cable on the end -user should labelled exactly as the same on the faceplate.