Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa

2017

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
For professional contractors and installers of data communications cabling systems, compliance with
ANSI/TIA 606-B Standards updated back in 2012 has required new levels of precision in cable labelling
often an arduous and time-consuming process for cable installers. Today, however, thanks to smart, cutting-
edge cable labelling tools and technologies, that situation has improved dramatically!

606-B Complianceand a Whole Lot More

The expanded 606-B Standard classifies installations based on scope and complexity, and the published
guidelines provide proper identification and labelling protocols for all infrastructure components, including:
individual and bundled wire and cables, faceplates, patch panels, cabinets, racks, and other electrical and
electronic hardware.

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
The Standard also calls for:

Text and numeric codes on labels to be machine-generated, fully visible and legible, with all cables and
pathways labelled at both ends for ease of tracking and tracing.

Label printing to be smear-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and able to withstand moisture, humidity, UV

light, chemicals and solvents, and extremes of heat and cold.

Labels to meet UL969 specifications for legibility, defacement and adhesion, and offer a design life
equal to or greater than that of the labelled components.

The installation to be tested and fully documented to facilitate system upgrades and simplify
troubleshooting, repairs, and future moves, adds and changes (MACs).

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
The ANSI/TIA 606-B updates were passed to ensure that the label ID and marking system would deliver
the same long service life as the network itself.

Mobile cable labelling tools have advanced tremendously in the five years since the standard was
approved. Thats because industry-leading hardware and software firms have stepped up to provide
affordable, high-volume, industrial label printing solutions that can speed up project workflows while
increasing quality, accuracy and 606-B compliance. Two examples of these newer, technology-driven
products are Brothers PT-E550W and PT-E110.

Following are a few Best Practices, Circa 2017 for sourcing and implementing next-gen cable labelling
solutions that make it faster and easier for contractors and installation work crews to comply with ANSI/TIA
606-B guidelines, no matter the project size and scope.

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
Select a Next-Generation Industrial Labelling Tool.
Look for:
Compact, reliable and versatile handheld thermal labellers incorporating smart technology, intuitive
navigation and broad functionality for ease of use and comfortable operation throughout the work shift.
Built-in Wi-Fi, WLAN, Bluetooth and NFC capabilities, built-in label design templates for 606-B compliant
short- and long-format labels, using advanced Alpha and numeric serializing.
Built-in software apps that turn every workers smartphone or tablet into a powerful print engine, able to
design and print directly from virtually any smart device and operating system, and even download
preformatted labels from networked databases.

Specify Rugged, Industrial-Grade Laminated Labels.

Only tough, long-lasting labels printed and cut from industrial-grade tape cassettes can stand up to the
rigors of installations in which individual and bundled wires and cables are pulled from point-to-point, often
through conduits and raceways in ceilings, floors and other out-of-the-way space.
Selecting UL-approved polyester laminated label tapes ensures long-term integrity, legibility and adhesion by
encapsulating the print between two protective layers which, in turn, resist abrasion, smearing and other
damage from chemicals, moisture, humidity or extreme temperatures.

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
Select a Next-Generation Industrial Labelling Tool.

Look for:

Compact, reliable and versatile handheld thermal labellers incorporating smart technology, intuitive
navigation and broad functionality for ease of use and comfortable operation throughout the work shift.

Built-in Wi-Fi, WLAN, Bluetooth and NFC capabilities, built-in label design templates for 606-B compliant
short- and long-format labels, using advanced Alpha and numeric serializing.

Built-in software apps that turn every workers smartphone or tablet into a powerful print engine, able to
design and print directly from virtually any smart device and operating system, and even download
preformatted labels from networked databases.

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
Specify Rugged, Industrial-Grade Laminated Labels.

Only tough, long-lasting labels printed and cut from industrial-grade tape cassettes can stand up to the
rigors of installations in which individual and bundled wires and cables are pulled from point-to-point,
often through conduits and raceways in ceilings, floors and other out-of-the-way space.

Selecting UL-approved polyester laminated label tapes ensures long-term integrity, legibility and
adhesion by encapsulating the print between two protective layers which, in turn, resist abrasion,
smearing and other damage from chemicals, moisture, humidity or extreme temperatures.

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
Test, Document and Record the Installation.

Contractors should create a detailed, accurate, leave-behind record of the original installation and test
results. One way to save labour by automating this process is Brothers LabelLink app, which uses Fluke
Networks Versiv tester and LinkWare Live to centralize and store documented cable labelling and test
data securely in the cloud.

Documentation should be updated as needed by system administrators to reflect any subsequent

changes. This lowers the cost of ownership and maintenance and provides an accurate blueprint to follow
should the configuration ever need to be re-created due to damage or destruction from fire, flood or
other disaster. It also ensures quality assurance, audit compliance and certification required by
manufacturer and installer warranty terms.

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 Thank You!

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