Cable Labeling Best Practices, Circa 2017

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Cable Labelling Best Practices, Circa 2017
www.flukenetworks.com 2006-2017 Fluke
Corporation
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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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