In industry, electrical cable labeling is of crucial importance. Clear cable labeling enables specialists to easily identify cables and therefore rectify faults more quickly and carry out maintenance work efficiently. In addition, electrical cable labeling ensures greater safety during operation and is therefore required by law in most cases. Permanent legibility is therefore of crucial importance when marking electrical cables. The marking must also be robust and flexible to use. Here we show you the most common methods for marking electrical cables.
Cable labeling options for electrical installations
There are many different options available for labeling electrical cables. Depending on the installation and requirements on site, different methods are possible. In industry, printable cable markers in particular have proven their worth, as they have a particularly long service life and are extremely robust if the right printing system is selected. Thanks to their flexibility and ease of use, they also save an enormous amount of time during application. The range of printable cable markers includes many different solutions. These differ primarily in terms of installation and material. In the following overview, we present the most tried and tested methods for marking electrical cables.
Heat shrink markers for electrical cables
So-called shrink sleeve markers (or marking sleeves) are ideal for the permanently legible labeling of electrical cables. Whether in control cabinets, on electrical cables in PV systems or in cable assembly: printable shrink sleeves can be used universally and score particularly well in terms of their robustness and resistance to UV rays, high temperatures and chemicals. The markers are usually made of polyolefins, can be used for various cable diameters and can be permanently labeled with the appropriate thermal transfer printer. The tubes are pushed onto the corresponding cables and shrunk to fit the cable precisely by applying heat at certain points. This means that the cable is not only marked, but also protected against mechanical damage. These cable markers are also suitable for conductors or for marking cables with small diameters.
Cable labels for electrical engineering
Another very popular method for marking electrical cables is the use of cable labels, known as wrap-around labels. These labels, which are on a roll, can also be permanently labeled using a thermal transfer printer. In the case of self-laminating cable labels, the label field is specially protected from environmental influences by a protective laminate. One advantage of labeling electrical cables using labels is that they are self-adhesive and can also be used on cables that have already been installed. They are therefore also suitable for the subsequent marking of electrical cables. They are particularly suitable for labeling electrical systems and also comply with the current DIN standards for cable marking in control cabinets. The areas of application for use in electrical engineering are correspondingly broad.
Cable labels for electrical installations
The use of cable labels has also proved very successful for industrial cable marking. Cable labels are attached to the corresponding electrical cables using cable ties. These markers are usually made of high-quality plastic (e.g. polyester, PVC or polyurethane) and can either be labeled manually or printed using a printer. This type of cable marker is available in different colors and is often used in control cabinet construction, but is also regularly used for marking systems, machines, components and electrical devices. One advantage of cable labels is that the labeling field is not directly dependent on the cable diameter. Cable labels are also suitable for labeling cables.
Cable labeling Electrical installation
No matter which option you ultimately choose: When it comes to printing markers, it always comes down to the right printing system. Depending on the materials used and the requirements on site, we at Texit will put together the optimum printing system for you. We always provide you with a customized solution that is precisely tailored to your requirements and wishes. This makes cable marking of electrical installations flexible and easy!
The first step is to work with you to select the right items or cable markers. Which of our products is most suitable for you depends primarily on the situation on site. We select the right product depending on the cable diameter, environmental influences on site and individual or legal standards. In the next step, the choice of printing system depends on this selection: we adapt thermal transfer printers, ribbons and label software to your requirements. This allows you to benefit from maximum flexibility in cable marking in the long term.
If you only need cable marking products for selected projects, we also offer a printing service or the rental of our thermal transfer printers. Simply contact our service department and save yourself a large investment.
About the author
Get to know the author Maik Burri
I know from my own practical experience how important the permanently legible marking of electrical cables is. My training as an electrician and engineering studies for power installations have given me a lot of practical experience in electrical engineering.
This now helps me enormously to understand my customers from precisely these areas and their requirements. I have now been working as a sales engineer for industrial marking for over 30 years. This field is so incredibly diverse, which is particularly appealing to me. Every customer is unique.
Do you need support with electrical cable labeling? We will be happy to advise you!
FAQ Labeling electrical cables
How do you label electrical cables?
How do you label electrical cables?
Electrical cables are labeled in electrical engineering and construction to improve identification and avoid faults. The marking can vary depending on the application and standards. Standards such as VDE, DIN and IEC specify how electrical cables must be labeled depending on the area of application in order to make installation and maintenance safe and efficient. In industry, electrical cables are usually marked with permanently legible shrink sleeve markers, cable labels or cable labels.
Why label cables for electrical installations?
Why label cables for electrical installations?
The labeling or marking of electrical cables and lines is particularly important to prevent confusion during maintenance and repair work. Therefore, the legibility of the cable markings should also be permanent (>10 years). Cable marking includes the marking of cables, cores, conductors and wires as well as the marking of similar electrotechnical components such as sleeves, fabrics, connections and the labeling of systems. There is a wide range of types and designs available: From cable markers to shrink sleeves and labels. At Texit, we have specialized in precisely this diverse field: The professional and DIN standard-compliant labeling of cables in industry.
Why is it important to label electrical cables?
Why is it important to label electrical cables?
Clear labeling of electrical cables enables specialists to easily identify cables, find faults, rectify the problem and carry out maintenance work efficiently. It makes it easier to diagnose faults, replace components and carry out repairs. In addition, correct labeling contributes to safety by reducing the risk of mix-ups or misconnections.
How to label electrical cables?
How to label electrical cables?
Labeling electrical cables is easy with the right methods. The use of cable labels, cable tags, shrink sleeves and push-on cable markers have proven particularly effective for labeling electrical cables. The labeling can be marked flexibly: Either with a printer (laser or thermal transfer printer), manually by hand or with pre-printed labels. With the help of these cable markers, you can label cables in electrical installations so that they are permanently legible and can also be color-coded. Labeling electrical cables is easy with suitable cable labels, cable tags, shrink sleeves or push-on cable markers.
What information should be included on the labels?
What information should be included on the labels?
The information will vary depending on the specific requirements of the industry or project. Typically, however, it should include information such as cable type, function, voltage, amperage, connection points or other relevant data. It is important to provide clear and concise information to avoid confusion and enable efficient maintenance and troubleshooting.
Which marking methods are best suited for permanent labeling of electrical cables?
Which marking methods are best suited for permanent labeling of electrical cables?
Printable cable labels, cable tags and printable shrink sleeves are particularly suitable for permanent labeling of electrical cables. These methods offer high resistance to environmental influences such as moisture, chemicals or mechanical stress. The use of special printing processes or engraving techniques produces durable and legible labels.
What are the advantages of printable cable labels?
What are the advantages of printable cable labels?
Printable cable labels offer flexibility in terms of design and variety of information. They can be printed individually and contain various data such as cable type, function, voltage and other relevant details. These labels are easy to apply and, in the form of self-laminating cable labels, are extremely robust and resistant to environmental influences. Texit labels are also self-adhesive and can be applied even after cable assembly.
Do I have to comply with legal standards when labeling electrical cables in Germany?
Do I have to comply with legal standards when labeling electrical cables in Germany?
Yes, in Germany certain legal standards and regulations must be observed when labeling electrical cables. What these are depends on the specific case and area of application. Important standards for electrical cables include DIN EN 61346, DIN EN 61346 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG). Before you label electrical cables in the business sector, you should find out about the legal regulations.
Why should cables and conductors in electrical engineering be labeled?
Why should cables and conductors in electrical engineering be labeled?
The labeling or marking of electrical cables and lines is particularly important to prevent confusion during maintenance and repair work. Therefore, the legibility of the cable markings should also be permanent (>10 years). Cable marking includes the marking of cables, cores, conductors and wires as well as the marking of similar electrotechnical components such as sleeves, fabrics, connections and the labeling of systems. There is a wide range of types and designs available: From cable markers to shrink sleeves and labels. At Texit, we have specialized in precisely this diverse field: Professional and DIN standard-compliant marking in industry.
