Cable marking is used to identify individual cables and cable bundles. In industry, cable marking is required by law and, depending on the sector, is specified in the relevant DIN standards. As a rule, these markings must be permanently legible, which can be a real challenge in industry. This is because machines and systems in the manufacturing industry are often exposed to extreme loads (strongly fluctuating temperatures, chemical solutions, mechanical stress, salt and rain water, cleaning agents and much more).
At Texit, we have made it our mission to create the right labeling solutions for precisely these difficult conditions. With just one cable marking system, cables, wires and cores can be permanently and legibly marked in no time at all.
4 ways to permanently mark cables
Cable marking in industry is a very complex and often individual field. Our Texit cable marking system is precisely adapted to this challenge and can be customized for almost any marking problem. Below we show you the 4 options that have proved most successful for cable marking with our customers:
Mark cables: Labels
Cable labels are ideal for marking cables. They are made of high-quality plastic and, depending on the item, can be printed with a thermal transfer printer or laser printer or labeled manually. These cable markers can also be applied to cables that have already been installed and are a quick and cost-effective solution for cable markings.
Some labels also have a protective laminate that protects the labeling. The disadvantage of cable labels is that the space for the marking depends on the cable diameter.
Mark cables: Heat shrink tubing
Cable marking with shrink sleeves is a very common method of cable marking in industry. This requires special shrink sleeve markers that can be printed with a thermal transfer printer. As a manufacturer of shrink sleeve markers, you benefit from Texit's top product quality and manufacturing expertise.
Shrink sleeves are particularly suitable for cable marking when the cables are exposed to high loads. However, bear in mind that shrink sleeve markers can only be applied before the cables are installed.
Mark cables: Cable ties
Marking cables with the help of cable labels and cable ties is also one of the most frequently used options for cable labeling. Cable labels for permanent cable marking are made of plastic (or stainless steel for extreme requirements) and are available in different sizes.
Depending on the product, the labels can be printed using a thermal transfer printer or labeled by hand. They are then attached to the cables using cable ties. This method therefore also makes it possible to mark cables and lines that have already been installed. In addition, the writing field is not necessarily limited by the cable diameter.
Cable markers for cores and wires
You need particularly small cable markers to mark individual cores and wires. This type of cable labeling is usually done using cable markers that can be slid or threaded on. These markers have a small diameter and are often used in control cabinets, for example.
Cable clips are another item in this area. These can also be clipped onto thin cables and wires. Most wire labeling products can still be used after installation. They are easy to use and can be used to mark cables.
Mark cables in color
In many areas of industry, not only the type of cable assembly but also certain colored cable markings are prescribed. The use of colored markings prevents cable mix-ups and thus contributes to safety during maintenance work. The most common colors for cable marking in the industrial sector are white and yellow, and silver is also frequently used for cable marking. Labels are also frequently used in blue, red or yellow or with protective film in transparent.
Thanks to the colors, technicians in electrical engineering can find connections faster and have a quicker overview of the entire installation (increases visibility and overview in the system).
As a manufacturer of cable markers, we can also supply you with different colored cable markers, depending on your requirements. You can specify the desired color for all our articles, even if we do not carry them in our standard product range. Our experts will be happy to provide you with a quote for colored cable markers. These are then manufactured especially for you in our production facility. Color plays a particularly important role in single wire identification or in switch cabinet construction. You can find more information about our custom-made products on our service page.
You can select suitable products from the various categories in our online store using a variety of filters (material (polyester, PVC, vinyl, film, fabric or clips), properties, brand, self-labeling or printed markers) and add them to your shopping cart.
Label cables Advice and contact
As the topic of cable marking is very individual and a suitable printing system must be put together according to requirements, we will be happy to advise you individually and free of charge. Our trained experts in the field of cable labeling have a lot of experience and will help you with your problem and put together a suitable selection of cable labels and cable markers including label printers. Not only existing partners benefit from our service, but also you as an interested party. You can test samples of almost all products from our range at your premises free of charge and without obligation. Convince yourself of the Texit quality of cable marking.
Our team of experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have and arrange appointments at your premises. Get in touch with us quickly and easily (by e-mail, phone or via our contact form) - we make your labeling easy!
About the author
Get to know the author Steffen Rother:
I have been fascinated by electronics from an early age. I gained practical experience as a radio and television technician as a teenager and then came into contact with mechanical engineering for the first time while studying industrial engineering.
I am fascinated by the complexity and diversity in the industry. At Texit, we therefore not only pay attention to the final requirements of our customers, such as permanent legibility, but also to the assembly effort, because time is money. This is just as important for our large customers as it is for our small ones.
Still have questions about cable marking? Simply get in touch with us!
Frequently asked questions
FAQ Mark cable
How can you mark cables?
How can you mark cables?
There are many ways to mark cables. In the industry, these 4 options for cable marking have become particularly popular:
1. shrink tubing (sleeves)
A printable shrink sleeve that is pushed over the cable and shrunk by heat so that it fits tightly.
2. cable labels
Small signs made of plastic, metal or aluminum, which are labeled and attached to the cable with cable ties.
3. cable labels or flags
Self-adhesive labels that are stuck directly onto the cable and have an integrated laminate film (transparent) that is wrapped around the label for protection.
4. wire identification
Clips, colored rings or push-on markers that identify individual wires.
In industry, cable markings usually have to withstand very high loads and still be legible years later. The methods mentioned above have proven to be the most suitable for these high requirements.
How do you organize cables?
How do you organize cables?
Cables can be easily organized by bundling individual cables. Organizing by bundling is particularly quick and easy with cable ties. Tip: Be careful not to pull the cable ties too tightly so as not to damage the cables.
Alternatively, insulating tape or Velcro strips can also be used for bundling. If you want to attach cables to the wall, cable clamps are particularly suitable. And if you want to hide cables visually, cable boxes are the best option.
Mark cables: Print it yourself or buy it printed?
Mark cables: Print it yourself or buy it printed?
Whether you want to print your cable markers yourself on site or purchase them already printed from us depends largely on your requirements. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
When purchasing a printing system, you benefit from maximum flexibility and efficiency when marking cables. On the other hand, you have to make an investment for the purchase, which is not necessary for cable markings that have already been printed. However, bear in mind that Texit printing systems are very versatile and can also be used for printing machine signs and rating plates, for example.
How can I color-code cables that have already been installed?
How can I color-code cables that have already been installed?
For cables that have already been installed, it is important that the cable markers do not have to be pushed onto or threaded onto the cables and wires. This limits the choice of cable labeling somewhat. However, there are still many products that are suitable for this type of labeling.
Particularly noteworthy here are cable labels that are mounted with cable ties or cable labels that are stuck directly onto the cable. For small cable diameters, cable clips are particularly suitable for labeling cables that have already been installed. As an assembly aid, these are supplied already printed on an assembly rod and can simply be clipped onto the wires.
How can I mark cables outdoors?
How can I mark cables outdoors?
Outdoor cables are exposed to particular environmental influences. These include, above all, moisture, rain, UV radiation, abrasion and, depending on the location, salt water. To mark these cables, you therefore need markings that are highly resistant in these areas.
At Texit, we have many products that are suitable for this marking. You can find more product information on the relevant product pages, and you can ask us for prices per item at any time.
