Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1347119
16 I ICT TODAY ELECTRICAL LABELING AND CABLING ESSENTIALS There are four essential requirements for the effective use of labeling: • Use standards-based labeling • Use the right equipment to generate labels • Select the right label materials for the job • Maintain up-to-date records Standards-Based Labeling The primary purpose of using labels as part of a cable management system is to identify the precise location of both ends without having to physically trace the cable. This simplifies troubleshooting and saves time. It is more economical too, since it is easier and faster to update when it is known where both ends can be found. How- ever, it was never easy to fit all the relevant and unique details onto dozens or hundreds of cables in a way that designers and installers would find useful. Consider the sound, standards-based, network infra- structure labeling and cable management scheme. A clear and well-identified physical infrastructure is going to be easier to install, maintain, and repair. Labeling helps future-proofed systems by simplifying troubleshooting, thereby reducing human error. Structured labeling can provide owners with added security and FIGURE 3: ANSI/TIA cable labeling on both ends. supports compliance. In addition, a professional cable management system can provide greater quality and warranty assurance for the installation, protecting the end user and enhancing the reputation of the contractor and installer. The voluntary ANSI/TIA-606-B structured cabling standard recommends that termination points are identified via a straightforward code that is machine printed and visible on labels. Cables and pathways should be labeled at both ends for ease of tracing from either direction. This consistent approach demonstrates industry best practices. ANSI/TIA-606-C adds additional labeling schemes for identifying cable bundles as well as grounding and bonding system elements. Figure 2 shows an example of a structured port label. ANSI/TIA labeling guidelines would print this followed by the port identification for the other end of the cable. The code would reverse for printing on the other end of the cable, always displaying the port identification closest to the connection first, followed by the location of the other end (Figure 3). With small print and occasionally lengthy labels, it is easy to see why machine-printed labels are needed. For more information about standards and best practices for labeling, refer to BICSI's Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 14th edition. Structured Label Breakdown and Description Building 19 Floor 8 Rack 3 Panel 2 Port 5 Server Room A FIGURE 2: Example of structured label coding.