Hook up wire with numberal printed on them.

[wwilson]

I am looking for a supplier that has an off the shelf or can do custom marking to print white "1" "2" or "3" on black wire (16-6AWG.) Has anyone found such a wire?
Thanks, Wayne

 

[mvcjr]

I believe single wires with numbered markings are not available commercially. Simply not feasible to manufacture ten types of identical wires but with different numbers on the insulation.

Maybe you can have them on special order.

God bless!

 

[rbulsara]

Alpha wire company makes such wires...

Visit

http://www.alphawire.com

Look for xtra flex electronic /control wires

 

[jOmega]

W Wilson:

What are you gonna use the wire for ?

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[wwilson]

We would like to identify the phase conductors "1", "2", or "3" in a 3 phase system instead of using color coding. Since the machinery goes to seveal places around the world.
Thanks, wwilson

 

[panelman]

thought about using slip on numbers?

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: The numbered wires / conductors may be circumvented by using wire markers. This reduces wire inventory and waste.

 

[jOmega]

JB:
Suggestion:

Since WWilson works for an OEM machine builder, and it is a repetitive process.... having to put wire markers on wires every time, is a viable solution.

It is also more costly than having pre-numbered wires. (Labor to put the markers on is costly...) also, pre-numbered wires, some will argue that if subjected to a lot of handling.... will experience the printing rubbing off... but the wire markers... over time, will have their adhesive dry out... and will fall off....

From a manufacturing repetitive process view point... pre-numbered wires would seem to be the better choice ..

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion to the previous posting: There are various types of wiremarking. Some wiremarking is automated. I would find it more convenient if there happens to be some additional mark to be added or some special order. Also, there are different wiremarking qualities.

 

[jOmega]

JB,
Perhaps you would share with this forum, your experiences with wire marking; both automated and manaul.

Whose systems have you investigated ? And what were your findings ?

Whose system(s) have you personally used or specified for a project ?

What tests did you conduct to ascertain their ability to stand up to heat, (glue dries out - markers fall off)...
moisture, contaminants, rub-off of ink, rejection of smudging, etc.

What data do you have comparing cost of automated versus manual wire marking systems on a cost/wire basis ?

I think we could all benefit from your research and experience.

j

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[wwilson]

All,
I found a few companies that do custom striping and printing. No off the shelf options. There are two main technologies (from what I could tell.) The first is some sort of steel wheel with the text engraved at regular intervals. I assume this is a fairly low tech. giving the marking at a set interval 2.5"-4" apart as the wire is pulled through the marking machine. The one I'm getting a sample for is a UV printing process that seems to be more versatile, we can specify text and spacing - it sounds like the wheel method requires some tooling work depending on the required text. I am ordering 1000ft today of 16AWG marked with -1- -1- -1- for phase one, if it looks good we will order other gauges and numbers. The contact where we are getting the wire says the print will be a high contrast white print opposite the standard marking on the wire. I have quotes from two companies - one using the UV & one using the wheel process, the price range is 0.04/ft to 0.198/ft respectively for the same UL1015 rated wire with print (price includes wire and printing.) I have my fingers crossed for the first option (0.04/ft.) to look good.
wwilson

 

[jOmega]

WWilson:

Excellent input.

It would seem that your choice will serve your company well.

Good work.

j

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[jbartos]

Suggestion: There are major cable / wire manufacturers that do not deliver any different color beside black. The electrical contractors have to mark those cables / wires to meet electrical codes, specifications, safety, etc. This is very wide spread practice. It may be very educational to visit some larger cable company and check the conductor colors. Wire marking of cables or wires by these cable / wire manufacturers is probably out of the question.