FEATURE CONNECTORS & CABLES CABLING AND LABELLING
It is a small part of installing or maintaining an electrical wiring system. And yet, if overlooked, it can have expensive, perhaps even fatal consequences. Labelling a cable seems insignificant, but if overlooked it can have expensive, perhaps even fatal consequences. Here, Dymo discusses the importance of clear labelling
T
he importance of clear labelling in the industrial workplace is often
ignored, sometimes with dangerous consequences. The stats speak for themselves. Alarmingly, a Labour Force Survey highlighted that an estimated 621,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury at work in 2015/16. In total, an estimated 4.5 million
working days were lost due to self- reported workplace injuries, on average 7.2 days per case (LFS). Whilst options to resolve these problems are explored, the answer could well lie in the humble label. It could also be an answer to boosting workplace productivity. Mislabelling or not labelling cables can have serious financial implications. Workers may be forced to trace an unidentified wire. In a domestic setting an unlabelled wire can turn a simple five minute job into an entire afternoon. In a industrial setting, this can mean days. Time is money and all the hours wasted on unlabelled wires is time not spent on other paying jobs. If this was to happen on site where delays can attract large penalty fines, the cost implication could be thousands of pounds.
WHY LABELS? The role labelling plays is vital to creating a safe and effective environment. Put simply, labels can be used to raise the profile of workplace hazards, such as electrical components, thereby reducing
the risk of injury. But they also help to protect workers against potential hazards that occur out of nowhere. Where there is a culture of safe working, people will be alert to dangers around the workplace and will respond in an appropriate manner. Whether this means alerting someone to an issue or resolving it themselves. This culture can be created and communicated through clear and effective safety signage. You can also use signs and labels to
communicate ongoing health and safety reminders and changes. If staff feel informed, educated and in the loop about health and safety, this will help to further generate a shared health and safety culture. Labels are also useful for adapting
behaviour within the workplace. If employees are encouraged to adopt a ‘see it, sort it’ attitude, this will help employees to take note of the safety issues in the workplace and abide by the regulations that help prevent cases of injury.
EFFECTIVE LABELLING SOLUTIONS It is a good idea to invest in the right tools for effective labelling solutions. Durable, resistant and long-lasting labels will be a smarter option than something more temporary, which requires a level of re-labelling. Take time to understand the options available on the market and select the best tools that suit your needs.
Labelling plays a vital role in creating a safe and effective cabling system
New products such as the Dymo XTL
handheld labelling machine come with ready-made and user-created templates that help safety managers ensure workplace labels meet required health and safety standards at all times. The product also connects to a laptop or computer for a quick and easy update, so if new regulations are introduced, you will be prepared. Labels are a small part of installing or
maintaining an electrical wiring system, but the role labelling plays is vital to creating a safe and effective system. Electrical professionals must ensure they are familiar with the regulatory landscape and that they have the tools they need to do the job.
Dymo
www.dymo.com/en-GB
MICRO COAXIAL CABLE FOR MEDICAL AND IMAGING DEVICES
Alpha Wire has introduced a new micro coaxial cable so fine and light it can pass through the eye of a needle, making it ideal for a wide range of applications where space is at a premium. Micro Coax is especially suitable for in-the-box medical devices such as medical probes, endoscopy systems and oximetry systems. Alpha Wire’s micro coax cable is now available from Aerco, the distributor of electrical and electronic components servicing hi-rel markets. Alpha Wire Micro Coax Cable is available in a full range of standard sizes from 50 AWG to 32 AWG and features stranded conductors
made from high strength silver-plated or silver copper alloys for increased flexibility. To cope with demanding environments, the
micro coaxial cable is insulated with a white PFA dielectric jacket, which provides excellent signal integrity, low capacitance and consistent controlled impedance (50Ω characteristic impedance). Shielding is silver- plated or tinned copper alloy spiral braid with a minimum of 90 per cent shield coverage for excellent EMI protection. The micro coaxial cable has a voltage rating of 30Vrms. Alpha Wire Micro Coaxial Cable is available
now from Aerco in 100m spools. Samples are also available from the company.
Aerco
www.aerco.co.uk
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SEPTEMBER 2017 | INSTRUMENTATION
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