Cable Labels

The Most Efficient & Simplest Cable Labelling System In the World

• uploaded by Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager - Thorne & Derrick International)

Silver Fox Fox-In-A-Box®

Silver Fox are the leading UK manufacturer of cable labels and also the world’s most advanced labelling system for wires and cables, their Fox-In-A-Box. 

Thorne & Derrick are Main Distributors for Silver Fox and can provide expert technical recommendations, installer training and competitive product supply from stock for cable labels to suit LV MV HV power, telecom, data, signal, network and fibre optic cables.

Labelling Features & Benefits

High specification and rigorously tested labels for cables with high resistance to salt mist spray, heat, flame, chemicals, gases (H2S) and UV for onshore and offshore environments – with fire safety testing and certification to BS 6853 for Toxic Fume and Smoke Density Emission to suit LSZH cable labelling applications.

Quality Tested

• LSZH Zero Halogen Smoke, Toxic Fumes & Oxygen Index Tested
• Network Rail Approved
• London Underground Approved
• Low Temperature -40°C 1000 Hours
• High Temperature 70°C 1000 Hours
• Chemical | Solvent Resistance Test
• H2S Sour Gas Exposure
• UV Weathering ISO4982 Part 3 Method A Cycle 1

Image: ABB. Silver Fox cable labels are used throughout the utility and power generation markets to provide permanent and legible cable labelling of LV HV power, control and service cables in switchgear, control panels and substations.

Included in the Fox-in-a-Box® Basic kit:

• Labacus® Innovator Basic Label Software
• DTP-1/300 Thermal Printer- Plug’N’Play
• Thermal Printer Ribbon
• Printer Leads

This is ideal for users who just want to cut and paste information then print the cable labels. Should they want to do more then there is a seamless upgrade path from the Basic to the Advanced or Professional levels ready to go.

This means that the initial investment is not wasted, the upgrade price is the current incremental cost between the levels, plus a small administration fee.

To make it easier, all levels of software have internal videos. From these, the user can learn how to run the software in just 5 minutes by watching the video.

No internet access is needed!

All Silver Fox Thermal Labels are printed using One Software, One Printer and One Ribbon

3 Options

The Fox-In-A-Box® cable label system is available in three levels which offer increased software functionality for the DTP1/300 thermal printer – Basic, Advanced and Professional.

The Basic Fox-In-A-Box® allows users to create their own thermal cable labels, whilst the Advanced package adds the ability to accept or merge one or more columns in CSV files and to split the wire or cable label into more than one line.

It also allows the user to override the auto-font sizing and manually set this as required and to print from 2 rolls at the same time halving the label printing time and the print ribbon capacity.

The Professional model adds further functionality allowing the user to view and select individual or groups of cells for importing, duplicate cable ID’s, amend the number of labels required for each cable ID or produce cross ferruling ID and even print both ends of a wire at the same time.

Additionally, the Professional Fox-In-A-Box® can print bar codes and QR codes and import graphics for use such as printing warning signs on cable labels.

 ➡ Basic

Entry Level starter pack with Labacus® Innovator Basic software to print all of the thermal range of Silver Fox cable labels, the software also includes templates for all our laser range

• Cut and paste from spreadsheets straight into the software
• Automated USB port identification
• Seamlessly change between cable label types

 ➡ Advanced

Mid-range cable labelling pack includes Labacus® Innovator Advanced Software.

All functionality of the Basic plus:

• From CSV Spreadsheet – Import single columns/merge multiple columns
• Multiple line labels
• Choose your own font size
• Print 2 rolls of heat-shrink/non-shrink at same time

 ➡ Professional

Top end solution cable labelling system includes Labacus® Innovator Professional Software.

All functionality of the Advanced plus:

• Full spreadsheet view/import
• Select specific cells
• Produce cross ferrules
• Variable quantity duplication for each cable ID
• Bar Codes and QR Codes
• Import graphics and logos onto labels for asset management

➡ Overview of Silver Fox Cable Labelling Products 

• Tie-on LS0H Cable Labels
• Tie-on Cable Labels (PVC) 
• Premium Heatshrink Cable Labels (Polyolefin)
• Tie-on Cable Labels (Durable Polyester)
• Low Smoke Zero Halogen Heatshrink Cable Labels (Polyolefin)
• Non-Shrink Cable Labels (PVC Tubing)
• 2 Part Cable Labels (Flexible Polyester)
• Wrap Around Cable Labels (Self Laminating Polyethylene)

T&D are proud to support UK manufacturing and develop new business opportunities in the power, rail, renewable, oil and gas and industrial market sectors.

“Everybody at Silver Fox are looking forward to working even closer with the Sales Team at Thorne and Derrick to build further on our already successful working partnership.”

“Since 1985 Thorne and Derrick have been a proactive, hard-working and well-respected distributor of LV MV HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt, who are committed to professional customer support. We are proud to include them as part of our distribution network,” comments Tammy Page, Marketing Manager (Silver Fox).

Silver Fox are leaders in UK manufacturing of cable labelling solutions, delivering innovative, durable and efficient systems for Data & Telecoms, Electrical, Transportation and Energy industries worldwide.

 ➡ Further Reading

• The Case for Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable Labels & Public Safety
• How to Label Cables Safely In Zone 1 & Zone 2 Hazardous Areas
• Rail Cable Labels with Network Rail & London Underground (LUL) Approval

LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

The Case for Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable Labels & Public Safety

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable Labels

Today’s world of modern, intelligent and complex buildings demands the highest safety performance from their electrical cables and cable accessories including cable labels.

Traditional BS5467 cable (LV power cable) is constructed with PVC sheathing – in a fire PVC cables release toxic smoke and gasses posing safety threats to people and plant.

To enhance public safety a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) power cable was developed for installation in highly populated enclosed public areas.

This low voltage power cable is a LSZH version of the established BS5467.

The cable was given a specific British Standard category – BS6724.

Installing BS6724 Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) power cable is an investment in public safety – therefore why compromise that safety by then installing sub-standard cable accessories, such as cable labels?

BS6724 power cable is extensively specified for low voltage power distribution to electrical construction and building projects in the UK – especially in public areas where fire, smoke emissions and toxic fumes could potentially threaten both lives and equipment.

Typical BS6724 cable applications include hospitals, museums, retail, offices, airports, rail stations, sports stadium, tunnels, shopping centres and commercial developments.

Silver Fox & The Rail Industry

Network Rail & LUL Approved

T&D are Main Distributors for Silver Fox, the UK leading manufacturer of Wire & Cable Labeling Systems for the identification of Electrical, Instrumentation, Security, Data & Telecoms cables in the rail industry.

When exposed to fire, BS6724 Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable sheathing emits very low levels of smoke and non-toxic levels of halogen gas (typically under 0.5% HCl emission).

Silver Fox “Fox-Flo®” cable labels are safe and provide protection against all aspects of fire hazard including smoke and gas emissions, flame spread and heat release.

Network Rail & LUL Approved

Why Use Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable lABELS?

Safe, risk free cables should not be compromised by sub-standard cable accessories, such as cable labels, which could emit life-threatening levels of toxic smoke and gasses in the event of a fire. In fire situations, PVC based cables and cable markers can be a vehicle for flame propagation whilst also generating smoke, corrosive and toxic fumes.

Effectively fuelling the fire.

Where contractors are installing low smoke, zero halogen and flame-retardant power cables for low voltage distribution indoors, outdoors, buried or in air, careful attention should be made to specifying equal-specification cable accessories to preserve LSZH circuit integrity.

Tie-on LS0H Cable Labels (Heat Shrink) – Silver Fox Fox-Flo®

For instance The Silver Fox “Fox-Flo®” cable labels are the perfect cable marking system for Prysmian Afumex Low Smoke Zero Halogen cables. Prysmian Afumex, is the market leading Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable.

Afumex

Other LSZH Cable Applications for Silver Fox Cable Labels : 6491B Single Core Conduit Cables, 6242B Twin Flat Wiring Cables, Screened Wiring Cables and LSZH building cables for power, lighting and sub mains distribution.

Silver Fox Cable Labels

Relationship with Fire

• Low Smoke Emission – traditional PVC and plastic cable markers release thick black smoke which obscures escape routes and causes asphyxiation, reducing the public’s ability to respond in an emergency which can result in mass panic.
• Low Corrosive Gas Emission – although often invisible, when burnt, PVC emits acidic gas which causes corrosion and failure of electronic equipment. Toxic gasses incapacitate the public trying to escape the burning building.
• Reduced Flame Propagation – when exposed to flame cables and labels should self-extinguish when the flame source is removed.

Silver Fox Fox-Flo Zero Halogen Tie-on Cable Labels – Flame Test

LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV 

How to Label Cables Safely In Zone 1 & Zone 2 Hazardous Areas

• uploaded by Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager - Thorne & Derrick International)

A Guest Blog from Michelle Michaelson (Silver Fox Limited Operations Director).

Cable Labels

Electrical, Instrumentation, Security, Data & Telecoms

Silver Fox are market leading manufacturers of Cable Labels and solutions worldwide.

Thorne & Derrick are Main Distributors for Silver Fox, the UK leading manufacturer of Wire & Cable Labelling Systems for the identification of LV MV HV in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas and potentially explosive atmospheres.

Cables and wires must be contained and correctly labelled – safely.

Whether onshore or offshore, the oil and gas industry is exposed to the severe challenges of maintaining safe working practices in potentially explosive atmospheres or hazardous areas.

Basically, the classification of a hazardous area into Zone 1 or Zone 2 is determined by the time period a flammable atmosphere is likely to be present under international Directives, such as ATEX. See hazardous area zones for further guidance and technical information.

Silver Fox cable and wire making label systems are “cold-applied” (with the exception of heat shrink labels) and are therefore compatible for use within hazardous area locations posing no ignition source threat to the “Fire Triangle.”

Taking the Heat out of Hazardous Areas

Unlike traditional heat shrink wire and cable marking systems, Silver Fox can provide cold-installed cable labelling/ferruling for use in hazardous areas where working conditions preclude the application of naked flames or “hot-working”.

Advanced specification and performance wire marking and ferruling systems from Silver Fox provide safe and cost-efficient labelling of cables and wires located in hazardous areas and potentially explosive atmospheres

When it comes to labelling wires and cables in hazardous areas Silver Fox have found the answer with 2 safe solutions.  

Labels for Cables

One of the most straightforward and easiest is the computer-generated Silver Fox Legend™ 2-Part cable labelling system.

Comprising of a clear plastic tube with two 2 recesses; one for the wire and one for the label. The recess for the cable label remains the same size while the size of the recess for the wire changes for different wire diameters.

Each sizing has tolerance for a range of different cable or wire diameters. Diameters from 2mm to 5mm are accommodated with just 3 different sizes covering diameters from 1.5 mm to 5mm.

Labels and tubing are available in 3 different lengths; uniquely there is a 50mm that can accommodate even the longest ID’s 25 to 30 characters and in some circumstances more.

The second solution is Legend™ Non-Shrink Tubing.

Durable PVC tubing that can be printed through the Silver Fox DTP1/300 thermal printer.

An alternative to heat shrink at 20% of the cost.

When fitted, the special oval design tube, stays exactly where it is placed.

Additionally, up against individual ferrules at approximately 30% of the cost, it represents a very powerful solution. Plus, there is no need to stock 0-9, A-Z as printing onto blank tubing means all characters are available.

A recent trial printed 25,000 25mm labels in 4 hours, that’s 100/minute.

BLOG ➡

Fox-in-a-Box® – The Most Efficient Cable Label Printer & System on The Market

Silver Fox Legend™ 2-Part Cable Labels

Benefits 

• No hot gun permit is required – ideal for using in hazardous areas
• The idents are protected in the clear plastic tube mounting
• The special shape of mounting tube, maximises grip
• The idents can be turned in any direction for easy reading
• The idents can be changed after application without cutting the wire. This is particularly useful as a project progresses as idents can be easily changed and the wire does not need to be cut or re-terminated or the circuit re-tested

Available in 2 formats:

• Cable labels pre-cut in A4 sheets for use through an ordinary laser printer – no need for special equipment or
• Cable labels in a roll for printing through thermal Plug’N’Play thermal printer supplied as part of Fox-in-a-Box® starter kit

Are Silver Fox Cable Labels Easy to Install & Remove?

Yes, Silver Fox have a special flexible design so the installer can pull the label into a clear tube mounting. Silver Fox have developed this because rigid options can suffer from over tightness which in turn results in difficulties inserting/removing the label block from the clear tube. By using flexible plastics, Silver Fox addresses these issues, while still offering a fully durable wire and cable labelling solution.

➡ Silver Fox Tip – Leave the tail of the cable label on to the end of the project – this makes the cable label even easier to remove.

Further reading

• Rail Cable Labels with Network Rail & London Underground (LUL) Approval

Making Hazardous Area’s Safe

How We Can Help?

Thorne & Derrick, Specialist UK Distributors of LV MV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt provide expert technical specification, customer support and product supply from stock of an extensive range of Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment including:

♦ Lighting – T&D can provide lighting designs to ensure lux levels are achieved in line with regulations, fittings are located correctly and meet certification requirements – we provide a comprehensive hazardous area lighting system design service.

♦ Heating – T&D can provide room heat loss calculations to ensure the correct heaters are specified and meet certification requirements.

Using heat tracing cables we can also provide competitive prices from stock for trace heating systems used to provide frost protection or process temperature maintenance to mechanical pipework services in substations.

• Raytec | ATEX Lighting (LED & Emergency Fittings)
• ATX Appleton | Lighting (LED & Emergency Fittings ) Flameproof Plugs & Sockets
• Abtech | Junction Boxes & Enclosures (EX Certified)
• Craig & Derricott | Isolators (Switch Disconnectors)
• EXHEAT | Space Heaters & Anti-Condensation Heaters
• Marechal | Plug & Sockets (EX Certified)
• Crowcon | Gas Detectors (Hydrogen & Oxygen)
• Technor | Enclosures & Control Equipment (EX Certified & Flameproof)
• Roxtec | Cable Transits & Sealing Systems
• CMP | Flameproof & Hazardous Area Cable Glands
• Safety Showers & Eyewash Stations
• Spill Bunds & Containment
• ATEX Fans
• Joints & Terminations | 3M Electrical, PFISTERER CONNEX, Nexans Euromold, Prysmian

Hazardous Area Substation Lighting ATEX Certified | Raytec

Blogs

• Jointing Cables In Hazardous Areas According To The ATEX Directive
• Sealing Cable Ducts In Hazardous Areas According To ATEX Directive
• The Temporary Hazardous Area Floodlight – Wolf LinkEx WF-300 XL LED Floodlite
• Confined Spaces – Powering, Lighting & Heating Explosive Atmospheres

ATEX Certified Products | Customer Service | Stocks | Competitive Prices

Rail Cable Labels with Network Rail & London Underground (LUL) Approval

Cable Labels

• uploaded by Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager - Thorne & Derrick International)

Rail Cable Labels

T&D are Main Distributors for Silver Fox, the UK leading manufacturer of Wire & Cable Labelling Systems for the identification of LV MV HV Electrical, Instrumentation, Security, Data & Telecoms cables in the rail industry.

Key to the specification selection process for rail cable labels is the ability to demonstrate low smoke zero halogen performance in the event of a fire.

LU-1-085 Compliant Cable Labels

for London Underground

LU 1-085 is the current approval document which details the requirements of fire safety materials to be used on London Underground and Transport for London (TfL).

LU 1-085 includes rigorous fire and safety tests to ensure only the safest materials are installed onto a rail network that transported over 1 billion passengers in 2012.

Compliance of any cable or cable accessory with LU 1-085 is a hallmark of advanced technical specification and product performance.

The stringent performance testing of Silver Fox cable labels has ensured successful installation in high voltage electrical substations where long-term and durable cable labelling is essential on mission-critical power circuits at 11kV and 33kV voltages.

Silver Fox-Flo Tie-on LS0H Cable Labels

A range of products have been approved by both Network Rail and London Underground (LUL) including the Silver Fox-Flo Tie-on LS0H Cable Labels and the Silver Fox Legend Low Smoke Zero Halogen Heatshrink Cable Labels which are available in a continuous roll or ladder format.

Silver Fox-Flo Tie-on LS0H Cable Labels, Legend Ladder Heatshrink & Heatshrink Roll in Box

Test, Test & Test Some More

Silver Fox cable labels go through rigorous independent testing to ensure their safety and reliability. These tests include:

• MIL – STD – 202G Method 106G – Moisture Resistance
• MIL – STD – 810F Method 502.4 – Low Temperature -25°C
• MIL – STD – 810F Method 502.4 – Low Temperature -40°C
• IEC60068 – 2 – 52 Test kb Salt Mist (Cyclic)
• H2S Exposure (Sour Ageing)

The Silver Fox Fox-Flo® Tie-On cable labels have also undergone specific testing for:

• UL 94 Section 8 ‘Vertical Burning Test’ Rating V0
• UV Weathering 8000 hours ISO 4982 Part 3 Method A Cycle 1
• IMO FTPC Part 2 – Smoke and Toxicity
• IMO FTPC Part 5 – Surface Spread of Flames

All this testing is part of Silver Fox’s continuing resolve to ensure their customers profit from effective and innovative cable labelling products, enabling them to use time productively, whilst also benefiting from high quality and durable solutions.

All Silver Fox Thermal Labels are printed using One Software, One Printer and One Ribbon.

• Tie-on LS0H Cable Labels
• Tie-on Cable Labels (PVC) 
• Premium Heatshrink Cable Labels (Polyolefin)
• Tie-on Cable Labels (Durable Polyester)
• Low Smoke Zero Halogen Heatshrink Cable Labels (Polyolefin)
• Non-Shrink Cable Labels (PVC Tubing)
• 2 Part Cable Labels (Flexible Polyester)
• Wrap Around Cable Labels (Self Laminating Polyethylene)

Silver Fox Thermal Cable Labels

Video : How To Print 25,000 Cable Labels In 4 Hours

Rail Cable Accessories, Electrification & Installation Equipment

Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute an extensive range of 400V-33kV Rail Cable Accessories & Power Distribution Sytems including feeder pillars to contractors undertaking Low Voltage Power Distribution, HV Electrification & Substations, DC Traction & Networks, OLE and Track Feeder Cable Renewals – complete range of Network Rail PADS approved track terminations, cable joints, cable repair and connection products up to 25kV, including 3M Cold Shrink, Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold products.

Full range of Cable Pulling Equipment & Products to ensure safe and efficient of rail cables in to cable ducts and containment infrastructure including cable troughs.

Cable Cleats | Cable Hangers | Cable Joints | Cable Glands | Cable Lugs | Cable Transits | Arc Flash Clothing