Best Practice Guide to

Wire & Cable

Marking

A Graphic Products Library Resource

877-534 -5157 | GraphicProducts.com
CONTENTS
Contents of the Best Practice Guide to Wire and Cable Marking by Graphic Products, Inc.

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................pg 1
See a list of documents containing wire and cable marking
standards.

NEC STANDARDS FOR WIRE AND CABLE MARKING......pg 2

Details the standards for equipment grounding conductors,
intrinsically safe wiring systems, and raceways, wireways,
gutters, trays, and other enclosures.

NFPA 70E STANDARDS FOR IDENTIFYING CABLES........pg 3

Learn the NFPA 70E standards for identifying underground
electrical lines and equipment, as well as components.

NFPA 79 STANDARDS FOR IDENTIFYING CABLES...........pg 4

3 Have you Identified all underground electrical

lines/equipment prior to excavating?
Covers wire and cable marking standards relating to
industrial machinery.

NESC STANDARDS FOR IDENTIFYING CABLES...................pg 6

Learn NESC standards for wire and cable marking including
NESC Rule 341B3, Rule 350F, and Rule 381G2.

EASY WIRE MARKING...........................................................................pg 7

Details on how to mark your wires and cables with either a
self-laminating wire wrap, or shrink-tube.

CABLE/WIRE SIZE CHART.................................................................pg 8

Easily find the correct size of shrink tube or wire wrap for
your gauge.

7 Do you know the correct size of shrink tube for your

wire or cable diameter?

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The information presented in this guide was obtained from sources whom we deem reliable; Graphic Products, Inc. has made every effort to ensure this
information is correct. However, we do not guarantee accuracy or completeness. Graphic Products, Inc. makes no representations or warranties of any kind,
express or implied. Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. Except as expressly provided for in writing, the liability of Graphic Products, Inc.
arising from the use of this guide is specifically excluded and Graphic Products, Inc. disclaims all warranties and any liability for damages of any kind and any
liability, whether in contract, tort under statute or otherwise, for any injury, damage or loss whatsoever. No reliance should be placed on information contained
in, implied by or inferred from this guide. Users of this guide should verify all information with ANSI and OSHA sources directly.
INTRODUCTION
It’s easy to spot a quality wiring job. When wiring installations are done correctly from the outset, workers are afforded efficient access,
and the design eliminates future questions and misidentifications. A well-designed layout mimics the schematic as closely as possible
and provides adequate space for existing and future strands.

Few non-professionals understand the deliberation that We recommend that anyone doing electrical wiring
goes into creating a well-organized system. Besides purchase and follow the applicable NFPA standards—or
arranging and bundling cables in an efficient fashion, each NESC, in the case of utility workers or others functioning
bundle, harness, and cable must be clearly and properly as utility workers. You may purchase NFPA standards
marked. Combined with proper documentation, a well- at NFPA.org. For NESC users, we recommend the
marked wiring system is the hallmark of quality work. National Electrical Safety Code 2012 Handbook by
David J. Marne, P.E., available through McGraw-Hill.
Depending on whether the wires and cables to be
marked are for electrical current or data streams/
telecommunication, those doing the installation generally
follow standards written by professional organizations.
This guide focuses primarily on electrical conductors
that do not carry data. Standards for circuits that
carry telecommunications data are published by the
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The
most up-to-date standards provided by TIA are found in
TIA-606-B; TIA standards are not covered in this guide.

Wire- and cable-marking standards for circuits that

conduct current are found in the following documents:

• National Electrical Code® (NEC) or NFPA 70: Published by

the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the NEC is
generally considered an electrical installation document
and protects employees under normal circumstances.
Most authorities having jurisdiction adopt NEC as
mandatory, sometimes with local changes.
• NFPA 70E: Also published by the National Fire Protection Use wire and cable markers to clearly label your facility
Association, NFPA 70E focuses on safe work practices. and to keep electrical systems organized.
It’s not considered mandatory but many contractors have
adopted these standards.
• NFPA 79: This book of standards by the NFPA addresses
electrical work for industrial machinery. Like other NFPA
standards, NFPA 79 is not considered law but has been
widely adopted.
• National Electric Safety Code (NESC): NESC standards,
developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE), apply to the installation, operation or
maintenance of electric supply and communication lines,
as well as associated equipment. Its provisions protect the
safety of employees and the public and have been adopted
by utility companies in most states.

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NEC STANDARDS FOR WIRE AND CABLE MARKING
The NEC has many standards for wire and cable marking, but most refer to the manufacturer’s marking printed on the cable itself. There
are some categories of conductor covered in the NEC where electrical workers are required to add labels or markers beyond what is
pre-printed on the cable.

NEC 250.119: Equipment Grounding 504.80: Intrinsically Safe Wiring Systems

Conductors
504.80: Intrinsically safe systems
Equipment grounding conductors Labels for intrinsically safe systems must be suitable
Unless required elsewhere in the NEC, equipment for the environment where they are installed with
grounding conductors can be bare, covered, or insulated. respect to exposure to chemicals and sunlight.
Individually covered or insulated equipment grounding
conductors should have a continuous finish of either TERMINALS: Identify intrinsically safe systems in a
green or green with one or more yellow stripes. Do manner that will prevent unintentional interference
not use conductors matching this description for with the circuits during testing and servicing.
ungrounded or grounded circuit conductors. WIRING (also see entry under Raceways, wireways,
For equipment conductors larger than 6 AWG, identify gutters, trays, and other enclosures): Intrinsic safety
as an equipment grounding conductor at each end and at circuit labels shall appear in every section of the wiring
every point where the conductor is accessible (although system separated by enclosures, walls, partitions or floors.
if it’s in a conduit body containing no splices or unused Spacing between labels should not exceed 7.5 m (25 feet).
hubs, marking is not required). Also, identification should EXCEPTION: Circuits run underground can be identified where
encircle the conductor by any of the following means: they become accessible after emergence from the ground.
NOTES: Wiring methods permitted in unclassified locations may
• Stripping the insulation or covering from the entire be used for intrinsically safe systems in hazardous (classified)
exposed length locations. But without labels to identify the application of the
• Coloring the insulation or covering green at the termination wiring, enforcement authorities can’t determine that an installation
is compliant with NEC. In unclassified locations identification
• Marking the insulation or covering with green tape or green is necessary to ensure that nonintrinsically safe wire doesn’t
adhesive labels at termination get inadvertently added to existing raceways at a later date.

For multiconductor cable, in conditions where maintenance

and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service Raceways, Wireways, Gutters, Trays, and
the installation, at least one insulated conductor in a Other Enclosures
multiconductor cable may be permanently identified as an
equipment grounding conductor at each end and at every 504.80[B]: Intrinsically safe systems
point where it is accessible, by any of the following means: Raceways, cable trays, and other wiring methods for
intrinsically safe system wiring must be identified with
• Stripping insulation from the entire exposed length permanently affixed labels with the wording “Intrinsic
• Coloring the exposed insulation green Safety Wiring” or equivalent. The labels should be located
• Marking the exposed insulation with green tape or such that they are visible after installation and placed
adhesive labels such that they may be readily traced through the entire
length of the installation. Intrinsic safety circuit labels
For flexible cord, uninsulated must appear in every section of the wiring system that
equipment grounding is separated by enclosures, walls, partitions, or floors.
conductor is permitted. Spacing between labels should not exceed 7.5 m (25 feet).
However, if individually
covered, either of the 390.10: Underfloor raceways
following colors may be used: Include a suitable marker at or near the end of each
straight run of raceways to locate the last insert.
• Green DuraLabel Shrink Tubing
comes in a variety of colors
• Green with one or more to color-code your facility.
yellow stripes

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NFPA 70E STANDARDS
FOR IDENTIFYING CABLES
NFPA 70E is primarily concerned with safety issues and doesn’t
have much to say regarding wire and cable marking. However, the
standards listed below may apply to some jobs:

110.5: Underground Electrical Lines

and Equipment
Employers are required to contact appropriate owners
or authorities to identify and mark location of electrical
lines or equipment, if excavation or other activity
may lead to contact with that equipment. This must be
done before any excavation begins. A hazard analysis
also must be performed to identify appropriate safe
work practices to be used during excavation.

205.10: Identification of Components

According to 205.10, all components and safety-related
instructions (operating or maintenance) need to be
securely attached and always legible wherever posted.

Proper marking of electrical lines and equipment is vital to

workplace safety during construction/excavation projects.

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NFPA 79 STANDARDS FOR IDENTIFYING CABLES
NFPA 79 relates to industrial machinery, and includes a few standards that deal with wire and cable marking. They are cited below:

13.2.3: Identification of the Grounded 13.2.4.(1-4): Other color uses:

Circuit Conductor ORANGE (13.2.4.1): Use orange to identify
ungrounded conductors that remain energized
13.2.3.1: Conductors can be any of the following when the main supply circuit disconnecting means
colors where an AC circuit includes a grounded is in the OFF position. Two exceptions:
conductor: EXCEPTION 1: Internal wiring on individual devices purchased
• White completely wired
• Gray EXCEPTION 2: Where insulation used is not available in the colors
required, such as with high-temperature insulation or chemically-
• Three continuous white stripes along entire length, on resistant insulation.
insulation that is not green, blue, or orange
EXCEPTION: Multicolored grounded conductor cables can be
permanently identified at their termination at the time of installation 13.2.4.2: When using color for identification, you
by a distinctive white marking or other “equally effective means.” must use the color throughout the length of the
conductor either by the color of the insulation or by
color markers.
13.2.3.2: You can use other colors for the following
applications, as follows: EXCEPTION: Multicolored grounded conductor cables can
be permanently re-identified at the time of installation.
• White with blue stripe for grounded (current-carrying) DC
circuit conductor
13.2.4.3: When utilizing color for identification of
• White with orange stripe for grounded (current-carrying ac
circuit conductor, which remains energized when the main conductors, you may use the following color code:
supply circuit disconnecting means is in the OFF position) • Black for ungrounded AC and DC power conductors
• Whichever color stripe is selected, that color stripe must • Red for ungrounded AC control conductors
be consistent with the ungrounded conductor of the • Blue for ungrounded DC control conductors
excepted circuit described in NFPA 79 5.3.5 (not included
in this guide)
EXCEPTION 1: Multicolored cables can be permanently re-identified at
13.2.4.4: When the means of identification is
the time of installation. different from what is permitted in 13.2.4.3, the
means of identification must be permanently posted
EXCEPTION 2: Where the identification of machine power and
control wiring makes compliance with the mandatory color codes on the inside of the main electrical control panel
too restrictive for specific applications, you can use additional enclosure in a visible location.
identification at selected locations as an alternative. This means of
EXCEPTION: Internal wiring on individual devices purchased
identification can be by separate color coding, marking tape, tagging, or
completely wired are not subject to this standard.
other approved means, and must be permanently posted on the inside of
the main electrical control panel enclosure in a visible location.

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NESC STANDARDS FOR IDENTIFYING CABLES
NESC doesn’t have as many standards for cable marking as NEC, as there are many more classes and utilization types for wires and
cables once they are “in the building.” The dividing line between NESC and NEC is typically the conductor splice at the weatherhead—in
other words, the transition between electric utility and electric utilization. It can also be an overhead or underground communications
service, (e.g., phone or cable TV).

Below you’ll find pertinent standards from NESC regarding identifying and marking cables.

NESC Rule 341B3: Cables in Manholes and • Yellow—Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials
Other Access Openings • Orange—Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables,
or conduit
Cables found in manholes or other access openings
of a conduit system need to have corrosion-resistant NOTE: NESC does not recommend color coding; it only recommends
that if color coding is to be used, that it follows the standard
tags and be suitable for the typical environmental outlined above.
conditions of the location. The tag must be legible with
portable lighting—brass tags and plastic compounds NESC Rule 381G2: Pad-Mounted and Other
are typically used. If maps or diagrams including cable Above-Ground Equipment
positions are available, such tags are not required.
When a first door or barrier to pad-mounted or other
Joint-use manholes or vaults: A cable identification above-ground equipment is opened or removed, a safety
tag or marker of some type must denote the utility sign compliant with ANSI Z535 should be visible.
name and type of cable used, if multiple utilities
of the same kind (i.e., power and power) or joint- A warning sign can be used on the outside of the
use (power and communication) are involved. See pad-mounted enclosure, and a danger sign on the
rule 341-7 for identification requirements. inside of the pad-mounted enclosure, accurately
reflecting the relative danger expressed in the
signage. NESC 381G2 doesn’t require a safety sign
NESC Rule 350F: Direct-Buried Supply and on the outside, although it is recommended.
Communication Cable
According to Rule 350F, direct-buried supply and
communication cable, as well as cable in duct that is not Need BIG signs and labels?
part of a conduit system, must be marked with a “lightning
bolt” and a “telephone handset” symbol. The handset is Choose one of
used for all communications, including data and cable TV. our large format
DuraLabel printers to
Cables installed in conduit systems are exempt from create large, custom
this requirement, and so are any cables included in signs and labels.
NESC Section 32, “Underground Conduit Systems.”
Call us today!
If the installer employs color coding as an additional 877.534.5157
method of cable identification, NESC recommends
the standard adopted by the American Public Works SHOP NOW
Association in its Uniform Color Code. According to this DuraLabel Kodiak
standard, the following colors are used accordingly: Print up to
• White—Proposed excavation 10" wide
• Pink—Temporary survey markings
• Red—Electric power lines, cables, conduit,
and lighting cables

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EASY WIRE MARKING
For larger circuits, where serialized connections are used, you can save hours of time by using a DuraLabel printer and supplies to
batch-print bar-coded or numbered markers. Simply merge an Excel spreadsheet with all the serial numbers, connections, barcodes,
etc., onto a Word document, and print onto either wire wrap, or shrink tube supply. Within minutes you can print all the wire markings
for any large job.

How to Apply Wire Wrap

DuraLabel self-laminating wire wraps are easy to
apply and available in many colors and sizes. Comes
on a continuous roll to allow for custom sizes and less
waste than experienced with die-cut wire wraps.

Steps to apply wire wrap

1. Print identifying information on printable area. Self-Laminating Wire Wrap Example
.25" high
2. Apply to wire/cable starting with the printable strip. printable
1" tall strip
3. Wrap the clear tail around cable; over printable area supply
to cover and protect the identifying information.

Clear, self-laminating tail

How to Apply Shrink Tubing

DuraLabel shrink tubing is perfect for marking and Shrink Tube Sizes
identifying your wires and cables. This very flexible
Shrink tube sizes are based on the
material is a specially formulated cross-linked polyolefin
diameter of the open tube before
which has a low recovery temperature of a 3:1 ratio
shrinking. When laying flat for
with a thin wall, and is highly flame-retardant (VW-1).
printing, the shrink tube will be
approximately 1.5 times as wide
Steps to apply shrink tube as it’s open diameter.
1. Print identifying information on shrink tube.
Cable­Shrink Tube Size Chart
2. Slip shrink tube over cable.
3. Use heat shrink gun to secure. If you have: Use:
8 Conductor Flat Silver Satin 1/4"
Duplex Fiber Cord (Zipcord) 3/8"
RG59 Coaxial Cable 1/2"
Category 5 4-pair Twisted Pair 1/2"
AWG 16-22G 1/8"
AWG 12-18G 3/16"
AWG 10-16G 1/4"
AWG 4-14G 3/8"
AWG 1-12G 1/2"
Graphic Products has the supplies to support your cable marking needs.
What size shrink tube or wire wrap is right for my gauge?
See Cable/Wire Size Chart on the following page.

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CABLE/WIRE SIZE CHART NOTE: Area left blank does
not have values assigned.
What size shrink tube or wire wrap is right for my gauge?

WIRE GAUGE CONVERSION TABLE Dimensions are in inches.

GAUGE AWG W&M SWG BWG US STAND. SHRINK WIRE
American Wire Gauge Washburn & Moen Imperial Standard Birmingham or Stubs United States
NO. (Brown & Sharpe) (Steel wire gauge) Wire Gauge Wire Gauge Standard (Revised) TUBE WRAPS
7/0 .6513 .490 .500 .5000 1" - ¾" 2" x ½"
6/0 .5800 .460 .464 .4688 1" - ¾" - ½" 2" x ½"
5/0 .5165 .430 .432 .4375 1" - ¾" 2" x ½"
4/0 .4600 .3938 .400 .454 .4063 1" - ¾" 2" x ½"
3/0 .4096 .3625 .372 .425 .3750 1" - ¾" - ½" - ⅜" 2" x ½"
2/0 .3648 .3310 .348 .380 .3438 1" - ¾" - ½" - ⅜" 2" x ½"
1/0 .3249 .3065 .324 .340 .3125 ¾" - ½" - ⅜" 1" x ¼"
1 .2893 .2830 .300 .300 .2813 ¾" - ½" - ⅜" 1" x ¼"
2 .2576 .2625 .276 .284 .2656 ¾" - ½" - ⅜" 1" x ¼"
3 .2294 .2437 .252 .259 .2391 ½" - ⅜" - ¼" 1" x ¼"
4 .2043 .2253 .232 .238 .2242 ½" - ⅜" - ¼" 1" x ¼"
5 .1819 .2070 .212 .220 .2092 ½" - ⅜" - ¼" 1" x ¼"
6 .1620 .1920 .192 .203 .1943 ½" - ⅜" - ¼" 1" x ¼"
7 .1443 .1770 .176 .180 .1793 ½" - ⅜" - ¼" - " 1" x ¼"
8 .1285 .1620 .160 .165 .1644 ⅜" - ¼" - " 1" x ¼"
9 .1144 .1483 .144 .148 .1495 ⅜" - ¼" - " 1" x ¼"
10 .1019 .1350 .128 .134 .1345 ⅜" - ¼" - " 1" x ¼"
11 .0907 .1205 .116 .120 .1196 ⅜" - ¼" - " - ⅛" 1" x ¼"
12 .0808 .1055 .104 .109 .1046 ¼" - " - ⅛" 1" x ¼"
13 .0719 .0915 .092 .095 .0897 ¼" - " - ⅛" 1" x ¼"
14 .0641 .0800 .080 .083 .0747 " - ⅛" 1" x ¼"
15 .0571 .0720 .072 .072 .0673 " - ⅛" 1" x ¼"
16 .0508 .0625 .064 .065 .0598 ⅛" 1" x ¼"
17 .04526 .054 .056 .058 .0538 ⅛" 1" x ¼"
18 .04030 .0475 .048 .049 .0478 ⅛" 1" x ¼"
19 .03589 .0410 .040 .042 .0418 ⅛" 1" x ¼"
20 .03196 .0348 .036 .035 .0359 1" x ¼"
21 .02846 .03175 .032 .032 .0329 1" x ¼"
22 .02535 .0286 .028 .028 .0299 1" x ¼"
23 .02257 .0258 .024 .025 .0269 1" x ¼"
24 .02010 .0230 .022 .022 .0239 1" x ¼"
25 .01790 .0204 .020 .020 .0209 1" x ¼"
26 .01594 .0181 .018 .018 .0179 1" x ¼"
27 .01420 .0173 .0164 .016 .0164 1" x ¼"
28 .01264 .0162 .0148 .014 .0149 1" x ¼"
29 .01126 .0150 .0136 .013 .0135 1" x ¼"
30 .0103 .014 .0124 .012 .0120 1" x ¼"
31 .00893 .0132 .0116 .010 .0109 1" x ¼"
32 .00795 .0128 .0108 .009 .0102 1" x ¼"
33 .00708 .0118 .0100 .008 .0094 1" x ¼"
34 .00630 .0104 .0092 .007 .0086 1" x ¼"
35 .00561 .0095 .0084 .005 .0078 1" x ¼"
36 .00500 .0090 .0076 .004 .0070 1" x ¼"
37 .00445 .0085 .0068 1" x ¼"
38 .00396 .0080 .0060 1" x ¼"
39 .00353 .0075 .0052 1" x ¼"
40 .00314 .007 .0048 1" x ¼"
41 .00279 .0066 .0044 1" x ¼"
42 .00249 .0062 .0040 1" x ¼"
43 .00221 .0060 .0036 1" x ¼"
44 .00198 .0058 .0032 1" x ¼"
45 .00176 .0055 .0028 1" x ¼"
46 .00157 .0052 .0024 1" x ¼"
47 .00140 .0050 .0016 1" x ¼"
48 .00124 .0048 .0012 1" x ¼"
49 .00111 .0046 .0010 1" x ¼"
50 .00099 .0044 1" x ¼"
51 .00088 1" x ¼"
52 .00078 1" x ¼"
53 .00070 1" x ¼"
54 .00060 1" x ¼"
55 .00050 1" x ¼"
56 .00040 1" x ¼"
© 2013 Graphic products, Inc. All rights reserved.

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