How to Use the Right Tapes for the Job (and Why the Wrong Ones Make Your Job Harder)

The right tape stays put

If you’re a low voltage/datacom installer, electrician, security integrator, or professional A/V installer, you probably have some experience with worksite labels not holding up on the job. Maybe they’re peeling, fading, and costing you time and money you can’t afford.

Fortunately, the solution to these issues is simple. Use the right tape for the right job. Not all industrial labels are created equal, and it’s essential to choose the correct one for your specific task. Choose the wrong one, and you’ll be disappointed. Choose the right one, and the label won’t just stay on until you physically peel it off. It will also:

• Fit and look great (even on cable wraps, flags, and rough surfaces)
• Resist fading from UV, chemicals, heat, water, abrasion, and more
• Save you time and money on relabeling
• Keep you organized and compliant

So, how can you find the best tapes for the many different applications on your jobsite? Brother has you covered. But first, let’s reinforce why traditional and run-of-the-mill options won’t cut it on industrial jobs.

The problem with handwritten labels

If you’re still labeling your jobsite using handwritten labels, you’re not alone. In fact, a staggering 50% of respondents in a recent survey of datacom and electrical professionals reported using handwritten labels¹. The pitfalls of this approach are clear – and similar to the problems that come from picking the wrong tape.

Labels aren’t always legible. The need to re-label increases labor hours and costs. Plus, the lack of accurate labeling can lead to troubleshooting errors and downtime – something that is especially detrimental to data centers and other environments where uptime is critical.

For industrial professionals who want to be proud of a job well done (while also avoiding customer complaints and tedious trips back to the jobsite), using the right tapes is critical. Discover everything you need to know about which tape to use for your every job and application.

How to pick the right tape for your application

At Brother, we have tried and tested tapes made to work exactly where you need them. From extra-strength tape perfect for powder-coated surfaces to flexible ID tape ideal for cables and wires, we’ve engineered a wide variety of tapes made to withstand the wide range of conditions you need them to perform in.

TZeS

Strong Adhesive Laminated Tape

This extra strength adhesive tape is perfect for rough, uneven, and powder-coated surfaces. In independent lab testing, Brother Strong Adhesive tape showed three times the adhesive strength on average over our Standard Adhesive (TZe) tapes. This makes TZeS tapes ideal for long-term labeling – even in the harshest conditions and especially on textured surfaces.

Great for:

Powder-coated racks & cabinets

Ideal for warehouse and storage applications

Cinderblock walls

Strong adhesion on rough concrete surfaces

Wood surfaces

Reliable labeling for wooden materials

Faceplates & outlets

Clear identification for electrical components

Breaker boxes

Safe and reliable electrical labeling

Ports & patch panels

Network infrastructure identification

TZeFX

Flexible ID Tape

Made for industry professionals that need reliable wire and cable ID options, this tape can also be used to mark pipes or other smaller cylindrical shaped items of 3mm or more. Where other tapes may peel over time, our TZeFX stays put!

Great for:

Wires & cables Power cords

Flexible labeling for power management

LAN cables

Perfect for patch cord or permanent link

Computer cables

USB cables, data cable wraps & cable flags

TZeSL

Self-Laminating Tape

If you need long-term reliable identification of cables, TZeSL tapes are a great option. With our cost-saving TZeSL line of tapes, text is laminated during printing – which means 24mm tape works for wrapping around even larger diameter CAT6A cables.

Great for:

Cable wraps

Durable wrapping for cable management

LAN cables

For patch cord or permanent link

Computer cables

USB cables and data cables

Power cords

Clear power cable identification

Fun facts on laminated labels

Laminate technology packs and the power of thermal transfer printing into every label. That means reliable durability for even the toughest jobs. With Brother laminated tapes, you get labels that are resistant to scratches, scuffs, fading, oil, chemicals, water, and temps up to 225ºF or even -80ºF.

TZeSE

Tamper Evident Tape

This black on white tape features our exclusive laminated tape process with an added security bonus. If the label is removed, a checkerboard pattern appears on both the item and the tape – giving you the clear sign of tampering. Also, the label won’t adhere again after being tampered with. This line of tapes is perfect for asset marking or ensuring unauthorized individuals can’t interfere with panels and covers.

Great for:

Equipment after calibration

Ensure calibrated equipment remains unaltered

Computers & electronic devices

Secure identification for electronics

Other company property & assets

Protect and track company assets

Items sealed for security

Tamper-evident sealing solutions

Evidence labeling

Secure chain of custody tracking

HSeE

Heat Shrink Tube

Non-adhesive and made of unique non-laminated material, our printable heat-shrink tubing shrinks down to a third of its size to securely grip cables and wires. Print directly on the tube to clearly display text or numbers.

Great for:

Electrical wires

Secure identification for electrical systems

Cables

Clear cable management solutions

Fiber/copper wire & cables

Network infrastructure identification

FLe

Flag Label

Best for small diameter cable identification, our FLe options are a go-to pick for fiber and copper cable identification in the network industry. With a special pre-cut shape, they’re even easier to apply than traditional flag labels, and a wide printable area means information or barcodes can be clearly read.

Great for:

LAN cables

For patch cord, permanent link, CAT5e, CAT6

Fiber/copper cables

Clear identification for network infrastructure

STe

Stencil Tape

This non-adhesive tape is used as a mask to permanently mark (or etch) conductive surfaces using electrolytic marking chemicals and equipment.

Great for:

Metallic & glass surfaces

Permanent marking for smooth surfaces

Permanent part marking

For aerospace, motor, manufacturing, medical/healthcare

Product marking & customization

For scissors, knives, and other products

The real value of Genuine labels

Why go with Brother Genuine tapes? The pros are clear for industrial pros.

• Designed for compatibility with Brother label printers
• High quality tapes
• Extreme durability
• Wide range of tapes for distinct applications
• Helpful instructions and dedicated support

Check out this link from Brother Europe.

View the PDF

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