3M ScotchCode Pre-Printed Wire Marker Book SPB

The ScotchCode SPB pre-printed marker books handle cable up to 0.47 in (11.9 mm) outside diameter. Above that the marker won't wrap far enough to overlap and stick to itself, so for larger feeders or bundled cable you need a wrap-around marker sized for bigger OD.

Seven books are offered: SPB-01, SPB-02, SPB-03, SPB-04, SPB-09, SPB-12 and SPB-14. Each book number is a fixed pre-printed character set (numbers, letters and symbols), so you choose by the legend you need on the job rather than by size. SPB-01 is the numeric book, black print on white. Order by MPN to avoid a mix-up: SPB-01 is 7000132478, SPB-02 is 7000132479, SPB-03 is 7000132480, SPB-04 is 7000132481, SPB-09 is 7000132483, SPB-12 is 7000132485 and SPB-14 is 7000132487.

SPB marker books ship 5 per case, so a single order line gives each electrician on the crew their own book rather than one shared pad.

The SPB markers carry a maximum operating temperature of 66 C (150 F), with a stated operating temperature range of -40 C to 121 C. For continuous service, size to the 150 F figure; a hot boiler room or motor terminal box running above that needs a higher-temperature marker instead.

No equipment at all. These are pre-printed tear-out books, so you flip to the character you want, peel it and wrap it on the conductor. That is the tradeoff against a write-on or thermal-printed system: nothing to program and nothing to carry, but you are limited to the legend printed in the book you bought.

Compliant with RoHS 2011/65/EU without exemption, and manufactured in the United States. That covers the two items most institutional and government procurement packages ask for on a consumable identification product.

Each marker is a vinyl impregnated cloth film with a top coat and a natural rubber adhesive. The cloth-backed film conforms around a conductor and the top coat keeps the printed character legible after handling, while the rubber adhesive grips quickly on contact rather than needing cure time. Wire insulation should be clean and dry for the bond to hold.

Print is black on a white background, which is the highest-contrast combination for reading a character inside a dim panel or on a crowded terminal strip. The markers are intended for exactly that work, marking wires and cable as well as terminal strips.