Message-ID: <361C9895.2A71@erols.com>
Date: Thu, 08 Oct 1998 06:48:53 -0400
From: "Jeffrey B. Chipetine" <abcrental@erols.com>
Reply-To: abcrental@erols.com
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: Wire Marking
Mime-Version: 1.0

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To those of you needing to mark your wires for future troubleshooting
purposes,(an outstanding idea by the way), the "indelible" sharpie
marker mentioned by Dan Schaefer(and this is not Dan's fault as Sharpie
does say they won't fade) can and DOES fade somewhat after a couple of
years.  The thin style markers fade less than the thick, and the red
color fades more than the black.  We used these markers for just this
purpose in the engine compartments of several pieces of construction
equipment as well as "under the dashboards" of the same with high
hopes.  After a couple of years,  it is very difficult or just downright
impossible to differentiate your now faded markings.  Alternatives are
available.  Electric supply houses(NEWARK?) sell strips of self
adhesive, tiny ,repetitively numbered ,vinyl wire marking tabs that
stick real well over time(at least on the automotive style wire
insulation used in my industry).  You can identify your wires along as
many points as you wish with this system.  If I were putting this into
an aircraft, I would certainly do some ignition point testing first to
ensure the wire ID tags would not flame PRIOR to the wire insulation
being used.  Alternatively,  many of the machines made for the US
Military have CODED numbers actually imprinted into the insulation every
few inches for troubleshooting and maintenance ease.  While the sourcing
for this may be difficult,  it is out there and may fit the bill for the
one-off labors of love that are taking shape in your homes/hangers. 
Regards to all.... Jeffrey B. Chipetine