# Share tips you have come across

**URL:** <https://forum.arduino.cc/t/share-tips-you-have-come-across/428745>\
**Category:** General Electronics\
**Created:** [January 4, 2017, 7:20am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/share-tips-you-have-come-across/428745 "2017-01-04T07:20:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 1451

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**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\
**Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/share-tips-you-have-come-across/428745/1451 "2026-04-03T20:07:31Z")

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# Wire Identification, Numbering, and Labeling

**Option 1 — Numeric Identification (00–99 / 000–999)**

- Use **two heat-shrink color bands** to identify wires (00–99).  
For 000–999, use **three bands**.

- Obtain **10 different colored heat-shrink tubes** (e.g., 1/8" or 3/16", or ~3 mm I.D.).

- Cut **2–3 mm rings** from each color.

- Place the rings on **both ends of the wire** , then shrink using hot air.

- Cover the rings with **clear heat shrink** to prevent movement and improve durability.

* * *

**Option 2 — Functional Color Coding**

- Use **specific color ring combinations** to indicate wire function.

- Example:

- This method can supplement or replace numeric identification.

* * *

**Option 3 — Written Labels**

- Cut a **1 cm length of white 1/8" heat shrink**.

- Insert a thin, stiff material (e.g., ~1/32" PCB) to **flatten and stabilize** the tubing.

- Using a **fine-tip permanent marker** (e.g., ultra-fine Sharpie), label the wire’s function (e.g. +12V).

- Remove the insert and pass the wire through the labeled heat shrink.

- Apply heat to shrink it onto the wire.

- Cover with a **2 cm length of clear heat shrink** to protect the label from smudging and wear.

 ![heatshrink_wire_numbering](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/a/0/6/a061cfdc1e660e27657b8209561bce62128ddbac.jpeg)

 ![B](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/a/1/5/a153b5ae9c9b335a30e40da847a4f3c05c3b209d.jpeg)

 ![C](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/e/2/8/e28fe81063bf4a035368e7911eaa9f2bd4b9ec33.jpeg)

 ![D](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/c/4/2/c42c6a7ee6940e30bbb7f25f6012a2395777aa8e.jpeg)

- Shrinking your writing makes it smaller and gives sharper edges.

 ![E](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/8/5/9/859c8c1ecfe15cfe169554ce0f436d5a842d179b.jpeg)

### These work well too:

 ![IMG4584](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/9/a/1/9a1cfb3fecbc205296cd13870d79117de10cd4da.jpeg)

 ![IMG4585](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/c/d/f/cdf8e79ab67c26e26add2e7ff060fbfa86e4c2ca.jpeg)

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