Dial Label Types and
Instructions for use

ENGINEERING INSTRUCTIONS
TELEPHONES
STATIONS
A 3202
Issue 7, 26.1.66

DIAL-CENTRE LABELS

General
All dials and dummy dials associated with telephone switchboards and subscribers telephones should be fitted with dial-centre labels. It is essential that the labels fitted are suitable for the emergency arrangements at the installation concerned.  The maintenance procedure for dial-centre labels is contained in Telephones, Stations, A 5102.

Types of labels
Click here to see a picture of the different dial-centre labels and refer to Table 1 for details of their particular applications. The various types of labels are:-
(a) Labels No. 160 which are blank paper disks.

(b) Labels No. 160... which are similar to Labels No. 160 except that they contain printed instructions in addition to the space provided for the exchange name, or code and number etc. Label No. 160 followed by a suffix letter indicates the type of label to be used for particular installations as indicated in Table 1.

(c) Labels No. 386... which are paper labels introduced to replace certain Labels No. 160... Although specially prepared for the Dial, Automatic, No. 21... and Dial, Automatic, Dummy, No. 6 and No. 7, Label No. 386... may be fitted on earlier types of dials and dummy dials. Label No. 386 followed by a suffix letter indicates the type of label to be used for particular installations as indicated in Table 1.

(d) Labels No. 442... which are similar to Labels No. 386...except that they are adhesive-backed temporary dial-centre labels which can be forwarded by post to subscribers. They are for use when a change of label only is required and so avoid a visit by an engineering officer solely for this purpose. They will be fixed to the top surface of the label protector and replaced with permanent labels at a suitable opportunity. Their main field of use is for exchange conversions, Area correction transfers and change of emergency code. When forwarded by post for subscribers to fix, they will be associated with an illustrated folder which explains why they are required and how to fit them. The labels will be requisitioned by the Traffic or Sales Division.  Labels which are to be posted to the subscriber should be printed locally with the exchange number by the Traffic or Clerical Division, according to local arrangements, who will be responsible for dispatching them with the folders to the subscribers (see Tp. S.I. El VI). Labels No. 442... can be consecutively numbered by the printer. This might be of benefit where large blocks of numbers are involved. It should be borne in mind, however, that for any exchange number only one label will be printed and therefore, to cater for any additional requirements, labels for local printing of the number will still be required.

Labels are not now provided with a nick, and care should be taken to fit the label with the printing horizontal. It will be necessary to punch through the label with the retaining spring when it is used to retain the label in position.

Requisitions
Labels (most of which are specially printed) should be requisitioned as early as possible, allowing at least three months for delivery. Requisitions should be submitted to the Supplies Dept. (MP3/1), Mount Pleasant, London, E.C.1, or, for Scotland and N. Ireland Regions and Lancaster, Middlesbrough and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Areas, to the Supplies Dept. (E3/2), Russell Rd., Edinburgh, 12 on forms A 1097, accompanied by a printing schedule on form A 1098 which should give the particulars of the printing required. Care should be taken to see that the schedule states the precise printing required. The economic quantities for each sort of label are multiples of 100 with a minimum of 100 and this point should be considered when estimating quantities to be requisitioned. Separate requisitions should be submitted for each type of label, e.g. 160BB, 160R, 386A, 386B.

Requests for labels which are departures from the standard types shown in Table 1 should be forwarded to the Traffic Divn. for approval. The Traffic Divn. will be responsible for ordering non-standard labels which will be requisitioned as 'Labels No. 160, Special' and have red and black characters on a white background.

Printing
All labels will be supplied with the appropriate information printed as shown in the upper part of the dial label picture, the lower part gives some examples of the additional printing that may be necessary. The printing of the exchange name, or code and extension (Extn), if required, must be called for on the requisition. The printing of 'Extn' may be requested on all labels with the exception of Labels Nos. 160, 160K and 386F. Manuscript entries should not be made on dial-centre labels. The only printing to be done locally is the subscriber's exchange number, P.B.X. extension number, station number or Private circuit number which should be done with a Machine, Numbering, No. 5 or No. 31. Labels used at P.B.X. extensions should show the first number only of the P.B.X. group. For large P.B.X. installations where the quantity of labels required exceeds, say, 100, printing of the exchange number on each label, in addition to the exchange name or code, should be requested when the requisitions are forwarded. Labels No. 160 for main exchange switchboard dials should be left blank; spare labels (plain side uppermost) may be fitted.

TABLE 1
Types of labels
 

NOTE 1:- When the operator code is not yet '100' Label No 386A will replace Label No. 386D.

NOTE 2:- When emergency instruction cards are not provided, fit Label No 386... showing the appropriate emergency code.

NOTE 3:- When fitted as P.M.B.X. or P.A.B.X. extension see appropriate section.

NOTE 4:- When adhesive-backed labels are required Labels Nos. 442A, 442C and 442D replace Labels Nos. 386A, 386C and 386D respectively.

On Labels No. 160 for call offices and P.B.X. switchboards, the exchange name should be printed in capitals throughout and will generally be in a horizontal line or fines. If however the exchange name has only one word and this contains more than 13 letters, the printing should be arranged in the form of an arc, a hyphen being regarded as one letter. The hyphens in a hyphenated name should be shown if the exchange name can be printed in one line, but if the words of a name occupy more than one line, omit the hyphen. Typical examples of exchange name, or, code and number are shown in the lower part of the dial label picture with the exception of Labels No. 160 the exchange name should be printed as follows:-

(a) Director areas. The first three letters should be capitals and the remainder in lower case, e.g. HEAdquarters, or S.T.D. code and exchange code in the following manner 021-432.

(b) Non-director, U.A.X. and manual-exchange areas. If the exchange name does not form part of the dialling code, only the first letter should be a capital, e.g. Dunstable.

For the identification of certain official telephones the exchange number is followed by the code 'G.P.O.'; this code should be shown on the dial-centre labels of all such telephones.

Numbering machines
Printing of the exchange and extension numbers on Labels No. 160... and Labels No. 386... should be done locally using a Machine, Numbering, No. 5 Shown to the right). Printing of the exchange number on Labels No. 160 for use at call offices should be done using a Machine, Numbering, No. 31.
Care should be taken to print the numbers horizontally, using the template base of the machine as a guide. Use only the printing ink supplied for use with the numbering machines. The ink pad should be replenished with a few drops from the tube and spread evenly by means of the setting stick. Further supplies of ink in small tubes can be obtained on requisition from the Supplies Dept. When resetting the printing wheels, take care to avoid damage, by using only the small setting stick supplied with each machine. Clean the numbers when necessary to ensure that the characters are sharply defined. For this purpose a suitable brush may be purchased locally.

Temporary labels for conversions and area correction transfers
During conversion from a manual to an automatic system, or transfer from one exchange to another, the exchange number shown on the subscriber's telephone before transfer should be that relative to the old exchange; immediately after transfer, the instrument should display the new number.

For conversions from a manual to an automatic system, one of the following methods should be adopted to ensure that the correct number and emergency code is shown at all times:-

(a) If there is a change of number before the instrument is changed.

(i) At the number change a Label No. 442C is posted to the subscriber.
(ii) At the instrument change a permanent label is fitted and covered with the Label No. 442C.
(iii) At conversion the subscriber removes the Label No. 442C to expose the permanent label with the correct emergency code.

(b) If there is a change of number after the instrument change but before conversion. If the new number is known at the time of the instrument change apply (a), (ii) and (iii). If, exceptionally, the new number is not known at the time of the instrument change.-

(i) Refit the old label in the new telephone.
(ii) At the number change a Label No. 442C is posted to the subscriber.
(iii) Between the number change and conversion a visit by an engineering officer will be necessary to fit a new permanent label while retaining the Label No. 442C.
(iv) At conversion the subscriber removes the Label No. 442C.

(c) If there is a change of number or emergency code on conversion.

(i) If the new number is known at the time of the instrument change apply (a), (ii) and (iii).
(ii) If not, at conversion, post Label No 442A or No 442D with the final letter of advice to the subscriber.
(iii) A permanent label will be fitted at the next visit by an engineering officer.

For transfers from one automatic exchange to another where a change of name, code or number is involved, Labels No 442... may be posted to the subscribers or, alternatively, if a visit is to be made by an engineering officer, a permanent label bearing the new number should be fitted and covered with an equivalent adhesive label bearing the number relative to the old exchange.

Transfers from one C.B. exchange to another, where a change of exchange name and number is required, should follow a similar procedure to that specified above.

Normally, extension instruments with dials or dummy dials should also be fitted with the temporary labels as described above, but the requirements of large P.B.X.s should be considered on their merits in consultation with the responsible Traffic officer. It will generally be possible to arrange for the P.B.X. operator (following the receipt of notification from the Traffic officer) to request, during the course of normal operating, the extension user to remove the temporary label. Alternatively the subscriber may consent to display a notice requesting the removal of all temporary labels at a given hour.

Co-operation with the responsible Traffic officer is essential whenever temporary labels are to be fitted, so that the necessary arrangements may be made to advise the subscribers of the time and date on which these labels should be removed.

Stocks of labels
Installation Controls and Maintenance Controls should stock dial-centre labels for each exchange area controlled. This arrangement will usually allow new installations and additional stations to be equipped with the correct dial-centre label when the fitting work is being done or a dial- centre label has to be changed.

At some call-office installations, owing to the repeated mutilation and defacement of dial-centre labels, it may be advisable to store up to six additional labels. These spare labels should be placed in an envelope, together with six securing rings and transparent protectors (Dial, Automatic, Parts Nos. 1/DSP/497 and I/DPR/4) and stored in the coin-box casing for replacement purposes.

ENGINEERING INSTRUCTIONS
TELEPHONES
STATIONS
A 3913
Issue 4, 3.1.52

DIAL CENTRE LABELS FOR SUBSCRIBERS APPARATUS
Special Labeling Arrangements for Automatic Areas where the emergency call 999 facility is available

Scope of instruction
This Instruction describes the types of dial-centre labels to be used in automatic areas, in which the '999' facility (with priority answering) is available or is to be introduced, in accordance with Automatic, A 1902, and should, be read in conjunction with A 3202.

General
When this facility is to be introduced, a new dial-centre label ("Label No. 160") should be fitted at every station equipped with a dial, except public call-offices equipped with a coin-box and dial.  For other cases where existing labels are retained.  The type of label to be fitted at any station can be ascertained by reference to loose-leaf diagrams N 1951 to N 1990 (for public call-offices, see N 1950).  For the maintenance procedure for labels, see A 5102.

Labels required
Label Nos. 160GA, 160GB, 160BA, 160BB and 160SA have been designed for use in these exchange areas.  The precise details of these labels and their uses are shown in Table 1, and each label is illustrated in the dial label picture.

Printing the instruction
Emergency calls for Fire, Police, Ambulance, Dial 999, etc will be printed in red on the upper portion of all Labels No. 160... for use in areas where the 'emergency call' facility is available. On "Labels No. 160BA" the digit to be dialled to gain direct access to the public exchange will also be printed in red. The exchange name is to be printed in capitals of uniform size on all labels and additional matter, such as the words " Extn", " Station", " Night Service", etc is to be printed on certain labels in black.

Subscribers conversions and area correction transfers
For subscribers' circuits being converted in, or transferred to, an automatic area where the emergency call facility is catered for a "Label No. 188D" has been designed to cover the lower portion of the dial-centre label in these areas during the transfer period.

Requisitions
All labels should be requisitioned from the Stores Dept, Mount Pleasant, London, E.C.1, on form P 1156G, and particulars of printing required should be given on a schedule accompanying each requisition. Care should be taken to see that the schedule states the precise printing required.

Existing dial-centre labels to be retained
The existing labels should be retained as follows:-

1. "Labels No. 160" (exchange name and number only printed) on call-office plan no 5A.
    
2. "Labels No. 160" on call-office plan nos. 2G, 5E and 5F (telephones in kiosks or cabinets).
    
3. "Labels No. 160" on stations without coin boxes, associated with subscribers' plan no stations with coin-boxes.
    
4. "Labels No. 160B" and "Labels Nos. 160D or DA", on P.B.X. extensions which are equipped with post-payment coin-boxes and where the associated telephones are fitted with "Dials, Automatic, No. 10FA" or "Dials, Automatic, Dummy, No. 3 " respectively.
    
5. "Labels Nos. 160N, 160P or 160R" on house exchange stations with restricted facilities; these stations are not equipped with dials.

Stocks of labels
Installation Offices and Advice Note Control Centres should stock for each automatic exchange area with '999' facility (see Table 2) four types of dial-centre labels: one for D.E.L.s with dials, two for extensions with dials and one for extensions without dials. This arrangement will permit, in the majority of cases, of new installations and additional, stations being equipped with the correct dial-centre labels when the fitting work is being carried out.

For large P.B.X. installations where the quantity of "Labels No. 160..." required exceeds say 50, or for house exchange systems, opportunity should be taken to have the exchange number - in addition to the exchange name, etc - printed on each label when requisitions are forwarded upon receipt of the Advice Note.

A stock of "Label No. 160..." with the exchange name, number and "EXTN" printed thereon, may also be held for new work and maintenance where any large P.B.X. installation exists in the exchange area controlled.

The Rate Book description of each label, which should be stocked for each exchange area controlled, together with details of printing are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2

"Label No 160DA" supersedes "Label No 160D on reprint. i.e. when the stock of the latter type for any exchange area is exhausted and a new supply has to be printed for that area.
 

ENGINEERING INSTRUCTIONS
TELEPHONES
STATIONS
A 5102
Issue 5, 12.9.39

SUBSCRIBERS APPARATUS LABELS
Maintenance Procedure

General
It is important that labels fitted on subscribers' telephones be maintained in a satisfactory condition and this Instruction indicates the procedure to be adopted for this purpose.

Inspection of labels
All telephones should have been labelled when fitted, in accordance with the Instructions and loose-leaf diagrams which deal with the initial labelling of subscribers, and call-office telephones, viz,

A 3114 (Enlarged number rings, "Labels No. 197....")
A 3202 (Dial-centre and telephone labels)
A 3913 (Dial-centre labels for areas with '999' facility)
G 3103 ("Labels Nos. 219 and 220" for autodials) and loose-leaf Dgms. N 1950 to 1990.

Officers employed on the maintenance of subscribers or call office telephones should-whenever visiting such installations - inspect the labels and transparent protectors and take steps to replace any which may be found to be incorrect, defaced or dirty.

LABELS ON DUMMY AND AUTOMATIC DIALS
Labels to be carried
To enable replacement of labels on subscribers telephones and coin-box installations to be effected immediately necessity is observed, spares of each type of Labels No. 160 - with the exception of those specified below used in the maintenance office areas, printed with the name of the exchange or exchanges concerned, should be carried by each officer in an "Envelope No. SS 293". Details of the appropriate labels are given in the Instructions and loose-leaf diagrams referred to in the first paragraph. A numbering machine (see TOOLS & TRANSPORT, Hand Tools, A 0060) should be carried by each maintenance officer and should be used to insert the exchange-line numbers and extension numbers on "Labels No. 160 ..." (see A 3202).

Spare labels to be held at the installation
At installations where "Labels No. 160" (which should have the exchange name and number printed by the Stores Dept.) are fitted, a spare label is provided initially (see A 3202 and A 3913). When replacement of spares becomes necessary, two additional labels should be ordered and fitted in the dial-label holder.

In areas where labels are liable to frequent mutilation or defacement, six additional "Labels No. 160," with the exchange name and number printed on them, and six "Dials, Automatic, Parts Nos. 2/SSP/487 and 1/SPR/1" (securing ring and transparent protector, respectively) should be placed in an envelope and kept within the coin-collecting box easing, to be used as replacements become necessary. When spares of any item have been reduced to two, the maintenance officer concerned should arrange for the stocks to be replenished.

MISCELLANEOUS LABELS
House Exchange installations
The necessary markings, including the exchange name and number are printed on both sides of "Labels Nos. 222 and 222A" so that a label may be reversed if and when one face becomes dirty or disfigured, or when repeated change of markings by a subscriber renders it unsightly. When for any reason, it becomes necessary to replace a "Label Nos. 222 or 222A" a new one should be requisitioned from the Stores Dept; the requisition should indicate the exchange name and number required to be printed on the label (see A3202). Labels may be removed from telephones - as described in Q 5001.

Autodials
"Labels Nos. 219 and 220" are used for "Autodials Nos. 1 and 2", respectively. Two labels are required on each autodial to indicate the position of the various numbers. These labels are supplied initially by the D.M. with the name and telephone number, of each subscriber to be set on the autodial, already inscribed. When for any reason it becomes necessary to replace these labels, the D.M. should be requested to prepare and supply new ones, details of the required inscription being forwarded with the request (see G 3103).

NUMBERING MACHINES
The Rate book descriptions of the machines and parts referred to above are:-

Machine, Numbering, No. 5, Complete

which comprises:-
Machine, Numbering, No 5
Case for Machine, Numbering, No 5
Setting stick for Machine, Numbering, No 5
Bottle of ink for Machine, Numbering, No 5
Felt, Inking Pad, NM 11
Holder for Inking Pad, NM 13
 

Label No. 160 variants

Taken from the 1957 Rate Book with additional information added.
Paper disk for Dials, Automatic No. 10 to 16. (later Mark Nos. commencing at 236) and Dials, Automatic, Dummy Nos. 3 and 4. Instruction and exch. number labels used on telephones for purposes indicated in detail of each item.  Exchange name, number, "difficulty" dialling figure, etc. as required to be stated on reqn. (See E.l.s TELES. Stns. A 3202 and A 3918).  For covers for these labels see Dials, Automatic; Part No. 1/SPR/1.

For all public call offices. Also for coin-box subscribers plan number stations without coin-box, and Direct Exchange Line (D.E.L.) subscribers with coin-box, (except P.B.X. extensions with coin-box), where emergency 999 not provided.  In 1966 the telephone number had the suffix X.

Overall dimensions - 1 37/64" diameter.

Last revised: September 08, 2021