This blog mirrors my everyday life occurrences and I share how I approach each conflict using technology and common sense.
If you want "specifics" about any certain post, don't use the reply box but visit my website, "Sys Nica" or email me directly >
ntech-solutions@live.com
If you want "specifics" about any certain post, don't use the reply box but visit my website, "Sys Nica" or email me directly >
ntech-solutions@live.com
The 10 Commandments of Cable Management
I. Thou Shalt Always Measure First
Every home and office is different from the next, so if you’re thinking of using length-oriented products like surface raceway, wire loom, wire duct, or conduit to manage cable, be sure to measure carefully before each cable management project you undertake. Proper measurement saves time and frustration: it ensures that you’ll have plenty of product on hand to protect each cable run, so you won’t need to halt mid-project to wait for more to arrive.
II. Thou Shalt Never Exceed Fill Capacity
Whether you’re dealing with wire loom, cable trays or heavy-duty cord protectors, one of the cardinal rules of installation is to never overstuff a cable management device with cables. By exceeding fill capacity, you run the risk of crush-related attenuation, insulation damage, crosstalk, and even – in the case of power cables – overheating and fire. Professional installations using duct, conduit or cable trays should consult TIA/EIA, NEC and/or manufacturers’ guidelines for product-specific fill capacity specs. If you opt to harness home theater or workstation cords with split wire loom or braided sleeving, the rules are less exacting: just gather together the cables you’ll be containing, measure the diameter of the bundle, and select a product whose diameter is slightly greater than that.
III. Thou Shalt Keep Cords Away from Children and Pets
Kids and cables are best kept apart, and pets and cords just don’t mix. Whether you’re a parent or a pet owner, cable management – for you – doesn’t only involve untangling and organizing… it also means lifting cords up and out of reach to prevent electrocution and strangulation hazards. Self-stick cord clips are a cheap and effective solution for routing loose cables up and around doorframes or affixing them to furniture. For window treatment cords that dangle too low to the ground, try the Cable Turtle, a style-conscious little number that lets you coil up extra length until it’s out of range for kids and pets alike.
IV. Thou Shalt Not Over-Tighten Cable Ties
When using cable ties, it’s important to snuggly fasten them around cables without going too far and over-tightening them. Cable ties are probably the longest standing, easiest-to-use and least-expensive form of cable management, but they can easily cross the line between “organized cords” and “squished cables.” Too-tight cable ties can damage cable insulation and inhibit proper signal transmission, but there are a few products out there that can prevent you from going overboard. Mille-Ties are a uniquely designed, ultra-flexible breed of cable tie, which automatically stop themselves from ratcheting tighter once they’ve reached their ideal tension. Cable tie tensioning and cutoff tools can also be a big help; these gun-shaped devices quickly tighten standard cable ties to a safe tension, and then automatically trim off the ends.
V. Thou Shalt Eliminate Tripping Hazards
They may not seem too threatening, but floor-level cables have a way of snagging the feet of unsuspecting pedestrians. Nix the risk cable-related trip-and-fall accidents with cord covers, which can be found in styles that work for any setting. Our Floor Cord Cover Kit is a terrific all-inclusive solution for covering cables in low-traffic areas, while Rubber Ducts offer traction and protection in situations with moderate-volume pedestrian traffic. Wish you could make your cords cling to carpet? SafCord Cord Covers secure cords to loop-style, commercial and Berber carpets without messy adhesive, and offer the ultimate in low-profile safety.
