Cable Management Techniques to Keep Everything Organized

Dealing with a Mess of Scattered Cables

An office setting can quickly become a maze of tripping hazards as you add new devices to your network. Not only is this a major safety hazard, but it also makes dealing with your technology extremely difficult. Any IT specialist in Edmonton will tell you that step number one in many on-site services is creating a cable management strategy. This way, changing out cables or technology is a breeze.

A few other reasons to focus on good cable management techniques include:

– Less wear and tear for your cords and technology (cables can break down or become damaged)
– Safety (in addition to tripping hazards, mismanaged or damaged cords can potentially cause fires)
– Lost money due to extra time in sorting through the tangle (especially when your managed service provider comes on-site to help optimize your network)

Cable Management Techniques 

As managed service providers in Edmonton, we know that cable management isn’t typically something that happens overnight. Instead, it usually happens over time as you build up additional tools and workstations.

With that in mind, here are some techniques to consider when handling and storing cables:

Cable Relocation

If there’s a specific spot in your business building where important cables stick out like a sore thumb, it’s time to find them a new home! Try to find an area out of sight and out of the way so that the cables can be protected from any disruption or impact. The best place to reinstall cables is underneath a work desk or behind areas with space where work is conducted.

For cables to be installed underneath a work desk, locate the rear panel where there is open space. Then, screw in a few mug hooks on the ceiling of the desk so that they can hold a hanging basket. After that, move the cables inside the basket and adjust the positioning from there. 

This technique keeps the cables high off the dirty ground, organized and out of the way, and also clear from any potential dust or debris that could get inside of the open-head plug-in cords.

Labelling Cables 

Many businesses rely on a lot of electrical appliances and advanced technology to get the job done right. Computers have cords and cables that must lead to somewhere, right? Some plug-ins only fit certain outlets and cable extensions. If they get tangled or mismanaged, you could quickly end up with a complicated mess.

The best way to navigate this dilemma is to label all of your cords and cables. This will allow you to keep track of what you have in your technical inventory, what goes where, and what fits with the other. Purchasing a label maker or installing label printing software will ensure that all of your cables never get lost in a heap again! You can also use coloured electrical tape to show the routes of specific cables.

Cable Sleeves

One of the best ways to protect and hide your cables is to use sleeves. There are different types of sleeving you can purchase, including braided, split covering, wire loom, or spiral wrapping. Some types of sleeving (such as braided sleeving) are designed with specifications like high temperature and abrasion-resistant material. Sleeves are highly durable shields for your vulnerable cables!

Go Wireless!

What if you could skip the cables altogether? Many offices are moving toward wireless devices. Whether or not you should choose wireless options will depend on the type of technology you’re using, so be sure to check with your managed service provider before making an investment in wireless technology.

For More Information

Alt-Tech offers infrastructure and design services to help manage and maintain your IT systems and cable networks. As a managed service provider, we can focus on the maintenance of your network, security, and infrastructure management. Whatever your IT needs are, our technicians can answer any questions and get you set up for success. Get in touch with us today!

Photo by Stacey Gabrielle Koenitz Rozells on Unsplash