Cable Management | How to Manage Cables in Your Cable Cabinet
Organization is essential when working with a multitude of cables. They can easily get out of hand and cause unforeseen problems, such as fire hazards. Cable management is the process of implementing an organizational system for cables. The benefits of having a great cable management system in place include quick identification, easy maintenance, efficiency, and many more!
Invest in Cable Management, Invest in Your Business
Cable management is a time commitment. Depending on the number of cables you’re working with it could take an entire day or two. The people that worked to organize the racks pictured had to work overtime to complete their project. Despite this, investing the time and effort to get organized is completely worth it. It’s a known truth that better organization leads to increased efficiency. You find what you need more quickly and easily. You even feel less stressed working in a cleaner, organized environment.
Benefits of Cable Management
Air circulation
Grouping cables instantly create more open space. The extra space allows for increased air circulation which in turn decreases the amount of heat trapped within the cables. Heat can damage cables and without proper ventilation, temperatures can rise to harmful levels.
Identification
When cables are labeled and color-coded, it is a hundred times easier to identify them. If you’re working with multiple cables, have a labeling system in place to keep track of each type of cable. Many cable management supplies, such as wire loom and heat shrink, are available in a variety of colors.
Simpler Maintenance
Consequently, easy identification means less troublesome troubleshooting. You’ll be able to remove and install cables in a matter of minutes. When you’re working with miles of cable, cable management is a life saver.
Efficiency
With easier identification and simpler maintenance, you’ll be more efficient when installing or troubleshooting cables. You’ll have more time to dedicate to your actual projects.
Professional Appearance
Once your cable management system is in place, you can take a step back and appreciate the clean appearance. Not only will it be clean and neat, but it will drastically improve your professional image.
Create a Cable Management System
In order to take advantage of all the benefits of cable management, you’ll need to plan out a cable management system. Take into account the amount of cable, where it needs to go, and how much time and money you are willing to spend. A more organized, clean appearance will require a greater time investment, so be sure to have a clear goal in mind. There is a wide variety of products available to meet your cable management needs.
Top Cable Management Solutions:
Cable Ties aka Zip Ties
If you’re looking for the simplest, most economical way to start a cable management system, then cable ties are the way to go. They may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but they will get the job done. Use these to group cables together and create that much-needed air circulation.
Wire Loom
Wire loom is tubing that can be found in split or solid form depending on your needs. It can be used to group cables and also protect them from corrosion or abrasions. Wire loom is generally a pretty economical solution. You could opt for fiber or plastic, and black or colored wire loom.
Cable Trays and Cable Ladders
Cable Trays and cable ladders provide support for cables and are an alternative to open wiring or electrical conduit systems. They are commonly used in commercial and industrial cable management. New cables are installed by laying them in the tray, instead of pulling them through a pipe.
Cable Entry Systems
Cable entry systems are composed of a cable plate and grommets and they provide strain relief for cables. These are mainly used for cable management of electrical enclosures and control panels. They keep cables securely in place and with grommets, you’re able to customize the plate easily.
icotek KEL cable entry system
Heat Shrink
Heat shrink is shrinkable plastic tubing used to insulate wires which provides abrasion resistance and environmental protection. It can also be used to bundle wires together. Since it’s available in a variety of colors it’s also useful for color-coding cables.
Good cable management is a must-have if you want to exhibit professionalism. A mess of cables is not only dangerous but it gives off a sloppy impression of your business. So take time to examine your cable cabinet, cable rack or control panel. Figure out a time frame and budget and you’ll soon start to see clear paths from port to port.
If you’re in need of cable entry systems, browse through our selection of icotek cable management products. These entry systems keep cables organized and provide cable strain relief.