Cable Management Tips for Your Home

Cables are a vital part of modern life. Almost all devices and gadgets use some kind of cable to power them or charge their batteries, and most of us would be completely lost without them. Whether it’s making your toast in the morning, completing your work in the office or enjoying online streaming services in the evening, so much of what we do now revolves around electronics and cables.

If you’re anything like the average person, your home will be full of all sorts of different cables. While there’s no denying their usefulness, having this many cables around can be a hazard. Not taking proper care of them could cause accidents, and they tangle up easily to create a lot of clutter and mess. If you want to live happily and safely, it’s important to manage these cables effectively.

Proper Cable Storage

If you have a lot of different cables, it’s a good idea to store them away when not in use. This way, you’ll avoid damage caused by impact or tangling, and it will also reduce the risk of tripping over your cables.

There are lots of different ways to store cables. From simply throwing them all into a box to using cable reel holders. Obviously, some are going to be much more effective than others, and you need a proper storage solution from RS if you have a whole reel of cable to secure.

When storing your cables, you need to make sure they’re still easy to find. While it might seem simple to put all your cables in the same storage, sorting through them all to find the one you want can be a pain. Be sure to label any storage, and use ties to ensure your cables don’t tangle together.

Checking for Wear and Tear

For cables that you use and move around frequently, such as phone charging cables, wear and tear is common. In most cases, this will just affect how well the cable works, but serious damage could also lead to a higher chance of electric shock.

When using your cables or moving them around, be sure to check for any signs of damage. The out casing of the cable is used to insulate it and protect you from the live current. While it’s made from a durable material, it can still be worn down over time or broken if exposed to sudden impact or heat.

If you do spot that a cable has become damaged, you must never use it. Immediately unplug if it's currently in use, and make sure you dispose of it properly. Replace your cable and then work out what caused the damage in the first place. If you can prevent it from happening again, you may also prevent an accident.

Hiding Cables Using Sleeves or Conduits

One of the worst things about having lots of electronic devices is the sheer number of cables around. Not only do they look untidy when out, but having lots around can be dangerous. You can keep your cables protected and out of sight by using special tools such as sleeves or conduits.

It’s possible to run multiple cables through these devices, holding them together in a single run. This is very useful when you have a lot of different cables travelling along the same path. While it doesn’t hide them completely, it turns multiple cables into just one.

You can leave the bundled cables in view or hide them completely if you prefer. It’s much easier to conceal a single bundle compared to a whole load of different cables. This way, you can keep your home looking tidy while also being safer.