Whether you’re working in a facility with high-volume network cables or a small office with a rat’s nest of cords coming out of the back of the computers, cable management is an essential step to keep the area neat and safe.

Not sure what to look for in a cable management system? There are many different types of designs for cable management. Learn about each of them so you can understand what will work best for your situation.

Reasons to Manage Your Cables

Intuitively you know that organization is always better in the long run. But just in case you need a few more reasons to fix up your cables, there are some serious ones that you need to be aware of.

The first, and most important, is that all electronic equipment needs good airflow to continue working properly. That’s because overheating can cause dangerous problems with cables, from simple dysfunction to potential fire hazards.

Watch for signs of melting on cables to make sure they are not overheating, and arrange them for proper airflow to prevent this problem.

Being able to access your cables is another reason you’ll want to organize them in a proper management system. When a problem arises, it’s easier to go to a well-arrayed cable system and diagnose problems rather than sorting through tangles.

Opt for some of the following cable management styles to simplify your cable management.

Trunking

Cable trunking places metal or plastic boxes over the length of the cables. Several can be grouped together inside this cable management sleeve. Trunking cable management systems come in a few varieties, including maxi-trunking, mini-trunking, and dado trunking.

Sizing can vary, making these an option in many different types of cable management systems.

Basket

Cable baskets are open metal basket trays that hold cables in place. When used with accessories to mount the baskets, these can safely organize several cables while optimizing airflow.

For simple cable systems, baskets may be one of the easier installs to choose.

Ladder

To construct support for cables where there is none, running ladder cable trays along the length of the cable is ideal. For heavy cables that need to traverse open spaces, the installation of ladder cable management can make for a safer system.

Conduit

The classic conduit system runs cables through piping conduit, often made of a material like PVC.

These can be important systems where cables need to be protected from the elements. This is especially important in outdoor setups or wet workplaces.

Get Your Cable Management Under Control

There are many resources for installation and supplies for cable management out there. Take advantage of them to make sure you can access and safely operate your cable systems.

Talk to an expert who can help you brainstorm cable management ideas for your business or workplace today. Whether in an industrial or office setting, cable management is an important safety and organizational step to take.

Learn more about electronics safety in our other tech articles.Â