No matter how clean and tidy your desk actually is, loose cables running over, under, and around it will make it look and feel cluttered. If you have cables running across the floor, your office might also be a safety hazard.
If this sounds like your desk or office, it might be time to invest in some cable management. Sometimes it’s as simple as a couple of cable ties behind the desk, but if the cables are in danger of being a trip hazard or being damaged, it’s worth looking at some more advanced options.
At your desk
These solutions work magic in a cinch for your desk and entertainment areas. Either of these options can help to separate the computer from the phone cables and the Xbox from the internet cables, and provide some practical under desk cable management.
- Cable ties – the name speaks for itself. Cable ties are products that tie your cables together, so they are neatly contained and tangle free. Cables ties are commonly either self-locking or Velcro fastening, and both options are very easy to use. If you are super-organised, try colour-coded cable ties to group your cables together – green for speakers and headphones, blue for your computer, keyboard and mouse, yellow for your phone equipment.
- Cable wrappers – A loosely coiled product that can be wrapped completely around cables to keep them safely contained. Wrappers can easily be cut to size and have the added bonus of hiding many different coloured cables under the one wrapper.
Across walkways
In any public area such as classrooms, conference rooms or offices, cables running across the floor present a trip hazard. A floor cable protector is very important to prevent people from stumbling over loose cables, as well as avoiding accidental disconnections caused by movement.
Cables also need to be protected from damage as people walk over them, or as heavy equipment is rolled across them. It’s far easier to cover a cable than deal with the cost and hassle of replacing it.
- On carpets – Velcro cable protectors are made of highly-durable material with Velcro on one side. These products are placed over the cables on carpet, with the Velcro side down, to stick securely to the carpet. They can be cut to size and are available in bright colours to ensure they can be seen. Many Velcro options are re-usable, which is a great way to save on costs.
- On any floor surface – Heavy duty cable mats simply lay on the floor with the cables are tucked inside. They have a smooth, rounded surface that protects from heavy foot traffic and rolling wheels. Again, these can be cut to size and are simple to install.
Cable ties and protectors are such a cost-effective solution to an unsightly and potentially dangerous problem. They’re easy to use and install, making them a simple, commonsense choice at work, at home, and in public spaces.
