Cable management

Cable management refers to the organization of cords in and around computers or other wired devices. For example, a desktop computer may have the following cables: power cable, monitor data cable, keyboard cable, mouse cable, network cable, speaker cable, headphones, printer cable, and other USB (universal serial bus) cables. With cable management, you attempt to separate or group them in such a way that it keeps everything clean-looking and orderly.

Examples of cable organizers

Below are examples of devices and accessories that help manage and organize your cables.

Cable clips

Cable clips attach to a desk or other surface and help keep cables hidden.

Cord cover

Also called a cord raceway, cord covers are plastic channels placed along the wall to hide multiple cables. These covers are also paintable, meaning they can be painted to match the color of the wall or molding and blend into the surroundings.

Cable sleeves

Braided cable sleeves can surround one or more cables and allow them to be added and removed, as needed. These sleeves are great for keeping a group of cables from one device together. The picture shows a cable sleeve from AGPTEK.

Cable ties

As shown in the picture at the start of this page, cable ties bunch or bundle cords together. They are useful in many areas, from the cords that connect computers and entertainment systems to network cables. Cable ties are usually plastic, nylon, rubber, or Velcro strips, and some are reusable.

Cable tray

A cable tray or cable box is a container designed to keep cables, AC adapters, and power strips off the floor. The picture shows an under-desk cable tray used for cable management. In this example, the cable tray from Quszmd can clamp onto a desk and hold a power strip, making it easier to access and reducing clutter.

In-wall cable management

In-wall cable management solutions hide the cables going to a display mounted on a wall. This solution is useful for hiding cables going from a computer desk to a computer on the floor.

Mesh cable manager

A mesh cable manager is a foldable mesh container that attaches to a desk and holds all cables and power strips. These are a great solution for standing desks that adjust their height and need cables to adjust.

Why should I manage my cables?

Organizing these cables helps improve the following:

• It keeps cables hidden from sight and your environment looking clean.
• It prevents people and animals from tripping over cables, which keeps them from getting disconnected or potentially damaged.
• It prevents cats, dogs, or babies from chewing on cables.
• It makes adding new cables, and finding and disconnecting existing ones, easier.
• It keeps cables organized and prevents them from getting tangled.
• It prevents cables from being disconnected when an adjustable desk (e.g., standing desk) is raised or lowered.
• It eliminates or reduces the strain on the cable connectors or ports encountered if too much weight is pulling on a cable.
• Managing the cables inside a computer ensures that they are organized efficiently and can improve airflow.
• It helps reduce or prevent interference that unshielded cables may receive.

How can I manage my computer cables?

Below are suggestions to help manage the cables connected to your computer and other electrical equipment.

1. Consider changing wired devices to wireless ones. For example, using a wireless keyboard, mouse, and headphones can eliminate three cables.
2. Use cable ties, clips, sleeves, or wraps to keep cables together or hidden behind a desk or desk leg.
3. After connecting a computer and making sure it works, turn the computer off and spend the extra time required to organize the cables.
4. With a network cable, make sure you're using only a length that's needed. Having longer cables can be messy and leads to snags and tangling.
5. Consider getting a cord cover, which helps hide wires and makes everything look cleaner.
6. Attach a cable management tray or cable box to the desk to help hide and manage the cables going to and from your computer.
7. If your work area has a rug, consider hiding the cables under the rug.

Accessory, Cable, Cable box, Container, Electronics terms, Hardware terms, Power strip