What do you use to organize your computer wire mess?

[ComputerWizKid]

I hope this is the right area to post a question like this. Right now under and behind my desk is a total mess (I live in a really small apartment 32S SQ FT ) so my computer desk and my entertainment center are right next to each other. I need suggestions on how to tidy up my wires under and behind my desk. I have 2 cable modems (One Voice one Data) a router a UPS and another power strip (No network closet for me my desk holds all of my network equipment. I do live near an Ikea, any I don't mind putting holes into the bottom of my desk to hold a wire rack or another gadget

Thanks

Oh and I have a bunch of cable ties already but my electrician friend said not to bundle up power cords as it will trap in the heat and cause them to melt possibly causing a fire (Is this true?)

 

[corkyg]

There is some truth in what your electrician friend said. I recall a personal experience when working on a A-D/D-A converter box for the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. It was having serious EMI problems that we could not get a handle on. Hundreds of small wires were bundled and routed into very neat wiring harnesses. During the course of attempted repairs, a tech undid the harness and allowed the wires to spill out randomly. Wonder of wonders! The EMI problem disappeared. It was caused by putting the wires and cables into neat bundles.

Behind my computer desks is the same hodge-podge that you describe. My solution? Out of sight, out of mind.

 

[MadAmos]

Originally posted by: corkyg


Behind my computer desks is the same hodge-podge that you describe. My solution? Out of sight, out of mind.

+1 :beer:

 

[Zepper]

You can get numerous types of cable organizers from many resellers and at the big box office supply or home improvement stores. When gathering cables, the idea is to avoid loops (coiling) that can enhance the effects of nearby lightning strikes (which create enormous charge fields) and other interference sources - hank back and forth (zig-zag or accordion) rather than loop. Here is one place with lots of items: cyberguys

I recently got some of their reusable cable straps (the same idea as zip-ties but easier to undo) and some self-stick mounts to hold them to any surface (could just staple them to wood with a staple gun or tape to other surfaces - or use a zip-tie and anchor pad to hold to surfaces). Might do well for your application.

.bh.

 

[lenjack]

Got the same mess. I agree if you don't see it, it doesn't matter. However, the last time I reconnected everything, I did label all the connectors.

 

[mpilchfamily]

If your power cords are heating up then the manufacture used smller wires then they should have. Heat with bundled wires should not be an issue. But there can be problems if power cables and data cables are bundled together. As mentioned above it can create EMI issues.

What you can do is use some of those zip ties to bundle up indivigual cables. For example an extra lond USB cable running to your printer. You can bundle the cable up so its not sagging everywhere and getting in the way of things.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Cable ties from the power cables and cables that I have accumulated.

 

[MedicBob]

Zip ties.... I don't more stuff around alot.

 

[antyler]

I use the velcro cable ties. Mine is somewhat out of sight, but it drives me crazy knowing its there.

Especially if changes are needed, it makes it much easier to just undo a few straps than worrying about having to undo a million knots.

 

[Concillian]

I have a big roll of double sided velcro. If I need to manage cables, I break out the roll and scissors and tie things up.