The work-from-home revolution is picking up momentum and is full-steam-ahead right now. You might have noticed that while you may be using a laptop you’re stuck to a web of cables.
Not convinced? Between 2012-2016 13% of home fires were electrical fires from unattended equipment. We have more wires now than ever before.
Though, you could be an IT professional looking for guidance to a more efficient, safer, and cheaper office layout.
This article covers both working situations to help you see what codes you need to follow, as well as principles of cable management that might save your work and your life.
Ready to find out more? Keep reading!
Cables for the Home Office
It isn’t always possible to go with a wireless solution to cable management, but sometimes that might be the best choice.
More and more people are getting away from tacky-looking and wire-damaging “bandaid” solutions like heavy-duty binder clips. There are plenty of sleek and safe wire solutions, even for home offices.
Whatever solution you’re looking for, make sure you follow these tips:
- Gently bind wires together
- Label and identify cables
- Keep cables from piling up on the floor
- Use shorter cables or use cable wraps to shorten them
- Don’t run cables over walking areas without a cable cover
These rules are basic but all-encompassing. Rolling over or walking on loose cables on a floor increases chances of arcing, shocking, or data issues. Having a nest of cables draping onto the floor increases the chances of electrical fire and more.
What about commercial concerns? Keep reading
Commercial Cable Runs
In the commercial world, cable trunking is not only an essential task for safety but also security.
Solutions for commercial or industrial cable trunking follow the same guidelines as home-office ones — just on a larger scale. There are a number of codes that retail to industrial businesses need to follow. These codes can guide you, but only you can decide if a product might give increased security or safety in a sensitive area.
Where security isn’t as much of a concern as looking professional, plastic trunking conduit is a common fixture. It’s a safe and non-destructive wiring solution for any place in the building where walls may move, or have historical significance.
It also prevents the usage of zip-ties and staples, which can easily damage and cut cables. This degrades electrical safety.
Even simple wire sleeves at office stations will increase professionalism, security, and safety in this regard.
Taking Management of Cables Seriously
Efficient trunking and cable management will make you happier with your workspace, maybe by helping to get rid of some wires altogether. Less clutter will improve your mental flow and give a more professional air to your workspace.
No one wants to see a waterfall of cables, especially clients. It isn’t flattering and it doesn’t lend you that professional respect that is earned with such difficulty.
Most of all, it improves fire and shock safety, the integrity of your data and power systems, and more.
Keep browsing to find out what other building codes you might be missing!