Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Useful Tips To Manage Your AV Cables

By Adriana Noton

AV cables ensure that one can get the desired performance from a system. Therefore, it is important to manage the cables properly. The performance of the system is greatly affected by cables which are not handled properly. To avoid this, use simple techniques and tips to take good care of your cables.

Best cable management practices require that a number of guidelines are followed. These guidelines will apply independent of the way in which the cabling is to be done. They are meant to ensure a synchronized and optimal performance between the cabling and the powered systems.

Magnetic fields running around power cables will affect the performance of connection cables if placed too close to each other. Therefore, a considerable separation of the two types of wires is desirable. Your systems electrical will perform well if the two types of wire do not cross.

The length of the cable should be determined by the distance it is meant to cover. The aspects of cost should not be allowed to influence this. It is true that shorter cables will cost less but this comes along with its challenges. Cables should be long enough to avoid stretching so that the cable is preserved. Long cables are also easier to run through various paths with minimum blockages.

The plastic coating around cables acts as a shield to the conducting element inside it. Excellent insulation will enhance the optimal performance of the cable and the whole system. Protect the insulation by good handling to avoid abrasions on the coating or breakages. Damaged cables should be replaced immediately.

Use such accessories as wire clips or connection piping to bundle together cables together and well secured in place. Clamp the cables with plastic strands specifically designed for this purpose keeping them neat with a knot after every three to four feet. Use clips of appropriate sizes to reduce the risk of deforming the cables when trying to fit them in the clamp. If using connection piping, ensure that they are wide enough to accommodate the bundle. You can also paint the piping to match your decor.

One of the easiest options is to run your wires under the cover of your carpet edges. The space between the wall and the carpet is beneficial if utilized properly. Run cables along this space only if their sizes fit the space available. Avoid squeezing larger sizes to fit in small spaces. This might damage the cable. Pass wire round corner in spread out curves and avoid sharp turns.

Use cable labels to identify and mark the different cables to their respective sockets to avoid confusing. This will also enable you to differentiate AV cables from power cables and detach them within appropriate distance. Excess length of cables should be kept in S shape or figure eight to prevent interference due to crossing magnetic fields. Do not loop round excess cable.

Cabinets offer useful space to keep your system components. To connect these components holes can be drilled through the cabinet walls to allow for the passage of AV cables. Care needs t be taken to avoid damage of cables by rough edges through these holes. - 40727

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