Wires and cables are essential to the modern home, providing power and connectivity to your devices and appliances. They’re the primary tools that help you access electricity.
However, they can also pose safety risks if not appropriately protected. Exposed or damaged wires and cables can cause electrical shocks, fires, and other hazards. Thus, it’s crucial to take steps to keep them safe, tidy, and clean.
This article will offer tips on protecting wires and cables at home. By following them, you can ensure your family’s safety and prevent damage to your electrical system.
Use Cable Covers
Cable covers are a great way to shield wires and cables from damage. They are available in different sizes and materials, including plastic, rubber, and metal.
These tools can be used to cover wires and cables exposed on the floor or walls to prevent them from being damaged by foot traffic, furniture, or other heavy and sharp objects. Plus, they’re easy to install and can be cut to the desired length using a pair of scissors.
Install Conduits
A conduit is a tube or pipe used to protect wires and cables. It’s available in different materials, including PVC, metal, and fiberglass. You can install one on a wall’s surface or bury it in the ground.
Conduits provide extra protection for wires and cables, preventing them from being damaged by rodents, moisture, or other hazards. They are also required by electrical codes in some areas, so review them with your local authorities before installing them.
One commonly used type of conduit is the corrugated conduit, which has a ribbed design that allows it to bend and flex without breaking. This type is ideal for applications where the conduit needs to be routed around corners or through tight spaces.
Organize Your Wires And Cables With Cable Ties
Cable ties, or zip ties, are an easy and affordable way to bundle and arrange wires and cables. They keep them together, especially if they’re too long and are always entangled with your furniture’s legs or other objects. They can also prevent them from becoming tangled or damaged.
If you need to attach wires and cables to walls or other surfaces, you can also use cable ties to keep them out of the way and reduce the risk of tripping.
Label Your Wires And Cables
Labeling your wires and cables is an essential step in protecting them. Doing so will make it easier for you to identify which is which. In turn, that makes troubleshooting problems or making changes to your electrical system a breeze.
Labeling can be done using a label maker or by writing on a piece of tape and attaching it to the wire or cable.
Keep Wires And Cables Away From Heat Sources
Among the most dangerous things you can do with your wires and cables is leave them near heat sources, such as stoves, heaters, or radiators.
Heat can damage the insulation on wires and cables, leading to electrical hazards or even fires. Thus, if some of your wires or cables are placed near any heat source, route them away or use heat-resistant covers to protect them.
Use Cord Protectors
Cord protectors can protect cords from being crushed, pinched, or twisted, particularly those exposed on the floor, walls, or other high-traffic areas.
You may need clarification about how similar cord protectors are to cable covers. Although they have the same function, they have different features.
Cable covers are designed to be dropped over wires, providing a quick and easy installation and removal process. They offer some protection to the cable but do not completely encase it.
On the other hand, cable protectors are designed to fully encase cables, offering a more secure level of protection.
While cable protectors may take longer to install and remove, they provide better protection against damage and hazards.
Overall, cord protectors help prevent damage to your cords and reduce the risk of electrical hazards. Make sure to choose the right type for your needs.
Check Your Wiring Regularly
Like other things, you’ll need to regularly check your wiring to ensure it’s in good condition. Find signs of wear and tear, such as frayed fibers or breaks in the insulation. If you see any damage, replace the wiring as soon as possible.
Organize Your Wires and Cables
Disorganized wires and cables are tripping hazards. To fix that, use cable ties, cord clips, or cable management boxes to keep them organized and out of the way. This will also make it easier to identify them whenever you need to.
Wrapping Up
With these tips, you can protect your wires and cables from damage and reduce the risk of electrical hazards. Remember to always follow electrical codes and regulations and seek a professional electrician’s help if you’re unsure about some aspects of your grid.
