Cable Management

Cables can be challenging to manage, often leading to tangles and disruptions. This can cause unnecessary hassle, such as devices getting accidentally unplugged during adjustments. Commonly referred to as "cable spaghetti," these situations highlight the need for effective IT cable management. Whether for communications, IT, facility wiring, local area networks, or power distribution, proper cable management is essential to ensure smooth operations and a clutter-free environment.

Cable Management for rack-mount system

The inclining trend in Enterprise-Class Level data centres is to implement high-density systems that have most of the available facility space.

The importance of an Enterprise-Class Level system lies in reliability and space issues. These systems address the usage of excessive components and cabling. Thus, they can accommodate highly-populated equipment racks with an abundance of data and power cables.

As the density of a rack increases, the role of IT cable management becomes increasingly significant. Mismanaged and unattended cables can result in these types of issues:

Low-Performance level - Performance will be slowed down due to signal crosstalk and interference across adjacent cables.
Difficulty in Maintenance - Unable to reach out to components as they are blocked by the cables.
Rise in Hazardous situations - Due to unchecked and unprotected movement, damaged cables can create unnecessary hazardous situations.
Cooling - Restricted and poor airflow surrounding the active components.

Should there occur any above situation, unscheduled downtown is to be expected. The rectification of the Enterprise-Class Level systems will be costly and unacceptable. Having a rack that has cost-efficient and effective management of power and data cabling, will aid to achieve the significant goals of IT infrastructure.

In Singapore, we offer top-notch structured cabling network services.

What we bring to the table:

Any of the above situations can lead to unscheduled downtime, which is costly and unacceptable for Enterprise-Class Level systems. Effective management of power and data cabling in a rack plays a crucial role in achieving key IT infrastructure goals. This is where we step in. At ACM, we provide structured cabling network services in Singapore, helping businesses optimise their IT cable management processes for greater efficiency and reliability. We offer:

Establish reliable and stable performance through the reduction and elimination of crosstalk and interference.
Serviceability through safer access to the individual components
Thermic efficiency through maximum airflow for cost-effective equipment cooling

Types of Cable Management

Proper cable management is vital for IT systems, and understanding the available options helps determine the most suitable solution. Here are the main types of IT cable management along with their pros and cons:

Cable Trays
Cable trays are one of the most widely used systems for managing large volumes of cables in industrial and commercial environments. They support and route cables along walls, ceilings, or floors.

Advantages:
• Excellent for organising and protecting cables in high-density setups.
• Easy to modify, expand, or reroute cables.
• Provides clear separation between power and data cables, reducing interference.

Disadvantages:
• Requires precise installation and space planning.
• May need frequent cleaning in dusty environments.

Cable Ties
Cable ties are simple, cost-effective tools for bundling cables. They come in various materials, including plastic, nylon, and velcro.

Advantages:
• Affordable and readily available.
• Quick and easy to use.
• Velcro ties are reusable, making them ideal for temporary setups.

Disadvantages:
• Plastic or nylon ties are single-use, contributing to waste.
• Tight bundling may damage sensitive cables over time.

Cable Sleeves and Covers
Cable sleeves and covers are used to group cables together while providing a protective layer. They are ideal for desk setups and entertainment systems.

Advantages:
• Neat appearance, perfect for open workspaces.
• Provides abrasion resistance and protection against accidental damage.
• Some are reusable and allow branching at various points.

Disadvantages:
• Installation may require tools or additional effort.
• Limited to certain lengths unless extended.

Raceways
Raceways are enclosed channels designed to hide and protect cables running along walls or under desks.

Advantages:
• Keeps cables concealed for a clean and professional look.
• Protects against environmental factors like dust and moisture.
• Easy to access for maintenance or upgrades.

Disadvantages:
• Installation can be time-consuming.
• Not suitable for extremely high cable volumes.

Cable Clips and Mounts
Cable clips and mounts are useful for securing cables along walls, furniture, or edges without drilling or adhesives.

Advantages:
• Non-invasive, making them ideal for delicate surfaces.
• Easy to install and remove.
• Suitable for routing cables across edges or tight spaces.

Disadvantages:
• May not support heavy cable bundles.
• Clips may lose grip over time with frequent adjustments.

Underfloor and Overhead Systems
These systems are often used in offices and data centres where multiple cables need to be routed discreetly.

Advantages:
• Keeps walkways and workspaces uncluttered.
• Provides excellent scalability for growing IT infrastructures.

Disadvantages:
• Installation can be expensive and requires professional expertise.
• It can be difficult to access cables for maintenance.