Wiktor Wise
Exposed electric cords on the floor are unsightly and can pose a tripping hazard. There are several ways to cover them, including using plastic or rubber cable protectors, crown moulding, or tubing and cable ties. Some people also use rugs to cover cords, but this may not be safe as it could lead to a fire if the cord overheats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use rugs to cover cords | Fire risk and tripping hazard |
| Plastic cord covers | Flat, D-shaped, use double-sided tape to stick to the floor |
| Crown moulding | Effective in concealing electrical wiring |
| Cable ties | Binding power cords with tubing or attaching cords to furniture legs with dark-colored plastic zip ties |
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What You'll Learn
Use plastic cord covers
Plastic cord covers are a popular choice for covering electric cords on floors. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to install, providing a seamless and organised look for your space. They typically come in a flat D-shape profile, rolled up, and are installed using double-sided tape.
While plastic cord covers offer a simple solution, user reviews suggest some challenges with this method. Some users have reported issues with keeping the cover flat and securely stuck to the floor. It is important to consider the durability and ease of installation of the cover, especially if you need a temporary solution or frequently rearrange your furniture.
To address the issue of the cover not laying flat, you could explore alternatives such as cable ramps or rubber ducts. Cable ramps provide an ADA-compliant solution with a gentle slope, ensuring easy passage for wheelchairs and mobility devices. They also offer a wide, stable, and non-slip surface, enhancing safety and preventing accidents. Rubber ducts are another option, providing flexibility and durability while protecting your cords.
When selecting a plastic cord cover, consider your specific needs and preferences. Evaluate the durability, ease of installation, aesthetics, and safety features offered by different products. Additionally, ensure that the cover you choose complies with the relevant safety standards and guidelines for your region.
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Avoid covering with rugs
Covering electrical cords with rugs should be avoided due to the fire hazard it poses. Many rugs, especially Persian and Oriental rugs, are made of wool, a highly flammable natural fiber. If an electrical cord under a rug malfunctions, it could easily set the rug on fire, and the fire could spread from there.
To prevent this, electrical cords should be kept away from the center of the rug, where they are more likely to come into contact with wool fibers. Instead, run the cord around the perimeter of the rug, or underneath it, ensuring it does not touch the rug.
If you must run a cord under a rug, use a fire-resistant cord cover or electrical tape to create a barrier between the electrical current and the rug. However, it is important to note that this method is not always effective, as user reviews of cord covers suggest that they do not always lay flat or stay stuck to the floor.
In addition to the above measures, it is crucial to keep fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, easily accessible. Regularly check that your smoke alarms are functioning properly and always have an emergency plan in place.
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Use tubing or cable ties
Using tubing or cable ties is an effective way to manage electrical cords on the floor. Tubing, also known as floor cord covers, is designed to be laid on the floor and covered with a rug or other flooring material. This method offers a safe and efficient way to keep cords hidden and organised while protecting them from wear and tear. Floor cord covers are available in various materials, such as plastic or rubber, and thicknesses to suit different needs. For example, heavy-duty cable protector ramps are suitable for industrial settings, while flexible cord covers are ideal for office use.
When selecting a floor cord cover, it is essential to consider the thickness of the cover to ensure it can accommodate the number of cords you need to manage. Additionally, some floor cord covers come with double-sided tape to secure them to the floor, while others may require screws or anchors for installation.
Cable ties, also known as wire ties or zip ties, can be used in conjunction with tubing to secure cords within the tubing and prevent them from becoming tangled. They can also be used independently to bind multiple power cords together or attach cords to furniture legs, keeping them out of sight and reducing clutter. Cable ties are available in various colours, including dark colours that can blend in with the cords and furniture.
When using tubing or cable ties to manage electrical cords on the floor, it is important to ensure that the solution is safe and accessible. For example, in public spaces, cable ramps should adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, which include having a gentle slope, a wide and stable surface, and slip resistance to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.
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Hide with furniture
Hiding electrical cords with furniture is a great way to keep your space looking neat and tidy. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Firstly, consider the placement of your furniture. Pulling furniture away from the walls and having it "float" in the middle of the room can create a more spacious feel. However, this may result in unsightly cords running across the floor. To avoid this, place your electrical items, such as floor lamps, near tables or shelves. This allows you to drape the cords behind the furniture, keeping them out of sight.
Another option is to use wire clips or command hooks to secure the cords to the back legs or the backside of your furniture. You can also use dark-colored plastic zip ties for this purpose. If you want to get creative, paint the cords to match the color of your furniture for added camouflage.
If you have multiple cords, consider bundling them together with zip ties or Velcro straps. This will simplify cord management and make it easier to hide them behind furniture.
For a more permanent solution, consider cutting a small hole in the back of your furniture to feed the cords through. This works especially well for desks, consoles, and nightstands.
Lastly, when arranging your furniture, be mindful of the cord length and placement of outlets. Try to position your electrical items in a way that minimizes the visibility of cords. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious blend of style and practicality.
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Crown moulding
Firstly, you need to purchase the right product. Look for crown moulding that snaps onto an electrical wireway. A wireway is a trough designed to protect electrical wires from dust, moisture and oils. Most wireways have simple hinged or removable covers. Manufacturers now offer wireways with crown moulding fronts, which, once installed, are indistinguishable from traditional trim.
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment. Turn off the power at the circuit panel and use a voltage tester to double-check. Wear safety glasses and gloves, and ensure the room is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling dust during drilling.
The next step is to install the wireway. Screw the track into place on the wall, three inches below the ceiling. Drill holes through the track and into the wall, and then drop the wiring down into the wall where the new outlet will be. Secure the wiring with plastic zip ties, putty over the holes, and then snap the crown moulding face onto the track.
Finally, attach the crown moulding cover. Measure and cut the crown moulding pieces to fit, accounting for pre-fabricated corners. Use a miter saw for precise cuts. Snap the crown moulding cover onto the installed wireway and use keystones to join longer sections of moulding for a seamless look.
Once the crown moulding is in place, you can restore power carefully and test each new outlet to confirm it is working correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use plastic or rubber cable protectors, which are thick ramps designed to protect wires and cables from foot traffic.
You can use crown moulding to conceal electrical wiring from an outlet or running cables from one part of a room to another. You can also use cable raceways, which are metallic or plastic channels that can be installed along a wall or ceiling.
While it may be tempting to use a rug to cover an electrical cord, it is generally not recommended as it could be a fire risk.
Yes, you can be creative with ways to hide electrical cords. For example, you can bind power cords with tubing or cable ties, or use dark-coloured plastic zip ties to attach power cords to furniture legs.
Cable protectors come in a variety of materials, including plastic and rubber. They also come in different shapes, such as flat D-shaped profiles or ramps, and can be installed using double-sided tape or connected together in a modular design.
