Otis Singleton
There are many ways to store electrical cords efficiently, depending on the length and type of cord. For example, if you have multiple cords of a similar type, you can use cable ties or rubber bands to roll them up neatly and place them in labelled boxes. You can also use cable wraps, such as Velcro straps, to keep coiled cords together and hang them on a utility hook. If you're looking for a more low-cost option, you can use Velcro cable ties to store cords in ziplock bags or plastic bins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coil method | Over-under, around-the-arm, chain-link |
| Coil tools | Velcro straps, cord wraps, cable ties, rubber bands |
| Storage | Wall hooks, 5-gallon buckets, wall-mounted racks, tool bags, boxes, totes, pouches |
| Accessories | Bread bag tabs, label makers, sticky labels, electrical tape |
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What You'll Learn
Use the over-under method
The over-under method is a great way to store electrical cords. It is a favourite among experts in consumer safety, electrical engineering, and construction trades. This method is simple, quick, and easy, and requires nothing to buy. It works with the cord's natural curve, allowing it to rest stress-free.
To use the over-under method, start by making a simple loop in the cord with an overhand knot. This loop can be hung over a nail, scaffolding peg, or anything similar, to support the weight of the heavy part of the cord. This is especially useful when working at height, as you won't have to deal with the weight of the cord in a precarious position.
Next, you can begin to create the over-under coil. This method takes a little practice, but it keeps your cord organised and easy to transport. It also works with the cord's natural curve, reducing stress on the wires. When coiling, make sure to loop in an over-under fashion, with each loop on top of one another. This can be easily thrown in a straight line while standing in one place, and can be stored on a utility hook or in a tool bag.
To secure the coil, use a Velcro strap or a cable tie, and store it on a wall hook or in a bucket. You can also use cord wraps or reusable Velcro straps to keep the coil together. For added convenience, use cord wraps with a small hole or clip that lets you keep the strap wrapped around the cord when not in use.
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Store in a 5-gallon bucket
Storing electrical cords in a 5-gallon bucket is a clever solution to keep your cords tangle-free and easy to access. To do this, you will need a drill and a bucket.
Firstly, use a drill with a 2-inch-diameter hole saw to bore a hole in the side of the bucket. The hole should be large enough to pass the cord's male end through. You can also opt for a smaller hole, about an inch and a quarter or an inch and a half, if you want to pass only the plug end through.
Next, coil the cord using the over-and-under technique, which is the preferred method for coiling cords among professionals. This method helps prevent tangles and allows the cord to lie flat when in use. To do this, hold the cord in your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to grab a section of the cord about an arm's length away. Twist the cord over, creating a loop, then slide your hand down the cord. Create the next loop by twisting the cord under. Continue alternating over and under until you reach the end of the cord.
Once the cord is coiled, pass the male or plug end of the cord through the hole in the bucket and feed the rest of the cord inside. When you need to use the cord, simply place the bucket near an outlet, plug in the male end, and pull out as much cord as needed.
This method is a great way to store electrical cords in a 5-gallon bucket, keeping them organised and accessible while preventing tangles.
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Label your cords
Labelling cords is a great way to keep your cord storage system organised. You can label cords in a variety of ways, depending on what works best for you. Some people prefer to label the container that the cords are in, rather than the cords themselves. This can be done using a simple label maker, or by writing on the container with a permanent marker. This method is quick, easy, and helps you keep track of your cords without having to attach labels to individual cords.
If you want to label your cords individually, one option is to use bread plastic closures, which are flat plastic bread bag tabs with a flexible hole at the end. You can write on these with a permanent marker and then tape them to the cord. This method allows you to identify cords at a glance, which is especially helpful when you have multiple cords plugged in at once.
Another option for labelling individual cords is to use a handheld electric label maker. You can print out labels with the name or model of the item, fold the label in half, and then stick it to the cord. This method ensures that the label stays in place and is easy to read. It is especially useful for households with multiple similar adapters from the same brand.
You can also use different coloured electrical tape to label cords, which is a quick and easy way to identify cords without having to attach anything to the cord itself. This method is helpful when you need to find a specific cord in a pinch.
For unbranded transformers, it is a good idea to label them with the item they go with, such as a spotlight or radio. This helps you know which cord to pack with which device when decluttering or travelling. Labelling cords can also be useful for knowing which cord to unplug, especially if you have multiple cords plugged into a USB hub or power strip.
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Use cord wraps
If you're storing your electrical cords in a coil, it's a good idea to use cord wraps to keep them neat and tidy. You can buy cord wraps online or at a hardware store. They usually come in the form of Velcro straps with a small hole or clip that keeps the strap attached to the cord when not in use.
To use a cord wrap, start by folding the cord in half and looping the end through like a loose knot. Then, reach through the loop, grab the doubled cord, and pull it through. Repeat this process, making a "chain" with each new loop. This is known as the over-under or figure 8 method. You can also use a roadie wrap, where you alternate the direction you wrap the cord with each loop.
If you don't want to buy cord wraps, you can use a reusable cable clamp or a piece of hook-and-loop tape (such as Velcro) to secure your cords. You can also repurpose stretchable bands used for baby bottles or sippy cups to bundle medium-sized cords.
Remember to keep your cords loose when storing them. Never coil or loop them tightly, as this can damage the cord and create hazardous heat buildup when in use.
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Store in a divided turntable
A divided turntable can be a great way to store electrical cords in an organised and easily accessible manner. Here are some tips to make the most of this storage method:
Firstly, ensure you have a secure spot for your turntable, preferably in a location where you often need access to various cords, such as your office or workspace. Once you've placed your divided turntable in a convenient spot, you can start organising your cords.
Sort your cords by type and allocate each section of the turntable for a specific type of cord. For instance, you could dedicate one section solely for USB-to-iPhone cords, ensuring that they are easily identifiable and accessible when needed. Similarly, you can assign another section for small cords that aren't iPhone-related, such as iPad, headphone, Alexa, or Kindle cords. This way, you create a dedicated spot for similar items, making it simpler to locate and retrieve the correct cord.
Another advantage of using a divided turntable is the ability to store power bricks separately. Power bricks are often interchangeable with different cords, so having them in their own section allows for easy access and flexibility when using various devices.
Additionally, utilise one section specifically for adapters. Adapters are prone to getting misplaced, so storing them in a designated area on the turntable ensures they remain organised and readily available when needed.
By following these steps and utilising a divided turntable, you can effectively manage your electrical cords, making cord storage and retrieval a seamless task.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to store electrical cords, including:
- Using cable ties, rubber bands, or Velcro cable ties to roll up cords and place them in labelled boxes or Ziploc bags.
- Storing cords in coiled stacks, which can be hung on utility hooks or stored in buckets.
- Installing sturdy U-hooks on walls to loop cords onto.
- Using cable clamps to secure bundles of cords.
- Labelling cords with bread bag tabs or a label maker.
If you are storing cords that are still plugged into devices, you can use:
- Cable management trays that clamp to the bottom of your desk to keep cords close by yet out of sight.
- Cable wraps to keep cords in coiled stacks.
- A "figure 8" wrap, which is useful for headphone cables.
If you are storing cords that are not in use, you can:
- Store them in cardboard tubes from toilet rolls.
- Hang them on a hatrack or pegboard on the wall.
- Store them in PVC pipes, which can be marked with their length.
