The Best Tips for Server Rack Cable Management

Anyone with experience in data centers knows the frustration of dealing with tangled cables. The long, chaotic knots of cables clogging the backs of server racks is a sight that would make anyone shudder.

Investing the proper time and energy into organizing your cables is critical for creating a safe, functional data center. These five cable management tips will help you organize your next installation.

The Top 5 Cable Management Tips

Follow these tips to build a safe, clean working environment for your staff and get the most out of your server rack cable management.

1. Plan Ahead

A poorly planned installation can lead to utter chaos and confusion later on when you need to add more cables. That’s why it’s so important to have a general idea of where all your cables will go before you begin connecting them.

Here are the steps for building an effective cable organization plan:

1. Measure connection distance: Figure out exactly how much space you have for your cables so you know how short to cut them. 
2. Color code and label your cables: If you’re using cables of different colors, document the meaning of each color. Additionally, label both ends of each cable so you know exactly where each end goes.
3. Map cable paths: Make sure your cables have a clear path and fit well in the rack before installation. Depending on where each cable is coming from, your original routing plan may need to change in the final installation.
4. Route your cables: Place all cables through the sides of the rack and secure them in your cable management bars. Make sure they are clear of any devices you’ll need to access later.
5. Plan for expansion: If there’s any room remaining in the rack, your setup is likely to grow in the future. Planning ahead can save you significant amounts of time and money later on.

You can experiment with your original plan for each new project to make any process adjustments you need.

2. Cut Cables to Length

One of the primary causes of tangled cabling is long cables. When you have lots of extra slack drooping from racks or lying in bundles on the floor, you create a hazardous work environment.

Use cable spools to custom-fit cables for your specific racks. You’ll need to install your own input jacks, but this extra step is well worth the time and effort.

3. Color Code Your Cables

Many installers assign specific colors to each connection type. A color-coded cable management server rack example might look like:

• Red: Computer
• Blue: Switches
• Green: Amplifiers
• Yellow: Power 
• Pink: Cooling

Your specific color system will depend on the connections you have in your server rack. Additionally, combining color coding with labels is a simple yet effective cable management method.

Remember to always stay consistent with the color coding scheme you choose. For example, if you use blue to designate switches for one installation, do the same for the next. Consistency helps you and your team recognize what you need to do in future installations.

4. Label Your Cables

Make sure to label both ends of each cable so you know right away which end goes where. Various label types are available to streamline your organization:

• Zip-tie tags: These are cost-efficient and simple to use. All you need to do is write on the attached tag with a permanent marker and tie it to the appropriate cable. You should reserve using zip ties for permanent installations only, since you’ll need to cut them if you ever need to add more cables.
• Hook and loop tags: These tags work like Velcro hooks, making them an excellent choice for racks and cabinets that you will add to later. 
• Wrap around: Wrap around labels are clean and effective because they do not include a hanging tag. You wrap the adhesive side around the cable to create the label. They also come in a variety of colors for easy identification.
• Self-adhesive: These labels come in printable sheets, so you can print your information directly on them. By printing instead of writing, you can ensure your labels are clear and legible. 

5. Use Cable Management Accessories

Cable management accessories help keep all your cables secure. Some examples of server rack cable management accessories include:

• Horizontal cable managers: Using a horizontal cable management bar between equipment helps lock cables in place. If the bar is exposed, a cover could provide a sleeker appearance and improve the security of your cables.
• Vertical cable managers: Many racks come with built-in vertical management bars, but you can install new ones if you need to. These accessories provide increased versatility for other cables or power strips.
• Overhead cable managers: String your cables up and over your cabinets to open up room inside and behind your racks.
• Fasteners: Tying your cables together prevents them from overlapping and becoming tangled with other groups of wiring. Several fastener options exist, including cable combs, zip ties, Velcro wraps, and heat shrink tubing. The specific fastener you use depends on your specific needs for each group of cables.
• Cable tie mounts: A cable tie mount keeps your fastened cable runs tight against floors, walls, and various other surfaces. 

Ultimately, vertical and horizontal cable managers are the most important accessories on this list. You need something that will aggregate your cables in both directions to keep them from getting tangled and creating a hazard.

The Benefits of Effective Cable Management

Cable management is important for ensuring smooth operations in your data centers and keeping your staff safe. Aside from preventing a serious trip hazard, the benefits of effective cable management include:

• Enhanced server performance: A well-managed cabling system separates cables, reducing the chances of interference and crosstalk.
• Reduced risk: When you know which cable you’re pulling, your chances of making a costly mistake decrease significantly.
• Improved serviceability: Organized cables provide easier, safer access to devices and components within the rack.
• Increased scalability: Proper cable management simplifies additions, moves, and adjustments, enabling smoother integration with new racks and components.
• Greater cooling efficiency: Cable management helps you keep your cables out of the way of critical airflows, allowing more hot air to vent out the back of your server racks. As a result, you’ll be able to keep your equipment cooler without using as much energy.

Organize Your Racks With Accessories From Emcor

If you need to install new equipment either inside or outside your racks, you can count on Emcor to provide the accessories you need to tie everything together. We offer various cable organizers for network and power cabling, including horizontal, vertical, and overhead management bars.

Browse our site for more information about our server rack power cable management products, and feel free to contact us with any questions.