Enclosure Cable Manager Accessories
Cable manager accessories can include various items designed to aid in the installation and control of cables and their connected equipment. For instance, rear panels can offer additional support to manage cables coming from the backside of the rack. These are often a pair with the front-facing patch panels, offering a streamlined solution for complex cabling needs.
In addition to panels, other accessories like steel or aluminum hooks can be mounted on racks to guide cables in an organized manner. These hooks can vary in diameter and depth, offering flexibility for different types and sizes of cables. They can be particularly useful in control cabinets or server racks where space is at a premium.
Ties are another set of accessories that are simple to install and offer essential support for keeping cables organized. They can be particularly useful when changes to the cable layout occur over time, as they allow for easy adjustments without requiring a complete overhaul of the existing setup.
More Information about Cable Management Accessories
When it comes to mounting accessories on racks or cabinets, the choice of material—be it steel or aluminum—can also play a role in the durability and protection level for the cables. Each type of material has its pros and cons, and the best choice may depend on the specific requirements of the installation.
Cable manager accessories not only help in keeping the cables organized but also make efficient use of available space. They offer a variety of options for the routing and protection of cables, thereby enhancing the overall cable management system. In the end, whether you are looking to sort, control, or support your cables, these accessories are designed to save you time and ensure a cleaner, more organized setup.
Control Panel Fabrication: Best Practices
Use a larger enclosure whenever possible.
This allows room in the panel design to properly space all of the hardware and to install larger wire ducting. Panels that have ample space tend be me more organized, while panels that have everything crammed into a small space tend to be more difficult to work in and are often less organized.
Tap holes instead of using self-tapping screws.
It is common for panel builders to use self-tapping screws to save time during the fabrication process. While it can save time, this type of fastener does not always provide the consistent, strong connection that may be needed for the mounted hardware. This is especially true when hardware may need to be removed at some point and then later reattached. Holes that have been tapped prior to hardware installation will offer a stronger, more consistent connection point that will last longer.
Ensure that wire ducting is large enough.
It is very easy to undersize wire ducting when designing a panel. It is important to always plan for wire ducting to have extra room available once all wires have been run through it, including field wires.
When in doubt, label it.
It is a very good practice to label wires in a control panel, but it is not always required to label the other types of hardware in the panel to meet code. It is important to understand that any operators that may access this panel at a later date may not understand what the hardware in the panel is intended for. To make the panel is as safe as possible, and to allow operators to function in the panel more efficiently, it is a good idea to label everything that may come into question.