FAQ
TL;DR: The average U.S. household now has 21 connected devices, and “41% of consumers dislike managing their devices.” Organize daily-use cables on wall slotted trunking; stash seldom-used ones in labeled boxes with zip bags. [Deloitte, 2023]
Why it matters: Clear storage cuts retrieval time, prevents damage, and keeps shared charging/work areas neat for families and small labs.
Quick Facts
- Slotted wiring duct can hold cables without the lid if plug heads can’t slip through the slots; pick slot size accordingly. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682951]
- Use enough screws and add washers so loaded trunking won’t sag or detach; long cables can hang doubled. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682954]
- Tight-mesh wire shelving works as a test-lead rack; 0.5 in centers with 0.38 in slots fit many probe hooks. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682964]
- Quart/gallon zip-lock bags sort USB/audio leads by length or type and stop tangles inside storage bins. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682957]
What’s the best way to store USB, power, and audio cables indoors?
Split by usage: mount frequently used cables on slotted trunking near the bench; file rarely used ones in labeled boxes with zip bags. This combo gives quick access while keeping clutter hidden. It’s the approach several posters converged on during the thread. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682962]
How do I build a wall slotted-trunking rack for cables?
Pick duct with slot width smaller than your plug heads. Mount a horizontal length on the wall. Hang cables by their plugs or loop them through adjacent slots. “You really don’t need the lid.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682951]
How do I make sure the trunking doesn’t rip off the wall?
Anchor into studs or suitable anchors, use more screws than you think, and add washers to spread the load. Double long cables to reduce leverage. One user noted under-screwed trunking sagged; extra fixings cured it. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682954]
Can I use the lid or partial covers on wiring duct?
You can skip the lid; the slots retain cables if you sized them right. If you want containment, slide short 6-inch lid segments where needed to keep loops tucked in. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682952]
Are plastic boxes a bad idea for cable storage?
Boxes are space-efficient and discreet under desks. They trade speed for compactness: expect to “root around” unless you bag and label contents. Use them for spares, not daily leads. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682955]
How do zip bags and straps reduce cable mess?
Bag small-to-medium cables by type/length in quart or gallon zip-locks. Coil large cables, then secure with Velcro straps or twist ties. This stops tangles and speeds selection from bins. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682963]
What if I can’t drill into walls at home or work?
Mount racks to furniture or metal cabinets. Pomona-style lead racks can magnet-mount, though mixed BNC adapters challenge neat grouping. Tight-mesh shelving also screws to bookcase sides. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682965]
Is wire shelving actually useful for test leads?
Yes. TightMesh or similar shelving with half‑inch centers and 0.38-inch slots holds hook leads and small probes well when mounted near your bench. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682964]
Why bother organizing now—how many devices do I really have?
Households average 21 connected devices, down from a 2021 peak of 25. More devices mean more cables or adapters. Organization scales better than ad‑hoc drawers. [Deloitte, 2023]
What is Tuya?
Tuya (Tuya Smart) is a global AIoT platform that brands and developers use to build and manage smart devices and apps across categories. [Tuya Inc.]
What is Arduino Nano?
Arduino Nano is a compact, breadboard‑friendly microcontroller board (originally ATmega328P) offering Uno‑like I/O in a smaller form factor for embedded projects. [Arduino Nano]
What is OpenBeken?
OpenBeken is open‑source firmware that replaces Tuya/Beken and other modules, offering Tasmota‑like setup and Home Assistant/MQTT compatibility. [OpenBeken GitHub]
What is CAN bus?
CAN bus is a differential, multi‑master serial network (designed by Bosch) widely used in vehicles; classic CAN runs up to 1 Mbit/s. [CAN bus]
What did the thread starter finally choose?
They leaned toward a hybrid: Tupperware‑style boxes plus zip‑lock bags for shelf storage, while planning to inspect trunking at a surplus store. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682961]
Any failure modes to watch for with wall racks?
Under‑fastened trunking can sag or detach when loaded. Use more screws, proper anchors, and washers to distribute force and prevent pull‑out. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682954]
Quick 3‑step: how do I set up a grab‑and‑go cable wall?
- Mount slotted trunking level with ample screws and washers into studs.
- Sort cables by type/length; loop long ones to halve their drop.
- Hang by plugs; add short lid segments only where loops poke out. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21682951]
