Rewiring: I've removed almost everything from my computer desk, and I want to rewire. I've added things over the years, and the wiring is a mess. I'm going to use plug-in strips for...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've removed almost everything from my computer desk, and I want to rewire. I've added things over the years, and the wiring is a mess. I'm going to use plug-in strips for power and USB hubs for computer connections. One problem I see with those hubs is the short wire, like 3". I've used USB extension cords, but they often need their connections jiggled.

I have one of those power-controlling strips that shuts off four outlets when I turn off the computer, so that prevents the 24-hour drain. The problem with a project like this is that I'll spend so much time thinking about the right way to do it that it will never get done.

george19

Consider various diameters of wire bundling material or spiral wrap. Try to avoid bundling things of different voltage, like power, USB, video.

You can also get tie wraps with a mounting hole above the receptacle for the tie. Hold that in place on your desk with a screw. Since these are rarer, I would mount a few and tie off to them with a smaller tie.

Also use smaller ties to keep things in place while you work, or even in place of the bundling material.

Thinking about it all pays off when you have a neat looking installation.

And in keeping with the overall theme, send pictures.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I "dress" my cables each time something gets replaced.
Still winds up looking like spaghetti.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

george19 wrote:

Consider various diameters of wire bundling materi... (show quote)

Thanks. I'll use Velcro, rather than screws. I use a label maker to identify each wire so I know what's what. I also have cable wraps for bundles of wire.

I got these for the wiring inside my car, but I might use some for the computer.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B071FXZBMV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mr. SONY Loc: LI, NY

Now would be a good time to add one or more APC ups's.
Other than my stereo all other electronic devices are protected by a ups.
Especially the cable box so that every time the power blinks we don't have to wait for it to reboot.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Mr. SONY wrote:

Now would be a good time to add one or more APC ups's.
Other than my stereo all other electronic devices are protected by a ups.
Especially the cable box so that every time the power blinks we don't have to wait for it to reboot.

I've always had a UPS on my computer, and I recently added one to the TV. A few months ago, the electricity flickered on and off several times in succession, and the TV didn't work right after that. At least it wasn't a new one, and this Samsung is nicer.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Mr. SONY wrote:

Now would be a good time to add one or more APC ups's.
Other than my stereo all other electronic devices are protected by a ups.
Especially the cable box so that every time the power blinks we don't have to wait for it to reboot.

buckbrush Loc: Texas then Southwest Oregon

jerryc41 wrote:

I've always had a UPS on my computer, and I recently added one to the TV. A few months ago, the electricity flickered on and off several times in succession, and the TV didn't work right after that. At least it wasn't a new one, and this Samsung is nicer.

Jerry, please share the name of your UPS as I recently had to replace my router, printer and modem because of exactly the same electrical flickering that you experienced.
Now that I've just installed a Starlink system its obvious I need to protect some more high dollar items!

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

You may also want to consider adding a second, dedicated circuit to that area. One breaker/circuit may become overloaded, or at least a reduced amount of electricity to each device. which could cause performance issues. It is amazing how much 'stuff' we add, to use our computers! I need to take my own advice, groan.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DougS wrote:

You may also want to consider adding a second, dedicated circuit to that area. One breaker/circuit may become overloaded, or at least a reduced amount of electricity to each device. which could cause performance issues. It is amazing how much 'stuff' we add, to use our computers! I need to take my own advice, groan.

I've used a Kill-A-Watt to check the wattage, and it's low. Basically, it's the computer, monitor, and speakers. I use only one other component at a time, and they all draw very little current.

Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

jerryc41 wrote:

I've removed almost everything from my computer de... (show quote)

Jerry, for "Wall Warts" (Transformers-Universal AC to DC adapters) the BENSN (3 Pack) 16AWG 3 Prong Plug Indoor Outdoor Power Strip Liberator Outlet Saver, 1 to 3 Extension AC Cable Outlet Power Splitter SJTW Wire Cord for Computer, Scanner, Transformer, LED Stage Light really comes in handy for organizing wires.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B075ZRB14L/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B075ZRB14L&pd_rd_w=SK9iI&pf_rd_p=4269e1a0-a218-4fbd-9748-1cd337d2f2a5&pd_rd_wg=VVE3B&pf_rd_r=PD65YWKA0TV20R7ADDKB&pd_rd_r=8ea43765-429f-4efb-bc7a-e95da744a29e&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySUszUFo5RjlSM0VMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTc3NzcyMVRSN1M2WE9YSjRIMiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTQxNjY1U044Vk43WjAwVVA4JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

JimmyT

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

I got tired of the mess too. So I got some 2 inch plastic plumbing pipe, cut a half inch slot in it un the table saw. Now I screw it onto an out of the way surface and lay all of the wires in it like a tray. The slot being open the entire length, the wires can come out at any spot. Seems to work.

Ed

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

The most recent USB hub I bought has a 3ft. cord and individual on off switches for each port.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JX1ZS5O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

jerryc41 wrote:

I've removed almost everything from my computer de... (show quote)

You should let that guy who didn't have any socks do it for you

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Jimmy T wrote:

Jerry, for "Wall Warts" (Transformers-Un... (show quote)

Yes, those things are great, but I was able to do all the wiring without using any this time. The wiring is much neater now.