Today’s environment is highly competitive, employees need to deliver their best and that is why working space must be clean and tidy. Cable management is arguably one of the most neglected subfields of workspace organization. Untidy cables still wired all over the place can reduce efficiency, pose risks as well as compromise the appearance of your business space. This is where under desk cable tray comes handy. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how you can optimally organise your working area using an under desk cable tray.
Under Desk Cable Tray can be defined as What you need to know?
An under desk cable tray is an ingenious cable management product that is meant to help you keep your cables out of sight and off the floor. This stands normally under your desk and it has a tray or basket like appearance and it is used to contain cables, power strips, adapters and other components. It may therefore give a new look to your workplace and can reduce the odds of having accidents and slip tripping cases making your workplace more efficient.
Why You Need Under Desk Cable Tray
Cable management issues can lead to several issues; ranging from just mere inconveniences and discomforts to very serious and dangerous situations that can lead to loss of important items such as laptops and can also make one lose focus in other activities that he or she may be involved in. Here are some of the key reasons you need an under desk cable tray:Here are some of the key reasons you need an under desk cable tray:
Improved Safety: Wires which are placed haphazardly on the floor are a trip hazard or maybe in areas with a lot of people traffic. An under desk cable tray can also be used to help them stay out of sight and safely organised.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Cable wires when tangled look messy and give your working area an unplanned look. Another cable management method is to use a cable tray which gives a neater outlook, thus making the atmosphere of the workplace more professional.
Increased Productivity: Making your working environment clean and/ or clearing the working space from unnecessary items is likely to minimize distractions. Under desk cable management reduces interference and is likely to enhance productivity at the workplace.
Longer Cable Life: It is evident that the management of the cables can also be done well in order to increase their durability. Cables which are hanging, rolled up, or wound around are easily damaged while with a cable tray they will be protected as well as properly arranged.
How to Choose Under Desk Cable Tray: Buyer’s Guide
In choosing the under desk cable tray, several factors have to be taken into account so that one can make the right decision regarding the under desk cable tray for a particular workplace.
Size and Capacity
This means that the size of the under desk cable tray should correspond with the amount of cables which you intend to contain. If you have many cords, outlets, and other related apparatus, it is desirable to buy a larger tray. For less bulkier gears, a small tray may be useful. Check the available space under the table where you shall be placing the tray and make sure it occupies minimal space so as not to interfere with leg space.
Material and Durability
The choice of the tray’s material is another aspect for consideration. Metal trays are hard and firm thus appropriate to meals that require hardy serving trays. Plastic trays are comparatively lighter and do not corrode easily as compared to the metallic trays. Select a material on the basis of your need for durability but at the same time one that will not be very expensive.
Mounting Options
When it comes to mounting some trays are installed by screwing them onto the wall while others come with adhesive strips for fixing on the wall. Think about how permanent you want the setup to be and about the type of surface on the top of the desk. Screw-mounted tray is more stable and the adhesive tray is for those who don’t want to drill in their car interiors.
Ventilation and Heat Dissipation
If you are working with power strips and other electronic equipment under the desk then the aspect of ventilation is paramount when selecting a tray. Proper airflow means that there will be no overheating of the devices and thus the devices will be safe.
How to : A Simple Guide to Installing an Under Desk Cable Tray
An under desk cable tray is very easy to install but planning is essential in making sure that installation process will not pose a problem at all.
To begin with, ensure you have all the tools that you will require at your disposal once you go through the various steps.
Before installation, make sure you have the necessary tools:Before installation, make sure you have the necessary tools:
Depending on the tray it is a screwdriver or a drill.
Measuring tape
For tying the cables, the following are recommended; Cable ties or Velcro straps for bundling the cables
First you need to map out how you want your cables to run which would be the following step,
Step 2: Plan Your Cable Layout
Decide which cables are to be managed and how they are to traverse the tray. The cables should however be left a little loose so that it can be fixed or adjusted when the need arises.
Step 3: Indication of the mounting point
Place the tray under the desk and indicate with pencil where you intend to fix the tray to. Make sure the tray is flat and not very high from the ground so that once you have mounted all your cables they can easily accessed.
Step 4 Install the tray
I personally didn’t face any issues with this step but it might be a great point to troubleshoot if the entire program fails to work as expected.
The mounting of the tray should be preferably dowels with screws or adhesive strips. If you are using screws then it’s advisable to first drill holes to create a passage for the screws in order not to harm the desk.
Step 5: Tidying the Cables
Once there is the tray, it is necessary to organize the cable by use of cable ties or Velcro straps. Slide them through the tray uniformly, conveniently neat stack, preferably tied or clipped in a perfect pack.
How to Achieve the Maximum Benefits of Having an Under Desk Cable Tray
As we mentioned above an under desk cable tray is not just a decoration or a tool to hide the cables. If you want to take that extra step and do even more to improve your working environment and maximize your cable tray, then here’s what you should do.
Use with Other Cable Clamp and Organizer
Further to the tray that solves the under desk clutter issue, there are other accessories such as cable trays, cable clips and desk grommets that enable you to organize your wires properly on the top part of the desk. This enhances the organization of the cables and eliminates the problem of tangling, and besides this, it provides additional rigidity to the sturdier wires which makes the cables self-supporting on the wall.
Label Your Cables
In case you have many cables connected in the tray, it is wise that you give them names for ease of identification. It will be helpful in the event that you require to locate a specific cable, or disconnect it from the other end.
Regularly Clean and Maintain
Cables over time trap dust both in and around the cable tray. It is recommended to monitor the condition of the tray and the cables on a daily basis and clean the tray as often as possible. This way you will have no problems in the future since everything will be in good condition.
Cost-Effectiveness of Under Desk Cable Trays
While some people may view a cable tray as an unnecessary expense, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment. Here’s why:
- Affordable: Many high-quality under desk cable trays are available at a low cost, especially when compared to more elaborate cable management systems.
- Protect Your Cables: The cost of replacing damaged cables adds up over time. A well-installed tray can protect your cables from wear and tear, saving you money in the long run.
- Boost Productivity: The mental clarity and increased focus that comes with a clean, organized workspace can translate to higher productivity, which is invaluable in a professional setting.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Workspace Efficiency
An under desk cable tray is an essential addition to any workspace, whether at home or in the office. It not only helps manage cables effectively but also contributes to a safer, cleaner, and more aesthetically pleasing work environment. By choosing the right tray and following the installation steps, you can transform your workspace into a clutter-free, efficient area that boosts your productivity and peace of mind.
