How to keep Ethernet, TV, and wiring clean with cable covers

Cables scattered everywhere? It’s a pain when you need to keep things in order, but the architecture of your home says no. The answer is the backbone adhesive plastic tubes that hide your cables, known as cable covers.

Here’s what you need to know about selecting and installing power, data, and AV cable covers.

Why use cable covers?

We often tuck cables behind objects, under rugs, sofas, etc. Drilling holes is not unheard of, but if you don’t have the skills to do it right, you can end up with broken drills, huge holes, ripped wallpaper… the list goes on.

Hide cables with cable covers

None of these solutions are perfect, so trunking is the best answer (although you can try to apply your DIY skills). But all this may be new to you. You may not have the slightest idea how to choose the right cable covers for your cables, plan where to route them, install and finally tuck away your cables.

Fortunately, you have come to the right place. Use the steps below along with our cable troubleshooting tips. cleaning your computer from clutter cleaning your computer from clutter for a cleaner life and/or work environment.

Plan a new route for your cable

What does your current cable mileage look like? You may have attached it to the wall but think it still looks untidy; alternatively, you can just scatter it on the floor. It’s probably a health hazard as well as an unsightly mess.

Whether it’s TV cables, Ethernet cables, maybe even power cables, they need to be hidden from view. powerline adapters — Great for replacing long Ethernet cables, but everything else requires cable covers.

Before spending money on trunking, you need to determine where to run the cable(s). In short, this means having enough cable to run from A to B out of sight.

Cable sheath length

This also means that you take into account the type of cable you are using. You may be using a type that is designed to run on an angle between a flat surface and a wall. Alternatively, your trunking may be designed to wrap cables from the floor to a wall mounted device such as a TV.

Once you’re happy with the route, make sure you have enough cable. This may mean purchasing some extension cables, which may require a wider cable cover to accommodate the connectors in the middle of the length.

Choice of covers for your cables

Flexible covers

If you don’t have time for sawing and sanding and you have a relatively easy route for your cables, the flexible wiremold solution will save you a lot of time.

These self-adhesive strips are easy to use and can be easily inserted into them.

PVC Block Wire Tidy

These self-adhesive strips, ideal for wall running below waist level, are typically 1 meter long and come in a variety of sizes.

This type of cable network is ideal for everything from TV and Internet cables to telephone and speaker wires.

Angle cord

These cord covers are a great solution for running along skirting boards.

They are painted and self-adhesive, and can be of different sizes for different types of cables. I used examples of this in the accompanying photos.

TV Cable Concealer

Specifically designed to run cables from the floor/baseboard to some mid-point on the wall, you’ll probably want this if you have a wall-mounted flat screen TV.

Most of these options are available in a variety of colors to match your decor. However, they can usually be dyed for a closer match.

Prepare and Align the Cable Cover

Installing a busbar for cables means you have time to prepare it. With a hacksaw, cutter block, and sandpaper, you can cut and trim the lid to your desired length.

Always measure and always make it a millimeter or two longer so you can sand it down to the right length with a smooth finish.

Then route the cable cover and all required connectors along the planned route, making sure everything fits. Alignment is vital here; any mistakes will be difficult and time consuming to resolve later. Make sure the adhesive tape (if any) is facing the wall and not the floor. Removing the stem can leave a residual stain that you probably don’t want on expensive floors!

If you need help aligning the cable cover at tricky corners, use sticky putty like Blu-Tak to secure it in place.

Attach the cable cover to the wall

You should now be ready to make trunking permanent. This could mean using adhesive tape on the back (if available) or screwing it to the wall. If the former, make sure the destination is clean and dry.

Cable cover open

If the latter, however, you need to make sure you have the correct type of screws, anchors, and drill bits. With the cover properly aligned (glue it back in place with Blu-Tak), drill it into the wall, set it aside to insert the anchor, then screw it into place. (Obviously, a wooden surface like a baseboard won’t need an anchor.)

Once you have it in place, make sure the cable cover is open and ready to receive cables!

Get your cables out of sight!

All that is left to do at this stage is to run the cables along the inside of the busbar. Any corners, openings and connecting elements must be fixed.