WARNIING!!! Newbie Question - Cable Storage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Simon_RL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2020, 12:42:04 pm
content: Hi All,I apologise for this question in advance. I have done a search of the forum and the internet and cannot find any conclusive answers. Basically I am an absolute noob (only just learnt Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law) to electronics and this forum. I am trying to find out if it is ok to hang test cables, such as oscilloscope probes, multimeter leads etc..? My work space is a little cramped and was thinking if I can hang my test cables it will be great as they as to hand.Any advice greatly appreciated.Thanks,Simon.

author: Yansi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2020, 12:45:53 pm
content: Yes, they can hang.

author: Simon_RL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2020, 12:54:04 pm
content: Thanks Yansi

author: magic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2020, 02:18:44 pm
content: Make sure the ends are pointing up or all electrons will fall outAs for scope probes, these are coaxial cables so try not to bend them too much.You can coil them in about 15cm diameter (like they come in the package) and hang the resulting donut on a hook, but if you bend them in half and then hang, I think it may not be healthy for the cable.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2020, 02:45:51 pm
content: Consider these E-Z Hook Cable and Test Lead Wall Brackets:https://www.amazon.com/Z-Hook-EZHWB14-Cable-Bracket/dp/B002YKERFSScroll down and you will see they come with differing slot widths for different size cable.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2020, 10:04:47 pm
content: I have thosE Pomona ones, and they are greaThttps://www.amazon.com/Pomona-1508-POM-Holder-Diameter/dp/B00JXPSKX2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=pomona+cable+holder&qid=1578089051&sr=8-3

author: Gregg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2020, 02:15:54 am
content: If you are on a budget and have some slotted plastic wire way, one piece can be cut and made into two nice test lead hangers.

author: aix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2020, 08:28:47 am
content: If you have access to a 3D printers, there are lots of designs on thingiverse (search for "test lead").For my lab, I made a variant of this (which is based around a DIN rail):https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2934716

author: nfmax
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2020, 09:55:06 am
content: Eventually, you will need a place to put test leads *away* in, rather than just hanging them all up - you run out of wall. When that time arrives, I suggest using Ziploc or similar bags, with one (coiled) cableonlyper bag. Insert also a piece of card to stiffen the bag (and optionally carry a label), and arrange them in a drawer like an old-style card file. This makes for very compact storage, but with easy access. Make sure you use identical bags.For scope probes, with their associated accessories, you can get more robust plastic wallets with a zip closure from Staples and similar places. An A5 size is just about right for most probes. These don't need any extra stiffening, and a label will stick to the plastic directly.

author: Simon_RL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2020, 11:58:13 am
content: Thanks all, there are some great ideas. Lots of food for thought.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 04, 2020, 03:09:13 pm
content: Quote from: nfmax on January 04, 2020, 09:55:06 amThere really isn't any wall space by my workbench so I use the plastic Chinese take away containers with the clear lids for test leads, BNC cables and scope probes. Mongolian Beef, extra extra spicy (YUM) and re-purposing to keep them out of the landfill! Use of a label maker lets me know what's what when they are stacked on the shelf. Empty ones stack well and small and are there as you expand your collection.