Do’s

• Make sure cables are neat and orderly, either with a cable management system or tie wraps. Cables should never be loose in a cabinet, this leads to accidental disconnects of cables.
• Strain relief should be used when possible to secure the cables to something the computer is connected to; in particular with pull out rack mounted equipment. This way a tug on the cable will not pull the cable out of its socket.
• Make sure all cables are securely attached at both ends where possible.
• If multiple sources of power or network communications are used, try to route the cables feeding the cabinets from different points. This way if one is severed, the other will likely still be functional.
• Label all cables at both ends if possible. Color-coding tape or labels helps as well.
• Make sure rack-mounted, pull out equipment has enough slack in the cables, and that the cables will not bind or be pinched or scraped.
• Make sure that cables cannot be accidentally snagged on someone walking by or by a cart. All cables should be inside the cabinet.

Don’ts

• Do not plug dual power supplies into the same power strip or use separate power sources.
• Do not leave loose cables in cabinets.

Suggested best practices and standards

• AS/NZS 3080 :2003 Telecommunication installations – Generic cabling for commercial premises
• AS/NZS 3084:2003 Telecommunication installations – Telecommunications pathways and spaces for commercial buildings
• AS/NZS 3085.1:2004 Telecommunication installations – Administration of communications cabling systems – Basic requirements
• AS/NZS 61935.1:LR Information Technology –Testing of Balanced Communications Cabling ( Latest Revision)
• AS/NZS 14763-3:LR Information Technology – Testing of Optical Fibre Cabling