The cables in a wiring closet can quickly become entangled without the right attachments.
A wiring closet is an enclosed cabinet or small room in your home that functions as a central hub for your telecommunications network and devices. While not all homes have wiring closets, they are common in commercial buildings and so-called "smart homes" -- that connect all of their communication and electrical systems through a central hub. In order to serve its purpose, a wiring closet must conform to specifications in several key areas. Does this Spark an idea?
Space and Access
A wiring closet must be large enough to accommodate the majority of a home's network devices. In some homes, routers, modems and other devices are stored behind a desk or in an entertainment center. However, as the complexity of home telecommunications networks increases, so too does the need for storage space. For homeowners who host their own websites, a rack for mounting servers can be installed in the wiring closet. A wiring closet should also have a door for access and, if security is a concern, a lock.
Cables
Cables are a major component of most wiring closets. Cables in a typical wiring closet include Ethernet network cables, phone lines, USB cables, fiber optic cables, and FireWire or Thunderbolt cables for high-speed media storage. Power cables and adapters are also located in the wiring cabinet. Different-colored cables help users differentiate between them, as do tags and other labels. Cable ties, clamps and channels help keep cables from becoming entangled or developing kinks that can damage them over time.
Electrical Power
One of the most important specifications for a wiring closet is the amount of electrical power available. Devices, such as network servers, routers, backup storage and switches, all need to be plugged in to operate. This means that the wiring closet needs enough outlets to handle the load safely. Surge protectors plugged into multiple outlets or outlets that run off different circuits in the home can provide sufficient power without the risk of overloading a single outlet. If possible, have an electrician install a 120-volt circuit specifically for the wiring closet. For safety, keep a fire extinguisher in or near the wiring closet in case of an electrical fire.
Cooling
Cooling is another important factor in a wiring closet. If the closet is small or contains multiple devices that are always on, heat will build up to a level that can damage electronics or even pose a fire risk. Most electronics have a sustained maximum operating temperature of slightly over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermometer will let you monitor the temperature in the wiring closet. If the temperature rises above the operating limits for your network devices, you'll need to install an exhaust fan that vents hot air into your attic or another room. An air conditioner is another option for keeping your wiring closet at a constant temperature to maximize the efficiency of the devices it contains.
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