How to Rearrange the TV Cords Across a Room

Television cords are unsightly and a tripping hazard.

If you own a television, you've probably dealt with the problem of how to hide those pesky cords. An entertainment center brimming with technological gadgetry only amplifies the problem of cord management. Television cords are not only unsightly but also represent a tripping hazard for toddlers and the elderly. The natural curiosity of a youngster can have disastrous consequences if he chooses to play with TV cords. Rearranging a tangle of cords makes for a safer, more attractive and more efficient living space.

Instructions

1. Move your entertainment center as close as possible to the power outlet and cable jack. If possible, try to avoid running extension cords completely across the room.

2. Bundle cords together with a zip tie. If you have lots of slack in a cord, make a loop and tie it off. Or purchase a shorter cord from an electronics store.

3. Hide wall-mounted TV cords with a plastic cover that attaches to the wall. Choose a color that blends well with the room. Some flat-screen TVs even have wiring that can go inside the wall. However, cords inside the wall make rearranging more troublesome in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your cords and cables regularly. Look for damage cords and pinch points. Vacuum behind your entertainment center to reduce dust buildup.

• Always use a surge protector. This protects your valuable electronics and reduces the fire hazard posed by a bundle of cords.

• Don't use a rug to hide cables and cords. This allows heat to build and can damage the cord or start a fire. To keep children safe, keep cords out of sight and put covers on unused outlets.

References

• Maine.gov: Cords, Wires and Tripping Hazards
• North Dakota Department of Health: Home Safety Checklist