kabeltrassel

Kabeltrassel is a German term referring to a tangled or cluttered arrangement of electrical and data cables. The word combines Kabel (cable) and Trassel (tangle or jumble). It is used colloquially to describe situations where many cables are overlapping, knotted or left unmanaged, often in workstations, media centers, server rooms, or workshops.

Causes include the proliferation of devices, mixed power and data cables, long cable runs, inadequate routing infrastructure, and frequent adding or removing hardware without reorganizing the cabling.

Risks and drawbacks: obstructed airflow and overheating, tripping hazards, accidental disconnections, signal interference or degraded performance when cables are poorly separated, difficulties during maintenance or future upgrades, and reduced aesthetics.

Prevention and remediation: plan cable routes before installation; use dedicated cable management hardware such as cable trays, raceways, cable ducts, and cable sleeves; employ ties or Velcro straps; label cables and maintain documentation; use appropriately short cables; separate high-power and data cables; keep power strips elevated and accessible; conduct periodic reviews and reorganization as equipment changes.

In German-speaking contexts, Kabeltrassel is closely related to terms like Kabelsalat or Kabelgewirr and is a common concern in IT facilities, offices and homes, where good Kabelmanagement practices aim to avoid or reduce the problem.