How to wrap your EVSE/other cables! (You're doing it wrong!)

[aqn]

I believe that's a variation of the Ballantine coil, as in the logo to Ballantine beer. Here's a pic: http://www.flickr.com/photos/57475570@N00/50301659/.

I am pretty sure this has the same uncoiling issues as a regular sailor's coil in that it needs to be untwisted as you uncoil it or you get little curls and the wire doesn't lay flat.

Yeah, that has the same twisting issue as with the looping-around-elbow-and-hand method. The one advantage that I can see with Ballantine loops is that the loops are arrayed into a cloverleaf pattern so they're less likely to "fall into" each other and create tangles.

[DoxyLover]

Over-under is the proper way to wrap cables. If you worked on a TV crew working with the (older) many-conductor cables, you learned to do over-under or were reassigned/fired. Those cables were expensive, full of small gauge wires, and hard to repair.

[brettcgb]

That is great! Now I know why my 50 foot extensions are messed up. Wonder if this is why my garden hose is also kinked (or just cheap hose)?

Unfortunately, I've noticed extension cords taking on that "coiled telephone cord" appearance event though they are being wound on spinning reels to wind up the cords. The black handle inside the reel slides around.

Only the cable that is wound up last gets "coiled". I believe the wires inside are moving within the jacket, sliding towards the part of the cord that gets wound up last, and is wound under the least tension. I consistently wind cords with the plug first (and cable under tension) and the receptical last (cable under no tension).

I don't know what winding under constant tension does. That would mean I need to walk, following the cord, as I wind it, rather than pull the cord towards me while winding.

I would still recommend over/under coiling of cords when not winding onto a spinning reel.

[philaphonic]

Thanks, Ingineer, I just shared this on Facebook. Have lots of musician friends on there who could benefit from this video.

[Ingineer]

Yes, I learned this from an old Roadie myself!

-Phil

[rawhog]

Too bad the rev2 upgraded EVSE I got already had the cables twisted.

[Ingineer]

Unfortunately Panasonic coils their cables in a spiral using a machine prior to packaging. So when you use it the first time it results in coiling unless you carefully unwrap it. This is one reason why I posted this howto.

You can correct this for the most part: Leave the cable in the sun on a warm day for a while, then while still outdoors, solidly attach the EVSE brick to something high up with at least 25 feet of clear space. (Hook, etc) Then begin untwisting the cord using the labeling on the cable as a guide. Be sure to apply moderate tension to the cable once you are untwisted. Allow to bake as long as possible, then once it cools, wrap using the procedure at the beginning of this thread.

-Phil

[camasleaf]

Leave the cable in the sun on a warm day for a while

I will have to wait until July next year to do it

[philipscoggins]

I actually had a test on the proper way to roll cables when I was in college. I used to try to explain how to do it, but people generally don't care...

MTSU, Department Of Recording Industry grad

Philip

[TLeaf]

A great bit of cable management wisdom! I've been wrapping my cables and hoses like this since the late '80's when I was shown the correct way by a local television crew.