Just completed a rather quick rewiring job for a client. I’d have done more but the system just didn’t warrant any more work than this. Although the wiring looks nice, it does serve a purpose in providing proper airflow…
** DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH WORKING WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU NOT TO ATTEMPT ANY OF THIS WORK UNLESS SUPERVISED BY A KNOWLEDGABLE PARTY. RISK OF ELECROCUTION IS QUITE POSSIBLE WHEN WORKING WITH EXPOSED DC POWER SUPPLIES **
Here’s a shot of the inside of this rather new HP workstation. It’s run for about 3 years now and it’s time for a bath!
Of note is the fact that both the power and data cables are just mashed in anywhere they can possibly go. Airflow is nearly non-existant! So…first to the garage for a good cleaning from my air compressor’s high-pressure air blaster…
Then it’s time to start working on the power cables:
I removed all the zip ties and strain relief from the wiring and…
Removed the power supply cover and started cleaning up the cable routing…
Cut a length of protective flex-tubing with a few inces to spare on each side…
After cutting the ends, it’s a good idea to melt them down a little to prevent fraying. I use a propane torch but you could just as easily use a lighter or other heat source.
To get the flex-tubing over the power connector, I carefully fold the wires to get the connector in-line with the flow of the cables…
Here you can see how I roll the edge inside so you never see them.
Once the tubing is completely over the wires, you can straighted out wire run and start termination. Don’t worry about extra length as you will be able to tuck it underneath at the connector end to for the perfect length.
Slip the sleeve over the opening of the power supply case and terminate with a zip tie.
Dress out the tubing and terminate the other end once the sleeve is tight on the wires.
Here’s the finished power connector.
While the power supply is out of the case, go ahead and start dressing up the wires -a lot easier on the hands and arms this way!
Here’s a few final shots of the case. Dust free, and neatly wired! The ribbon cables have been folded and tucked behind the drive chassis so you barely see them. What a difference an hour makes!
