Would a DIY fabric cable management sleeve be flammable?

March 3, 2016 5:58 PM

I'd like to sew a version of this Amazon Cable Management Sleeve for my home office in a fabric that matches my decor. Would a loose-fitting cotton or polyester sleeve for 5-10 computer cords be flammable or dangerous? Do I need to get a different type of fabric or scrap the idea altogether?
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

Best answer: I think it will work just fine, especially if you use a nice stretchy fabric like heavy weight spandex. Tip: sew it with a long piece of string inside. Tie string around cable ends and pin that to the fabric. Pull the other end of the string to simultaneously turn tube right side out and thread the cables through.
posted by sexyrobot at 6:12 PM on March 3, 2016 [1 favorite]

Are any of them power cords? Electrical codes typically expect power cables to have some level of airflow for cooling, which this might not allow.

Personally, I'd find wrapping cables to be a pain if I reconfigured anything, more likely to bring everything crashing from the desk if I caught my foot. Plus, the basement spiders would be all “prebuilt funnel web - aww yiss!”
posted by scruss at 6:48 PM on March 3, 2016 [1 favorite]

If it's just for standard computer cables, I wouldn't worry about it in the least. If your computer cords are getting hot enough to even feel, you've got a bigger issue.
posted by jferg at 7:36 PM on March 3, 2016 [3 favorites]

I thought about doing this and didn't see a problem with it. If I were to do it I would sew in Velcro or snaps to be able to open it and manage cords. (We don't need to at this point but was thinking about switching up our tv area.)
posted by Crystalinne at 9:11 PM on March 3, 2016

An alternative would be to get some Velcro strips (the kind with hooks on one side and eyes on the the other) and wrap them around the bundle every 2 feet or so. Colored velcro is available, but sometimes the selection is not very wide.
posted by soelo at 7:32 AM on March 4, 2016

Best answer: If you're really concerned about flammability, look for materials intended for kids' pajamas. Those are usually treated to be flame-retardant.
posted by LOLAttorney2009 at 8:07 AM on March 4, 2016