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  1. So far I always coiled up my cables with access length and used cables ties to keep things neat and tidy. Power cables and audio cables. Now I read all sorts of things about electrical and magnetic fields. From fire hazards to audio distortion.

    So 3-4 loops in a power cable ... and a few more on thin audio cables.
    What are the real life impacts / risks?
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  2. Member hech54's Avatar
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    My favorite color is blue because it is the best color ever.


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  3. Where did you read such stuff? It reminds me of drivel written about high-end audio. It starts with reasonable things like making sure connectors are good, cable of adequate size, shielded when necessary. From there it goes off the deep end.

    I don't suppose you also believe in $1,000 audio cables (by the foot!), cable demagnetizers, cable conditioning routines, and teakwood blocks ($) to get said cables off the floor?

    Sorry, that last jab was unnecessary. Don't worry so much.
    Pull! Bang! Darn!
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  4. sorry if that sounds stupid. here is the background:
    I looked at power extension cords on drums at a DIY market. They all have warnings to unwind them completely before using.

    "If using a cable drum extension lead, it should be completely unwound to avoid overheating." (http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/electrical-items/extensions-and-leads/)

    after a bit more google all sorts of "stuff" came up. that's why i asked:
    "[–]DonKnots 1 point 12 months ago Small coils, low power usually are not a big deal. 5 to 10 loops will only color the sound a bit, but 15 or 20 and 150 watts+ and you will start frying some amps."
    http://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/1plbza/do_speaker_cable_run_lengths_effect_sound/
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    Any device for which you need a heavy duty extension cord would typically draw a lot of current, and the extension cord often gets warm while in use. So yes, there is a danger of overheating if multiple layers are left coiled around the reel while the extension cord is in use. No such danger exists with a few loops of A/V cable. They do not carry enough current.

    Speaker cables? I guess that depends on the speakers. All mine are low wattage.
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    A high current cable - especially if wound around an iron containing core - can overheat. But for audio/video level currents I wouldn't worry.
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