A good coil deploys cleanly, protects the cable, and makes the next crew member's job easier. Learn the over-under method, careful deployment, inspection, and storage.
Protect the cableDon't kink, crush, or pull by ends
✓
Inspect and reportDamaged cable stays out of use
Lesson 1
Wrap the over-under
Relaxed, even loops. No tight twists.
Why over-under?
Repeatedly making every loop in the same direction can build twist into a cable. Alternating a natural loop with a reverse loop helps the coil lie flat and deploy without twisting around itself. Match the venue's preferred size and tie method.
The wrist movement varies by person and cable. The goal is an even coil that releases without corkscrewing.
Prepare the run
Confirm the cable type, destination, and required coil size. Start with connectors protected and the cable free of tangles.
Make a relaxed first loop
Hold the cable loosely and form a loop in the cable's natural direction. Don't pull it taut or force a small bend.
Reverse the next loop
Turn your hand so the next loop curves the opposite way. Let the cable form the loop; don't twist it around your fingers.
Repeat and secure gently
Alternate over and under at a consistent diameter. Use an approved tie or the cable's attached strap. Secure enough to hold, never so tight it deforms the jacket.
Lesson 2 · Deploy without a bird's nest
Place the coil where it can feed freely and identify the destination end.
Release the tie without dropping or throwing the coil through a crowded work area.
Walk the cable out in its natural direction. Avoid pulling the whole coil across the floor.
Route and secure the run as the venue requires; keep walkways, exits, and access points clear.
Leave enough slack for the assigned connection without creating loops where people walk.
Lesson 3 · Inspect before and after
Look and feel for cuts, flattening, crushed spots, exposed shielding, bent pins, loose strain relief, contamination, or a connector that does not latch as expected. Don't perform electrical tests unless qualified and assigned.
Tag or set suspect cable aside using the venue's process and tell the department lead. Never hide damage with tape or return questionable cable to the rack.
Lesson 4 · Cable types have different needs
Type
Care points
Reminder
Audio / microphone
Protect connectors, avoid crushing under cases, coil without tight kinks.
Audio XLR may resemble other cables; check labels.
DMX / control
Keep data cable distinct from audio and power per the department's system.
Do not substitute based only on a matching plug.
Video coax / copper
Respect the cable's bend and pull limits; protect connector ends.
Use the assigned impedance and cable type.
Fiber optic
Keep end faces clean and capped; observe the printed minimum bend radius.
Never kink, crush, or look into an active optical connector.
Power cable
Keep dry and undamaged; route and connect only under venue procedure.
Electrical work requires appropriate qualification and authorization.
✓Storage: Follow the rack's coil size, label position, tie method, and connector orientation. Consistency helps the next person identify and deploy the cable quickly.
⚠Never: pull a cable by the connector, drag it under a loaded case, step on it, force a kink out, or leave it across an exit. Stop and report damaged cable.
Knowledge check
Cable handling quick quiz
Question 1 · over-under
What is the goal of alternating over and under loops?
Question 2 · damaged cable
You find a cable with a cut jacket. What should you do?