Over/under cable coiling

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Over/under cable coiling refers to a method of storing cables that preserves the capacitance and common-mode rejection ratio built in by the manufacturer with a twist in the cable, and the shielding that encases the twisted pairs within. It also keeps knots to a minimum, allows the cable to lie flat when uncoiled, and makes running the cables easier and faster.

The "over/under" name refers to the practice of twisting the cable in one direction to make the first coil, and un-twisting it to make the next, and repeating this until all the cable is neatly coiled. Connecting the ends on the outside of the loops, or tying them in that position, ensures that the ends don't pass through the loops in storage so there are no knots when the cable is laid out.

[edit] Straight coiling

Straight coiling or the practice of coiling a cable in the same direction coil after coil, has the same result as coiling cable on a spool. If the cable comes off the spool the same way it goes on, the 'lay' is preserved, and the cable isn't damaged. If a cable is straight coiled and then pulled from the coil, it has the same effect as coiling cable on a spool and then pulling the cable off the top of the spool, imparting a twist in the cable with every coil that is removed. The only advantage of straight coiling cable is that it is easily taught and can be accomplished by untrained assistance.