Another equipment question: Very often, I need to run audio cables across rooms, and so far I've been using gaffer's tape to secure it, so that people don't trip over it.

At other events, where cables are run temporarily, I often see these "things" (no idea what they are called) that contain power cables etc. such that people don't trip over them. I figure if I get some of those, it should save me some time, be more environmentally friendly (than throwing away a lot of gaffer's tape after each event) and probably protect my cables better than a thin layer of tape.

Does anyone know what I am talking about, and where to go to buy them?

Thanks in advance for your help!

- Martin

Is this the kind of thing you have in mind? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/productIndex.shtml?search_type=brand&QueryString=VESTIL&operator=refineSearchResults&originalValue=Cable+Ramps&searchIndexId=1

"cable ramps" is what they're called.

You might also want to look at "tunnel tape". Try a Google search.

I guess "cable ramps" is what I was thinking of. At first glance, "tunnel tape" seems no different than the gaffer tape I am using now, or is there a difference?

Holy cow, this stuff is expensive. Looks like everything I see is meant to have heavy trucks drive across them - overkill for what I need, unfortunately. I'll keep looking for something light-weight (and affordable), enough for people to step over it without tripping or damaging the cables.

Thanks a lot for the responses!

- Martin

try office supply stores for the lighter weight kind. Meant to route cable to keep people from tripping but not as durable.

http://www.electriduct.com/plastic-cord-covers.html#pricing_cords

At first glance, "tunnel tape" seems no different than the gaffer tape I am using now, or is there a difference?

Yes - there's a big difference. It has a section in the middle with no adhesive, so the tape doesn't stick to the cables themselves. Should be easier to remove at the end of your shoot, and won't leave a sticky residue.

But it is really expensive. Here at the Opera Company we spend hundreds (probably thousands actually) of dollars on tape every year so we just use the regular stuff.

I've been using lengths of rubber cable protector for a number of years and they work OK. But the downside is that longer lengths are very heavy to carry in and out and it is a real PAIN to insert cables into it. And if you use mutlicore cable with more than about four or eight cores its not going to fit - so I sometimes give up and use gaffer tape instead.

What you're wanting are vinyl or rubber mats to lay over the cables.

I use these cord & cable protectors from Safcord instead of gaffers tape when there is carpet on the floor. Comes in different lenghs, widths and colors. Not the cheapest but resuable and no sticky mess.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=safcord&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

try office supply stores for the lighter weight kind. Meant to route cable to keep people from tripping but not as durable.

http://www.electriduct.com/plastic-cord-covers.html#pricing_cordsChris,

this is perfect for my needs, and affordable. Thanks a lot!

- Martin