I have a freestanding double 60" equipment rack (rolling) intended for a nook outside of my home theater. There are 4-5 significant 'umbillicals' extending from the wall that need to be terminated at equipment in the rack.

(The rack will not often be moved or serviced and the umbillicals are certainly long enough to roll the rack away from the wall (still attached) for service.

I have two options (1) tie wrap the umbillicals to the rack and wire directly into the equipment; (2) connectorize the umbillicals and install mating connectors on the back of the rack (on a nice plate at the bottom).

Option (1) is the easiest but will restrict access and service a bit
Option (2) is the cleanest, but will introduce cost and failure points.

What have others done? What is a "best practice" for this situation?

Cables include:

12 speaker cables, 3 of which are bi-wire (4 conductor)
4 coax
2 3.5mm
4 cat 5 - RJ8 connector
2 HDMI
2 component video
4 audio RCA
4 AC 15A 110v (to 4 separate circuits so I can not consolidate further)

I can recall seeing a service loop support by a spring design somewhere. When the rack is pushed in the spring lifts up the loop and keeps it out of the way. Avoids extra connections.

Nothing on the web other than a few patents.

I know what you mean - I think this is a part of Middle Atlantics offering for slide out racks. With a free moving rolling rack assy, not sure how the loop would anchor.

I think if you bundle the cables, create a loop and get the right size bungee cord that you can clip on and off you'd have it solved.

What is an "umbillical"? I think I understand but want to make sure.

http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/DF/DF1135_l.jpg

I see 4 in this picture

http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/DF/DF1135_l.jpg

I see 4 in this picture

Thanks Big. That is what I thought, just never heard the term used like that before (although appropriate).

In the past I have used keychain retractors to keep tension on the lines. Works great and available at many locals.

Interesting thought on the keychain retractors.....

For now I'll hardwire and then think about the best place to put tension on the umbillicals - then use the keychain retractor or otherwise.