Charging Cable Management: 3 Ways to Mount Cable Systems

Electric forklifts run our supply chains. In 2024, electric lift trucks made up 60 percent of the market — a market that’s expected to show a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 11 percent through 2030. 

But electric forklifts can’t operate without reliable charging equipment, which includes a particularly vulnerable component: Charging cables. Cables are long and flexible, which makes them susceptible to damage via twisting, bending, and being run over by the very vehicles they’re meant to serve.  

Charging cables can also create hazards for employees. If they’re left on the ground, they might trip pedestrians. If they’re damaged, they can become unacceptable shock risks. 

Charging cable management systems address both risks. They protect people and products alike, all by elevating cables and providing simpler, more ergonomic access when it’s time for a charge. 

These cable management systems aren’t just for forklift chargers, either. With the rise of electric AGVs and other industrial vehicles, entire fleets now depend on safe, reliable charging systems. These systems rely on good charging cable management. 

Charging cable management systems include Cable Retractor Reels, Cable Retractor Pogo Sticks, and simple Magnetic Cable Mounts. But what’s the best way to attach these solutions to a charging station? 

Here are the top three ways to mount charging cable management systems.

A Guide to Mounting Equipment for Cable Management Systems

There are three key products that can seamlessly integrate a cable management system into your broader charging station. These include: 

1. Cable Retractor Reel Mounts

If your goal is to charge as many vehicles as possible from a single charging station — or simply to route cables safely across a crowded area — choose Cable Retractor Reel Mounts from BHS, Inc. 

These retractor reel mounts attach to the tops of Universal Forklift Charger Stands, where they position between one and four cable retractors. Articulating arms can be set at 45-degree increments to place retractors where they’re easiest to access — and most out of the way of traffic. 

Cable Retractor Reel Mounts make it easy to bring robust cable management to any type of charging station, including those built for lift trucks, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), or other industrial electric vehicles (EVs). 

Best For: 

EV charging stations with multiple charging cables. Supports retractor reels, but not pogo stick cable management systems.   

Learn more about Cable Retractor Reel Mounts from BHS, Inc.

2. Cable Retractor Wall Mounting Bracket

Using wall-mounted EV chargers? You need a cable management mounting solution that matches. 

The Cable Retractor Wall Mounting Bracket secures to walls and other vertical surfaces, where it holds your preferred charging cable management system overhead. This is a durable steel bracket, ideal for long, dependable service in harsh industrial environments. 

With the right accessory (i.e., the next item on this list), Cable Retractor Wall Mounting Brackets support pogo stick-style cable management systems. Standard units are ready to mount cable retractor reels.  

Best For:

Wall-mounted lift truck and EV charging stations. Designed for use with Cable Retractor Reels, but can also be compatible with Cable Retractor Pogo Sticks. 

Explore Cable Retractor Wall Mounting Brackets.

3. Cable Retractor Mounting Bracket

Cable Retractor Mounting Brackets aren’t a self-contained mounting system for cable management kits. But they are the missing piece in a complete wall-mounted charging station that also includes Cable Retractor Pogo Sticks and Charger Wall Brackets. 

These Charger Wall Brackets aren’t to be confused with the Cable Retractor Wall Mounting Bracket we just discussed. The latter only mount a cable retractor, extending it outward from the wall so it can safely lift and dispense the charger cable. 

Charger Wall Brackets are two-piece systems that attach forklift chargers to walls and other vertical surfaces. Cable Retractor Mounting Brackets then attach to these Charger Wall Brackets, allowing you to secure a Cable Retractor Pogo Stick for comprehensive cable management. 

These sturdy steel brackets are available in galvanized steel or your choice of colored powder-coat finish.  

Best for:

Wall-mounted forklift battery charger systems. Only works with Cable Retractor Pogo Sticks. 

See Cable Retractor Mounting Brackets.

Charging Cable Management Solutions From BHS, Inc.

Managing charger cables isn’t just a good way to protect your assets. It can also help you comply with essential workplace safety regulations. 

The National Electric Code (NFPA 70) requires EV charging cables longer than 25 feet to include a “cable management system.” Cable management systems keep charging cables off the ground, in compliance with OSHA standard 1910.22, which requires “walking-working surfaces” to be “kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.” 

As you can see, however, it’s important to choose the right mounting system for your charging cable management solutions.

 Explore the BHS collection of Cable Management solutions. 

Still have questions about building the ideal charging station for lift trucks and other industrial EVs? Contact BHS, Inc. for answers. Call our sales team at 1.800.BHS.9500 today.