Resolved Caps on end of HDMI cable

I recently got an HDMI cable, which is working fine. It came with small plastic caps on each end. I’ve seen many different types of cables before, but don’t recall any coming with a cap on the end.

Is there a reason why I would want to keep these plastic caps on, when it isn’t in use? Or was this just some packaging technique? The short "instruction manual" said nothing about this (it did indicate that I should power down connected devices before pulling the cable out).

 

Only if you are a junk collector. I recycle all my plastic stuff. Takes eons for it to degrade to nothing.

 

OK, thanks.

 

I have to disagree - to a point. I ALWAYS keep and use them, and recommend you do too. Better cable makers include them not just to protect the connectors/pins from damage during shipping, but they (technically called "dust caps" or "dust covers ") are used to protect the connectors during storage from damage and dust too.

Over time, there is a good chance you will build a small collection of DVI, HDMI, VGA, SATA, etc. cables and adapters and stuff them in a drawer or box somewhere. These covers will keep contacts from getting scratched, pins from getting bent and the connectors from filling up with oily (from skin dander) dust.

So I recommend you keep and use these connectors on your extra cables, and keep a few spare covers handy.

 

What about the dust where you plug the said cable into? I guess that putting a dust cover on the cable and not the item that the cable plugs into, you only get half the dust. LOL

 

That's true for the dust issue, but connectors and pins on the back of monitors and other equipment are less likely to get damaged from physical abuse - as opposed to cables being stuffed into storage somewhere.

 

I keep a can of contact spray on hand for dirty connectors & such.

 

Yeah, do too - though mostly for switches and variable attenuators, and such. The biggest thing is protecting the connector and pins (if male) from damage.

 

Yeah, God forbid if one should bend a few pins on an IDE device

 

The problem with pins (any metal, actually) is when stressed is it gets "metal fatigue ". The metal develops microfractures that further weakens the metal. Different metal (and metal alloys) have different tolerances to these stress forces. Once the tolerance is exceeded (either by extreme forces, or by repeated stressing) the metal breaks - this is why aircraft wings fall off - if not properly and regularly inspected (using X-Ray technologies), and repaired as necessary.

In manufacturing, engineers anticipate how the product or specific part will be used under "normal" use, and select a metal (or alloy) best suited for those anticipated forces.

Pins in electrical connectors are not expected to be exposed to any bending forces. So bent pins can weaken and develop fractures easily. I have seen pins in video cables brake when straightened after being accidently bent just once.