ᐅ Using Ikea Besta: How Can I Store Electronic Devices Safely Inside?
Created on: 4 Apr 2020 08:23
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beleneHello everyone,
I recently bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit and want to store some electronic devices safely in it. Specifically, this includes devices like AV receivers, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi routers, and external hard drives. The challenge is to ensure good airflow while also protecting the devices from dust and vibrations.
Does anyone have experience storing electronics in the Ikea Besta? What measures are effective to prevent overheating and other damage? Are there any recommended accessories or tips to keep dust out without restricting airflow?
I’m looking forward to your advice and suggestions!
I recently bought an Ikea Besta shelving unit and want to store some electronic devices safely in it. Specifically, this includes devices like AV receivers, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi routers, and external hard drives. The challenge is to ensure good airflow while also protecting the devices from dust and vibrations.
Does anyone have experience storing electronics in the Ikea Besta? What measures are effective to prevent overheating and other damage? Are there any recommended accessories or tips to keep dust out without restricting airflow?
I’m looking forward to your advice and suggestions!
Hello belene,
I can definitely understand that you’re looking for a solid solution. I once had the same problem with a Wi-Fi router heating up a lot inside my Besta shelf, and I was worried about overheating. What helped me was removing some of the back panels to improve air circulation. At the same time, I attached small felt pads as spacers under the devices – this allows better airflow from underneath and keeps the devices off the surface.
Regarding dust, I use fabric covers that can be easily closed with Velcro. They prevent dust from getting in without completely cutting off airflow. Maybe something like that could work for you as well?
I’m curious if others have any other ideas!
I can definitely understand that you’re looking for a solid solution. I once had the same problem with a Wi-Fi router heating up a lot inside my Besta shelf, and I was worried about overheating. What helped me was removing some of the back panels to improve air circulation. At the same time, I attached small felt pads as spacers under the devices – this allows better airflow from underneath and keeps the devices off the surface.
Regarding dust, I use fabric covers that can be easily closed with Velcro. They prevent dust from getting in without completely cutting off airflow. Maybe something like that could work for you as well?
I’m curious if others have any other ideas!
Hello belene,
to store electronic devices safely and functionally in the Ikea Besta system, I recommend systematically considering the following:
- Ventilation: Since the Besta does not come with built-in ventilation slots by default, it can be helpful to cut or drill openings in the back panel to allow for air circulation. This effectively reduces the risk of overheating.
- Clearance: Electronics should not be placed directly on wooden shelves. Spacers made of rubber or plastic help prevent vibration transfer and allow air to circulate underneath the device.
- Dust protection: Fine mesh fabric covers or dust covers that do not completely block airflow are suitable for keeping dust away.
- Cable management: Keeping cables organized and avoiding tangles improves accessibility and safety.
Applying these points together ensures safe storage.
If needed, I can also provide recommendations for specific accessories.
to store electronic devices safely and functionally in the Ikea Besta system, I recommend systematically considering the following:
- Ventilation: Since the Besta does not come with built-in ventilation slots by default, it can be helpful to cut or drill openings in the back panel to allow for air circulation. This effectively reduces the risk of overheating.
- Clearance: Electronics should not be placed directly on wooden shelves. Spacers made of rubber or plastic help prevent vibration transfer and allow air to circulate underneath the device.
- Dust protection: Fine mesh fabric covers or dust covers that do not completely block airflow are suitable for keeping dust away.
- Cable management: Keeping cables organized and avoiding tangles improves accessibility and safety.
Applying these points together ensures safe storage.
If needed, I can also provide recommendations for specific accessories.
Hello belene,
I would like to go into more detail on the technical aspects, as temperature management is especially important for AV receivers or consoles.
My approach would be:
- First, measure the exact dimensions of the devices and the internal measurements of the storage unit to determine the available space.
- Cut ventilation slots in the back panel at the level of the devices, ideally at the top and bottom, to allow for convective air circulation. Simple holes are not sufficient, as proper airflow is needed.
- Use passive spacers on all sides, for example small silicone feet, to allow air circulation around the devices.
- Never press the devices firmly against the sides, as this can block open ventilation grilles on the units.
- Dust protection should not be completely sealed, as heat can build up. Fine mesh filter materials or removable dust covers are ideal.
- For devices with fans (e.g. consoles), airflow intake and exhaust should not be obstructed.
Could you please describe in more detail how many devices you plan to place and how, so I can provide specific advice on cable management and ventilation design if needed?
I would like to go into more detail on the technical aspects, as temperature management is especially important for AV receivers or consoles.
My approach would be:
- First, measure the exact dimensions of the devices and the internal measurements of the storage unit to determine the available space.
- Cut ventilation slots in the back panel at the level of the devices, ideally at the top and bottom, to allow for convective air circulation. Simple holes are not sufficient, as proper airflow is needed.
- Use passive spacers on all sides, for example small silicone feet, to allow air circulation around the devices.
- Never press the devices firmly against the sides, as this can block open ventilation grilles on the units.
- Dust protection should not be completely sealed, as heat can build up. Fine mesh filter materials or removable dust covers are ideal.
- For devices with fans (e.g. consoles), airflow intake and exhaust should not be obstructed.
Could you please describe in more detail how many devices you plan to place and how, so I can provide specific advice on cable management and ventilation design if needed?
TYRELL schrieb:
Could you please describe in more detail how many devices you want to place and where, so I can provide targeted advice on cable management and ventilation design if needed?Thanks in advance for the detailed answers!
Currently, I have an AV receiver, a PlayStation 4, a Wi-Fi router, and a NAS drive.
I plan to arrange them in two compartments:
- The lower compartment for the AV receiver and the NAS, since the receiver is quite heavy.
- The upper compartment for the PlayStation and the Wi-Fi router, as I want the signal to reach the living room from there.
All devices are about 20–40 cm (8–16 inches) wide and 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) high. The depth of the cabinet is just under 40 cm (16 inches), which, according to the manufacturer, should be sufficient.
My main focus is on preventing overheating, as I notice that especially the AV receiver gets warm during longer sessions. I intend to address cable management afterward since I need flexible access to the connections.
Looking forward to further advice.
One point I find critical is the use of fabric covers as dust protection, as suggested here.
While this sounds practical, fabric filters significantly slow down and obstruct airflow, which can be problematic especially for devices requiring ventilation. Instead, I would recommend using high-quality dust protection grilles with fine mesh, designed for controlled airflow and to minimize heat buildup.
Furthermore, the idea of creating openings in the back panel is sensible, but these should be sized and positioned to avoid direct ingress of dust and dirt from any heating sources located behind the shelving unit.
In my opinion, a good balance between dust protection and ventilation needs to be found here.
boelnu schrieb:
When it comes to dust, I use fabric covers that can be securely closed with Velcro. They prevent dust from entering without completely blocking the airflow.
While this sounds practical, fabric filters significantly slow down and obstruct airflow, which can be problematic especially for devices requiring ventilation. Instead, I would recommend using high-quality dust protection grilles with fine mesh, designed for controlled airflow and to minimize heat buildup.
Furthermore, the idea of creating openings in the back panel is sensible, but these should be sized and positioned to avoid direct ingress of dust and dirt from any heating sources located behind the shelving unit.
In my opinion, a good balance between dust protection and ventilation needs to be found here.
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