What are Wires Away™ Wheel Shields™?

Wheel Shields™ are a simple device that snaps onto caster wheels and keeps wires, cords, and tubing from jamming them. Equipment rolls freely, so staff can focus on patients instead of fighting with an IV pole.

Where can Wheel Shields™ be used?

They were designed for IV poles in the operating room, where cords and tubing cover the floor. They work anywhere equipment rolls: the ICU, emergency department, hospital floors, endoscopy suites, and cath labs.

Will Wheel Shields™ fit our IV poles?

They fit most IV pole wheels and work best on 3-inch Pryor casters, the most common IV pole wheel. To check yours, measure the wheel’s diameter across the tire. WS1 fits 3-inch IV pole wheels. WS2 Wide Body fits the wider casters on carts and larger equipment. Not sure? Email a photo of the wheel with a ruler beside it to info@wiresaway.org, and we’ll confirm the fit before you order.

Have Wheel Shields™ been used clinically?

Yes. They have been in continuous use at Stanford University Medical Center since early 2023, in operating rooms, endoscopy suites, and cardiac cath labs. See the Testimonials page for staff reactions.

Is any special certification required?

No. Wheel Shields™ need no certification to use in the operating room.

What are Wheel Shields™ made from?

Durable, impact-resistant polypropylene, reclaimed from marine applications such as commercial fishing rope and oyster nets.

Can Wheel Shields™ be cleaned?

Yes. Wheel Shields™ are compatible with standard OR cleaning solutions and wipe down easily.

Are Wheel Shields™ disposable?

No. They are reusable and built to last for years.

Is there a warranty?

Yes. If you are not satisfied when your order arrives, or a Wheel Shield™ does not perform as expected, contact us for a replacement or refund.

Are Wheel Shields™ available for equipment other than IV poles?

Yes. The WS2 Wide Body model is designed for larger equipment wheels, including medication dispensing units, anesthesia carts, ultrasound machines, and suction and electrocautery carts.

Do Wheel Shields™ require assembly?

No. They arrive fully assembled and install in seconds with no tools.

What does the metal wire do?

It is a stainless-steel retaining spring. It keeps the Wheel Shield™ on the wheel if the IV pole is tilted or lifted off the floor.

How do I install Wheel Shields™?

Have a colleague tip the IV pole slightly to raise one wheel. Pull the stainless-steel spring back and slide the Wheel Shield™ on from below, with the spring facing the caster’s swivel point. Repeat for each wheel. No tools are needed, and a full pole takes under a minute. WS2 Wide Body shields come in two halves: place them around the wheel, line up the diagonal edges, and snap them together. To remove a WS2, pull the side tabs.

Are there places Wheel Shields™ should not be used?

Yes. Wheel Shields™ are for smooth floors only. They can catch on uneven surfaces such as door thresholds and elevator entryways, and equipment can tip. Always remove Wheel Shields™ before moving equipment over an uneven surface.

How do we order?

Contact us for a quote, or order directly from the Order page. We accept purchase orders, ACH, and credit cards.