Keystone Wall Plate 101: Ultimate Flexibility for a Sleek, Future-Ready Network

In the realm of structured cabling, where voice communication, digital information, and HD video all come together, both flexibility and standards are critical. The Keystone Wall Plate is a seemingly straightforward part that serves as the foundation for an adaptable and future-proof connectivity solution in residences, workplaces, and commercial buildings with a certain aesthetic.  As the starting point for any specialty-designed network, the keystone wall plate is far more adaptable than your typical electrical outlet.

Understanding the potential of keystone wall plates is the first step toward a more organized digital existence when you’re planning a new build, upgrading your networking environment, or simply tired of cluttered cords.

What is a keystone wall plate?

A keystone wall plate is a standardized faceplate, typically made of plastic/stainless steel, designed to house keystone jacks, the interchangeable inserts that provide the actual connection port. Keystone wall plates are used for different types of cables, such as optical fibers, coaxial, and HDMI, etc. Keystone is a universally sized shape of the porthole, which is typically between 14.5 mm (about 0.57 in) and 16 mm (about 0.63 in).

These plates neatly attach to a low-voltage mounting bracket, electrical junction box, or surface-mount box on a wall, providing a clean, aesthetic cover for the terminated cables behind the drywall.

Where are these keystones used?

The true genius of the keystone system lies in its ability to mix and match different connection types into a single, cohesive wall plate. This modularity translates to a consolidation point for multiple services, such as data, video, and audio, all into one organized location.

Keystone for networking and data:

The most common application of keystone is for network and data cabling. Ethernet keystone jacks are available for Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a topologies, amongst other categories. These wallplate connectors come in tool-less designs for simpler installation or can be terminated with a punch-down tool. For today’s bandwidth-hungry applications, this gives your network a reliable, fast, and clean termination point.

Audio-Visual Integration:

HDMI®: For high-definition video and audio from devices like media streams, gaming consoles, and computers.

Coaxial (F81 connector): For cable TV, satellite, or antenna connections.

RCA & Speaker Wire (Banana Plug): For connecting stereo equipment, subwoofers, and surround sound speakers.

Voice and other connections:

Keystones also support a variety of low-voltage applications, such as

Fiber optic: For high-speed connection and data transmission

Telephone: The traditional POTS lines that use 6p4c modular connectors

USB: For device charging or data connection

Types of keystone wall plates

The keystone wall plates are primarily categorized by the number of ports and the gang size

Single gang (typically 1-6 ports)

A single-gang keystone wall plate is the standard size, designed to cover a single electrical box (or a low-voltage mounting bracket).

Size: It has the same dimensions as a standard single light switch or single duplex outlet plate.

Keystone Ports: Due to its size, it can accommodate a limited number of keystone jacks, typically ranging from 1 to 6 ports. The most common configurations are 1, 2, 4, and 6 ports (with 6 being the typical maximum for a single gang plate).

Use Case: Ideal for locations that need a small number of connections, such as a single desk, a TV connection point, or a dedicated line for a phone/fax machine.

Double Gang (typically 8-12 port)

A double-gang keystone wall plate is twice the width of a single-gang plate, designed to cover a double electrical box (or two single boxes side-by-side).

Size: It has the same dimensions as a double light switch or double duplex outlet plate; it is double the width of a single gang plate.

Keystone Ports: Because of its larger size, it can hold a greater number of keystone outlets. The most common configurations are 8 and 12 ports (with 12 being the typical maximum for a double-gang plate).

Use Case: Ideal for locations requiring high-density connectivity, such as:

• Conference rooms with multiple floor/wall connections.
• Workstations requiring several data, voice, and audio/video lines.
• Consolidating many connections from multiple cables into a single, neat location.

What are the key benefits of using Keystone wall plates?

1. Modularity and Flexibility

• Customization: The greatest advantage is the ability to mix and match different types of Keystone Jacks (also called inserts) within a single wall plate. You can provide an Ethernet (RJ45) jack, an HDMI connector, a coaxial jack, a fiber optic coupler, and a blank filler plug for future expansion, side-by-side in one solution.
• Easy Upgrades and Reconfiguration: The modular jacks simply snap in and out of the wall plate’s keystone opening. This allows you to easily replace or upgrade an individual connection (e.g., swapping a Cat5e jack for a Cat6A jack or replacing a phone jack with an HDMI jack) without having to replace the entire wall plate or rewire a permanent outlet.

2. Organization and Aesthetics:

• Clean installation: Provide a clean and professional look.
• Clutter Reduction: They help protect critical networking connections from simply hanging out of the wall, keeping the installation’s components organized and safe.
• Identification: The labels on the plates make it easy to identify the device connected to each port. This is very useful when there is a large number.

3. High Performance and Reliability

• Stable Connection: Properly installed keystone jacks provide a secure and reliable termination point for network cables, minimizing signal loss and interference (crosstalk) when compared to other less structured methods.
• Compliance: Quality keystone jacks are manufactured to meet industry performance standards (like Cat6 or Cat6A), ensuring the network operates at its maximum intended speed and performance level

4. Futureproofing and Scalability

• Investment Protection: Easily adapt your network to future technological standards by simply installing a new, higher-rated keystone outlet.
• Scalability: If your needs change, you can utilize any empty ports with a new keystone outlet or easily swap out a plate with fewer ports for one with more, ensuring the system can grow with the user.

Conclusion

Keystone wall plates provide a key combination of modularity, organization, and future-proofing for any network, audio, or video setup. With their flexibility, clean aesthetics, and reliable performance, they are essential for both residential and commercial installations. To meet your unique requirements, Gruber Communication Products provides premium customized keystone wall plates made in your material of choice. Get in touch with Gruber Communication Products today to improve your connectivity setup and receive personalized solutions and knowledgeable advice on the best keystone options in the marketplace.

Call us at 800.658.5883 or 602.863.2655, or email support@gruber.com