Telecom Data Plate - How to Use

Power and data access where you need it

In today’s world the products we use need to be flexible and so do the companies we do business with. Becoming your go-to for data solutions means offering the products you need when you need them.

So, you might be asking yourself, what is an Telecom Data Plate? It is a data plate (also referred to as a telecom plate) that brings low voltage applications to the point of use. Low voltage applications include: network connections, audio/visual signals, and USB charging.

The plate fits into an industry standard (ANSI/TIA-569-C) cutout size of 1.38" x 2.71". They are installed into data/power units that are commonly seen in conference room tables, collaborative spaces, or used on a desktop.

Some industry products that use data plates include: ECA by Dekko products (Cove, Seclusion®, Interact, Interface, Oasis, Reef, Power Island®, DPP), Global Furniture Group, Doug Mockett, Knoll LSM, Enwork and Prismatique products.

Conscious Power Solutions Blank Telecom Plate (P-B) shown on work surface

Telecom Data Plate

Fits ANSI/TIA-569-C 1.38" x 2.71" opening
Easily snaps-in; no tools
Modern, sleek appearance
Available in 3 finishes

Several popular connector types available to choose from
Popular configurations available on website
Fully customizable

Customization

Data plates can easily be customized to fit your specific needs. Including providing knockouts only for specific connectors.

If you do not see the configuration you are looking for, just contact us and let us know what you need.

We will be happy to lay out the connectors you need and show you what it will look like.

Conscious Power Solutions 3 Keystone Knockout Telecom Plate

Configured with just the necessary knockouts

Conscious Power Solutions Telecom Plate with RJ45 CAT6 Keystone and HDMI Cable

Various connectors installed prior to shipment

Specifications & Features

Our plates were designed to provide a mounting point for an array of different connectors.

With aesthetics and ease of use in mind; our plates allow for a clean look and easily snap into an industry standard 1.38" x 2.71" cutout. The sleek appearance comes from a thickness after install that is almost half that of our competitors (0.07" compared to 0.13")

Conscious Power Solutions three colored blank plates

Conscious Power Solutions Dimensional Information of RH Data Plate

Conscious Power Solutions Telecom Data Plate and Competitors Plate installed into an ECA DPP product

Conscious Power Solutions RH Data Plate and Competitors Plate installed into an ECA DPP product

Easily snaps into place without tools
Clean, modern, and sleek appearance
Compatible with: Electri-Cable Assemblies (ECA/ECA by Dekko), Global Furniture Group, Harbor City Supply, Enwork and more.

Dimensions:
- Overall plate measures: 3.18” x 1.82”
- Fits ANSI/TIA-569-C standard metal opening: 1.38" x 2.71"
- Thickness above metal: 0.07”

Available in 3 standard finishes:
Black, Gray, White

We are happy to work with you if you are looking for a custom finish. Please contact us to discuss further.

We stock many standard connectors and plate configurations available to ship same day on our website.

Custom configurations also available, contact us to request a quote.

Common Connector Types

Whether you are new to telecom plates or have used them before, we recognize that the many types of connectors can be confusing if you don't know some of the basic terminology associated with them.

The connector type gives you an indication of how the connector is assembled into the telecom plate and how it interfaces with associated cables.

Here is some helpful information to know when you are trying to decide what you need and for placeing an order.

If you need some assistance or have questions, please contact us.

Common Connector Types

Punch Down

These connectors require the installer to press or "punch" down the individual wires of a cable into v-shaped slots. These are typically used on RJ45 (Network) or RJ11 (telephone) cables.

Inline or Coupler

These connectors allow the user to plug the male end of a cable into the back of the connector without any wire preparation. These connectors are usually female to female style so as to accept male cable ends.

Black RJ45 CAT6 Inline Keystone Connector

Keystone

Refers to the method of attachment to the plate. It is a standardized snap-in package for mounting a variety of low-voltage connectors into wall plates, faceplates, or patch panels.

The connectors have a rectangular face and are held in place with flexible tabs. These tabs allow them to be snapped into a plate with correspondingly sized rectangular holes, called ports

Black RJ Connector - Side View with Text point to the Flexible Tab

Panel Mount

These connectors are attached to the plate or panel using screws and nuts imbedded into the face of the connector.

Connector Systems

While many may be familiar with the many different low voltage interfaces out there, you may not be up to speed with all the different iterations and versions of each connector system.

To help reduce some confusion, we have put together a short explanation of each connector system, its primary use, and current performance standards.

RJ45

RJ45 connectors are used almost exclusively for Ethernet cables networking PC network cards, data switches, WiFi access points, and routers. While many companies use secure wireless networks, hard wire applications are still in favor where, consistent speeds, higher security and low latency are required.

The cables and connectors are performance rated based on a cabling category or standard. Most components for categories below 5e are no longer manufactured, but all CAT 6 components must be backward compatible with CAT5e, CAT5, and CAT3

RJ11

RJ11 is smaller in size than the RJ45. It comes with 4 wires and mainly used for connection with telephone, modem, and fax machine.

What is Shielding?

Shielding reduces the ambient electrical noise and between pair cross talk, thus allowing the cables to perform at the higher data transmission rates.

It is important to select a connector suitable for the cabling performance your network requires.

USB

Universal Serial Bus (USB), cables are used to connect hardware such as printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, flash drives, external hard drives, joysticks, cameras, monitors, and more to computers of all kinds, including desktops, tablets, laptops, netbooks, etc. Originally its primary advantages were its ability to “Hot plug and play”, and to transfer data as well as provide low voltage power at the same time.

There have been several iterations of the standard over the years as technology has evolved and greater transmission rates have been achieved.

USB Chart Showing the different Data Speeds for the different USB Connectors

Image Showing the different USB Connector Types - A, B, C, Micro-B, and Mini-B

HDMI

HDMI is the leading digital video, audio and data interface that connects ultra-high-definition displays to a wide range of consumer electronics, PC, mobile, automotive, and commercial AV devices.

Unlike VGA, HDMI carries both video and audio in one cable.

Connector Types:
Regular Size (Type A): An HDMI cable with a regular size connector is typically used to connect source devices, such as DVD/Blu-ray/Ultra HD players, computers, media streamers, cable/satellite boxes, and video game consoles to TVs, video projectors, and home theater receivers.

Mini Size (Type C): HDMI cables with mini connectors are used on DSLR cameras and standard-sized tablets. The end that connects to the camera or tablet is a mini HDMI connector. The other end of the cable is a standard-sized connector that plugs into a TV, PC monitor, or video projector.

Micro Size (Type D): Micro HDMI is used on smaller portable devices such as digital cameras, smartphones, and smaller tablets. A micro HDMI cable has a micro connector on one end and a standard size HDMI connector on the other.

VGA

VGA or Video Graphics Array was a popular display standard developed by IBM and introduced in 1987. VGA provides 640 x 480 resolution color display screens with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and 16 colors displayed at a time. If the resolution is lowered to 320 x 200, 256 colors are shown.

VGA utilizes analog signals, which means it's only capable of lower resolutions and a lower quality display on screens.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a video transmission interface used in digital displays like PC monitors, computers, and other display interfaces. DisplayPort can transmit video and audio separately or simultaneously. DisplayPort supports numerous advanced audio features and most monitors with speakers are equipped with one.

DisplayPort requires low power while producing high performance. It's suitable for use mainly in applications with limited connector space that require high display performance. It is highly extensible, and its color depth and refresh rates are comparable to HDMI and DVI.

DisplayPort has a lower resolution than the HDMI. This makes DisplayPort unsuitable for appliances like television and home theaters. On the other hand, as far as watching TV is concerned, it is quite common in monitors for movies. Its latest versions are 1.4a and 2.0