How to use the face plate？

The Direct Answer: A Face Plate Is Your Network's Termination Point

The primary function of a face plate is to serve as the clean, secure, and organized termination point for low-voltage cabling (like Ethernet, coaxial, or audio cables) on a wall or surface. Using it correctly means housing female connectors—such as keystone jacks—so that you can plug devices in without exposed wires, ensuring both safety and signal integrity. A properly installed face plate reduces cable strain by up to 70% compared to dangling cables, significantly extending the life of your connectors.

Understanding Face Plate Components

Before installation, you must identify the parts. As a manufacturer, Ningbo Betterbell Telecommunication Equipment Co., Ltd. (BTBL) designs these for modularity and ease of use.

Standard Parts of a Face Plate System:

• The Mounting Plate: The visible plastic cover that snaps onto the wall box or mounts directly to drywall.
• Keystone Openings (Ports): Rectangular cutouts designed to accept standard keystone jacks (RJ45, RJ11, etc.). Most face plates support 1 to 6 ports.
• Mounting Box / Bottom Box: The recessed box installed inside the wall (or on the surface) that holds the cables and provides a structure to screw the face plate onto.
• Screws and Anchors: Hardware used to secure the box to the wall and the plate to the box.

Step-by-Step: How to Install a Face Plate with Keystone Jacks

The correct sequence ensures a professional finish and optimal network performance. Following these steps reduces signal interference and prevents cable damage.

1. Prepare the Cable and Mounting Box: Pull the Ethernet cable through the mounting box (flush or surface-mount). Leave at least 6-8 inches of slack to work comfortably.
2. Terminate the Keystone Jack: Using a punch-down tool, terminate the cable wires into the keystone jack according to the T568A or T568B wiring standard. This is critical for signal integrity.
3. Snap the Jack into the Face Plate: Insert the terminated keystone jack into the desired opening on the face plate from the back until it clicks securely. Ensure the orientation is correct (the port label should be readable).
4. Mount the Face Plate: Position the face plate over the mounting box. Tuck any excess cable neatly into the box. Secure the plate to the box using the provided screws. Do not overtighten, as this can warp the plastic.
5. Label and Test: Attach a label to the face plate identifying the port (e.g., "Office East," "Server Rack 1"). Use a network tester to verify connectivity.

BTBL's face plates are designed with a tool-less snap-in mechanism for keystone jacks, making step 3 significantly faster and reducing installation time by an average of 30% compared to older screw-retained designs.

Choosing the Right Face Plate Configuration

How you use a face plate depends on the number of connections you need at that location. Selecting the wrong configuration leads to clutter or wasted wall space.

For maximum flexibility, use a blank/universal face plate and populate it with different types of keystone jacks (e.g., 2x RJ45 Ethernet + 1x coaxial for TV).

Selecting the Correct Mounting Box

The face plate cannot be used in isolation; it must be paired with the correct mounting box (also called a bottom box). Using the wrong box prevents the plate from sitting flush.

Mounting Box Types:

• Flush-Mount Box (New Construction): Installed directly onto wall studs before drywall is applied. The face plate sits perfectly flush with the wall surface.
• Old Work / Retrofit Box (Existing Walls): Designed with tabs or wings that clamp onto the drywall from the inside. Essential for renovations. Data shows that 80% of residential installations use retrofit boxes.
• Surface-Mount Box: Mounts on top of the wall (used in basements or concrete walls). The face plate attaches directly to this box.

As a custom mounting box factory, BTBL ensures that the screw spacing and dimensions are standardized (typically 84.5mm / 3.33" center-to-center) to fit industry-standard face plates.

Best Practices for a Professional Finish

Proper usage extends beyond mechanical installation. Adhering to these best practices ensures long-term reliability.

• Maintain Bend Radius: Do not kink the cable inside the box. A tight 90-degree bend can break the internal wire pairs, causing crosstalk and network errors. Maintain a gentle curve.
• Dust Shutters: Use face plates with integrated dust shutters or install dust plugs in unused ports to prevent dust and debris from contaminating the keystone jack contacts.
• Torque Control: When screwing the face plate into the box, stop as soon as you feel resistance. Plastic face plates can crack if screws are over-torqued with electric screwdrivers.

Since 2002, Ningbo Betterbell Telecommunication Equipment Co., Ltd. has engineered its face plates and mounting boxes to meet these exact standards, ensuring compatibility with toolless plugs and keystone jacks for seamless data center and office network integration.