A Guide to Installing Keystone Jacks and Wall Plates

Keystone wall plates and jacks are crucial components for a professional, organized, and durable network installation. 

Whether you’re working with Ethernet, fiber optics, or other low-voltage cabling, they provide flexibility and simplicity. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the purpose, benefits, and installation process, incorporating tips and real-world applications from your notes and videos.

What is a keystone wall plate?

A keystone wall plate is a mounting plate designed to hold keystone jacks. These jacks allow you to connect Ethernet, fiber, HDMI, or other cables in a neat, modular fashion. The wall plate fits into standard electrical gang boxes or low-voltage mounting systems, ensuring easy integration into new or existing setups.

In practice, keystone wall plates can accommodate simplex or duplex jacks, such as Cat6A Ethernet or single-mode fiber couplers. This versatility makes them a go-to choice for both residential and commercial installations.

Example: A single-mode duplex keystone coupler snaps neatly into a one-gang wall plate. Once installed, simply remove the covers, align the pins, and secure it with screws for a seamless fiber connection.


Watch this process in action.

What is the purpose of a wall plate?

Wall plates offer several benefits:

  • Protection: Shield jacks and connections from dust and physical damage.
  • Organization: Keep cabling neat and professional-looking.
  • Compatibility: Fit into standard electrical gang boxes or low-voltage systems.

Keystone wall plates go a step further by allowing customizable configurations. Need to mix Ethernet, fiber, and HDMI? Keystone wall plates make it possible without requiring separate plates.

Why use a keystone wall plate?

The flexibility of keystone wall plates makes them ideal for modern networking:

  • Customization: Swap out individual jacks without removing the wall plate.
  • Standardization: Compatible with industry-standard screw alignments and gang boxes.
  • Ease of Installation: Simple snap-in jacks and universal compatibility streamline setup.

Pro Tip: When working with a keystone wall plate, always align the arrow on the plate to ensure the jack snaps in correctly. This small detail makes the process fast and frustration-free.

Are keystone wall plates helpful for fiber or just Ethernet?

Keystone wall plates are designed for both Ethernet and fiber installations. For example, a duplex single-mode keystone coupler can snap into a one-gang plate, allowing you to run two fiber strands cleanly into the wall. Ethernet connections work just as well, often using Cat6A jacks.

See a real-world demonstration here.

What are Ethernet cable bundles, and do they work with keystone wall plates?

Ethernet cable bundles, also called cable harnesses, group multiple Ethernet cables inside a single mesh jacket. These bundles are often used for connecting patch panels or switches, rather than endpoint wall plates.

Use Case: A bundled harness creates an organized cable run between switches or patch panels, reducing clutter and streamlining large-scale setups.
Learn more about cable bundles here.

How to install a keystone wall plate

Installing a keystone wall plate is simple and requires only a few basic tools. Here’s how:

Tools You’ll Need

  • Level
  • Wallboard saw
  • Drill
  • Pencil
  • Stud finder

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wall
    • Use a stud finder to check for obstructions like electrical wiring or pipes.
    • Outline your cut with a pencil, ensuring it’s level. If using a box eliminator, flip it upside down and trace the inner rim for accuracy.
  2. Cut the Opening
    • Cut slightly outside the pencil outline using a wallboard saw. This ensures the box or eliminator will fit snugly.
  3. Install the Box or Eliminator
    • For box eliminators, bend the tabs back behind the drywall to secure it in place. Screw it tightly for a firm hold.
  4. Snap in the Keystone Jack
    • Insert the keystone jack into your Ethernet or fiber cable. Align the jack with the arrow on the wall plate, then snap it into place.
  5. Secure the Wall Plate
    • Screw the wall plate into the box or eliminator for a polished finish.

Pro Tip: When using a one-gang plate for older constructions, low-voltage boxes or eliminators are particularly useful for routing cables through existing walls.
Watch a full installation walkthrough here.

Tips for running cables through existing walls

Running low-voltage cabling through walls can be tricky, especially in older buildings. Here are some tips:

  • Plan Ahead: Always use a stud finder to locate obstacles behind the wall.
  • Use Box Eliminators: These eliminate the need for traditional gang boxes and make it easy to retrofit.
  • Cut Carefully: When cutting drywall, go slightly outside your pencil outline to allow the box or eliminator to fit snugly.

Example: For Ethernet, HDMI, or other low-voltage cabling, box eliminators provide a simple solution. They allow you to feed cables through walls while ensuring a secure mount for your wall plate.
Here’s a video demonstrating this process.

Keystone wall plates and jacks are essential tools for clean, reliable network installations. Whether you’re working with Ethernet, fiber optics, or other low-voltage setups, following these steps and tips will ensure a polished, professional result every time.