Quick and Easy Guide: Choosing the Perfect Ethernet Wall Plates and Surface Mount Boxes for Your Home
Updated at Nov 16th 20241 min read
When renovating your new home, exposed Ethernet cables can disrupt the look and feel of your space. Is there a way to hide these cables while maintaining a clean look? Absolutely! Ethernet wall plates and surface mount boxes provide the perfect solution. With numerous options available, how do you choose the right one? This guide will quickly help you select the best Ethernet wall plate and surface mount box to suit your needs.
Ethernet Wall Plate vs. Surface Mount Box: What Should You Choose?
As someone new to home remodeling, you might not be familiar with the difference between Ethernet wall plates and surface mount boxes. Let's take a moment to understand what they are. An RJ45 wall plate is an interface panel mounted on the wall, primarily used for connecting Ethernet cables neatly and securely. If you want a more detailed explanation, check out the article An Ultimate Introduction to Ethernet Wall Plate.
On the other hand, a surface-mount box is another solution for connecting network cables, typically used where in-wall wiring isn't possible. The primary difference lies in their installation: wall plates are embedded into the wall, while surface-mount boxes are mounted on the surface, offering more flexibility without requiring in-wall wiring. Now, with a basic understanding of what your house needs, let's dive into choosing the perfect Ethernet solution.

Four Simple Steps to Select an Ethernet Wall Plate
Picking the right Ethernet wall plate can be straightforward. Just follow these key steps:
Consider Your Country and Region. Make sure the Ethernet wall plate you choose aligns with your country's standards. Different countries have different dimension standards, such as the US, UK, French, and German styles. When shopping online, especially internationally, confirm with customer service that the wall plate meets the required standards.
Faceplate Type | Dimensions | Design Features | Application | Compatibility |
US Faceplate | 120mm x 70mm | Rectangular, simple, practical; supports 1, 2, or 4 ports. | Common in residential and office spaces in the US and Canada. | Compatible with US standard outlets and switches, various keystone jacks. |
UK Faceplate | 86mm x 86mm | Square, suitable for single or double ports. | Used in the UK and some Commonwealth countries. | Compatible with UK BS 1363 standard outlets. |
French Faceplate | 80mm x 80mm | Square, compact layout. | Common in France and some European countries. | Compatible with French Type E power outlets. |
German Faceplate | 80mm x 80mm | Modern square design, supports multifunction modules. | Common in Germany and surrounding European countries. | Compatible with German Type F power outlets. |
Count the Devices You Need to Connect. The number of devices determines how many ports your Ethernet wall plate should have. Suppose you opt for a single-port RJ45 wall plate but have multiple devices. In that case, you may end up needing more construction later on—drilling extra holes, installing more plates, increasing cable routing complexity, and, inevitably, additional costs. FS offers keystone wall plates with 1-4 ports, which should cover most situations.

Decide on the Installation Location. Determine the direction of the cable plug: flat or angled? A flat design means the Ethernet cable wall plate plug inserts perpendicularly to the wall, while an angled option allows for insertion at a slope. This can influence ease of use and cable durability. If the outlet is hidden behind furniture or runs parallel to the floor, an angled design is recommended for easier plug insertion and better protection for both cables and plugs.

Ensure Port Size Compatibility. To prevent fitting issues, make sure the wall plate is compatible with the module size. FS Ethernet faceplates are designed to be compatible with any keystone port type and standard gang box, which significantly reduces installation hassles.

By following these steps and considering your specific needs, you'll find the most suitable Ethernet wall plate for home.
How to Choose an Ethernet Surface Mount Box
Choosing an Ethernet surface mount box involves fewer considerations, mainly focusing on the network type and port number.
Identify the Cable Type in Your Home. Surface mount boxes come in unloaded and loaded types. Loaded boxes include built-in modules, with the speed ratings indicated on the box exterior. If you're using Cat6 UTP cables, a Cat6 unshielded surface mount box is recommended. FS provides various options, including unloaded, unshielded, shielded Cat6, and Cat6a options.
Determine the Number of Devices to Connect. Similar to selecting an Ethernet wall plate, choose a surface mount box with the appropriate number of ports needed to accommodate the different devices in your home.
Conclusion
With this guide, you're ready to choose the right Ethernet wall plate and surface mount box for your needs. Whether it's a complete home renovation or a simple network upgrade, finding the right solution is now straightforward. Enjoy a neat and efficient setup where technology seamlessly blends with your home's style.