Ethernet Retaining Clips / Inserts (?)

bradleyh10 · 16 May 2021 at 11:32

Hi,
I've run ethernet cable around my house (cat 6, shielded) but it's so thick it's making punching them into facias a nightmare. When I push them back the tension in the cable caused the cables to come out the socket. The cable tie just doesn't hold it.

I'm looking to also add these but just can't find them sold separately. Anyone have any ideas ?

Thanks,
Bradley

Dg834man · 16 May 2021 at 13:12

Do you have the cable coming through the back centre of the backbox? its easier if you have it coming from the bottom knock out.

bradleyh10 · 16 May 2021 at 14:58

Thanks for your reply. I used a multitool to cut a larger hole because I knew the cable would be an option. As you can see when I push it back the brown and brown/white came out. Which is why I'm trying to find the retaining clips online.

bledd · 16 May 2021 at 15:02

Get different modules

CCS (Connectix) are very nice to work with. The zip tie point is in a better position.

Also, is that external grade cable?

If retrofitting cables to a house, I'd always go with Cat5e and non shielded. So much easier to work with.

The image you've shown in the first post is of a keystone jack, they go at the patch panel end (if using keystone)

bradleyh10 · 16 May 2021 at 16:19

Unfortunately these modules come from the brand of facias (plug sockets etc) so I do need to work with this.

Yup, good stop, it's cat6 outdoor cable. I've run it through the house and am also a bit stuck with it, but yes, it's very work to hard with!

In the first picture I was just after the caps not the patch itself. Just seems if I could get a cap which fitted then it would stop them coming out when I move the cable back.

bledd · 16 May 2021 at 16:23

Typically, any brand module will fit into the faceplate, just may get a slight colour mismatch.

I'd prefer good working modules over looks.

That cap is 100% only for keystone jacks.

Tested about 15-20 different modules in work, the only ones I'd use are..

CCS, Excel, Fusion. In that order.

Hyburnate · 16 May 2021 at 16:38

I've seen the plastic covers probably about 5 years ago on Excel modules... may have been HT... However I haven't seen them in a long time.

Please measure your aperture in the faceplate in mm and post here. (W x H)

Caged · 16 May 2021 at 16:52

Are you running shielded cable with unshielded modules?

bradleyh10 · 16 May 2021 at 17:06

I've just measured and they are 25mm x 50mm.

Yes, shielded cable with unshielded module. Do you think shielded modules would make it easier ?

I'm using these ones:
https://04646a9cf351cc0d3888-b8b406...6ca11e8322e7f196f7b7524280c1ba.pdf?1501532573

Caged · 16 May 2021 at 17:18

The problem is really that you're negating the point of the shielding at best, and at worse you're installing a giant antenna alongside your data cabling to pick up interference with.

At this point I would fit keystone Cat6A outlets such as the Excel 100-181 - instructions for fitting can be seen here https://media.excel-networking.com/downloads/EXCEL/100-181 termination instructions.pdf

And then use a angled keystone adaptor such as 100-020-BK to get them to work with your plates - angled but poking out the front slightly because of the depth you need for the bend radius.

Those Scolmore modules look very poor for the ~£7 each they want for them - if you can return them that would be the best approach.

Depending on the construction of your external cable (e.g. whether it's a tough sheath over a normal PVC jacket similar to indoor cable), I'd remove ~100mm of the outdoor jacket to reduce the stress on the terminations and make it easier to work with.

bradleyh10 · 16 May 2021 at 21:28

Hi

Thanks for the advice. I think this is the best solution actually and I'm going to order them.

Out of interest why the Cat6a outlet and not a Cat6 outlet ?

Bradley

Caged · 16 May 2021 at 21:39

Can you link to the cable you have installed?

bradleyh10 · 16 May 2021 at 21:41

This is it:
https://www.kenable.co.uk/en/networ...cable-ftp-reel-100m-008545-5055383485451.html

b0rn2sk8 · 16 May 2021 at 21:41

Edit: just seen the link above.

Caged · 16 May 2021 at 21:42

Ok, so you'd use the keystone part code 100-209 instead then. Installation is

bradleyh10 · 16 May 2021 at 22:01

That's great, thank so much.

Any recommendations on retailer? I can't find too many who stock them both.

Caged · 17 May 2021 at 11:06

We buy from distribution so I can't help there.

Anywhere that sells Excel stuff can get the full range though, so maybe phone a couple of places and see if they can order the bits in for you. A lot of them will just ship direct from the distributor so it's not any extra effort for them.

bradleyh10 · 23 May 2021 at 09:27

Hi, just wanted to say thank you for the advice. The keystone jacks were the best way out of this - I hadn't used them before but they are great, don't think I'll ever use a traditional face plate again.

Bradley

Caged · 23 May 2021 at 11:32

Glad it worked out, the finish looks very smart.

bledd · 23 May 2021 at 21:37

Looks smart indeed! How much did each faceplate cover and 4 ports cost,out of interest?