Which Fiber Optic Wall Plate Do You Use?

What is fiber optic outlet? Which fiber optic wall plate do you Use?With the expansion of fiber optic network, fiber optic cables are widely deployed in buildings and houses to be closer to end users. When talking about fiber optic cabling system, the related products that come to our mind firstly are usually fiber optic cables, fiber optic transceivers, connectors or fiber optic transmission products. 

What is Fiber Optic Wall Plate

Fiber wall plate, or fiber optic outlet, is one of these components, and is also one of the most visible components in a fiber optic cabling system. Network wall plates serve as one of the basic components of a structured cabling system, which are usually placed near a workstation.  According to different networks, wall plates is divided into two types as fiber optic wall plates and copper wall plates. Since optical network has been leading the world trend, today we will get to know more about fiber optic wall plates.

In many cases, fiber optic cables are installed in-wall. And fiber optic wall plates are used to provide easier and safer connection between the feed cables and the fiber patch cables that are linked to the target devices. Customers should select the right types of fiber optic wall plate to ensure the performance and connection of the fiber links. 

Size and Design of Fiber Optic Wall Plate

Fiber optic wall plates have different sizes. But the most commonly used fiber optic cable wall jack are with a size of 86mm*86mm. The design (orientation) of the fiber optic wall plate also varies according to different applications.

There are mainly three designs:

• Straight: The straight fiber optic wall plates are most commonly used one in many offices and buildings. They can provide architectural design for in-wall and recessed installations.
• Box: The box type fiber optic wall plates are usually used in FTTH applications to provide easy connecting environments and safe places for fiber patch cable storage.
• Angled: The angled fiber optic wall plate has better performance to decrease the bend loss cause the fiber patch cable would have a smaller bend radius after connected to these wall plates.

Before installing fiber wall jack, one decision you have to make is whether to choose fixed-design or modular wall plate.

• Fixed-design wall plate: It has multiple jacks that are molded as part of the wall plate, which means you cannot remove the jacket and replace it with a different type of connector. Fixed-design wall plates are cheap and simple to install, so they are usually used in telephone applications.
• Modular wall plates:Its generic and have multiple jack locations. In a modular wall plate system, this kind of plate is often referred to as a faceplate: unless it has its jackets installed, it’s not a wall plate.

Fiber Adapter Type of Fiber Optic Wall Plate

Wall plate for internet connection uses the fiber adapter installed on itself to provide the connection and disconnection for fiber optic cables. Thus, the selection of fiber adapter type on the wall plate is essential. There are fiber optic wall plates which installed with SC, LC, FC, ST, etc. Both simplex and duplex adapters are also available in the market.

Port Counts of Fiber Optic Wall Plate

Except the above mentioned factors, the port count that a fiber optic wall plate can provide should also be considered. The port count of fiber optic wall plate with a size of 86mm*86mm is usually ranging from one to four. The number of ports a plate can have is based on the size of the plate.

Fiber Optic Outlet

Fiber optic wall plates come in many different types according to their adapter type, port number and faceplate interface. The following picture shows part of the commonly used fiber optic wall plates：

Applications of Fiber Optic Wall Plate

Fiber optic wall plates are designed to bring fiber to the desk and widely used in multi-floor and high building. It can be found in:

• FTTH access
• Telecommunication
• CATV
• Data Communication Networks etc.

How to Install Wall Plate?

As a reference, here are the recommended steps for installing box-shaped wall plates on the wall:

• Step 1:Determine the location of the new cabling wall plate. Use a pencil to mark a line indicating the location for the top of the wall plate.
• Step 2: Use the hole template to trace the outline of the hole to be cut onto the wall with a pencil. Keep the top of the hole aligned with the mark made in step 1.
• Step 3: Follow the lines and use a drywall keyhole saw to cut out a hole.
• Step 4:Insert the wall plate into the hole. If it won’t fit in, trim the sides of the hole with a razor blade or utility knife.
• Step 5: Secure the wall plate by screwing the box to the drywall or by using the friction tabs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right one from so many types of wall plates is also a task. All the aspects for your project should be taken into consideration. Kindly contact sales@lightoptics.co.uk for more details about fiber optic wall plate, if you are interested.