Common Mistakes When Buying Ethernet Wall Plates

Ethernet wall plates look simple, but buying the wrong one can slow down an installation. The most common mistakes usually come from choosing the wrong category, the wrong connector style, or a wall plate that does not match the cable already in the wall.

Here are the mistakes to avoid when choosing an Ethernet wall plate or Ethernet + coax wall plate bundle.

Mistake 1: Buying A Coupler When You Need A  Keystone Jack

A coupler and a keystone jack are not the same thing.

A keystone jack is used when you are terminating bulk Ethernet cable. If the cable in the wall has bare conductors that need to be punched down or terminated, you need a keystone-style connector.

A coupler is used when the cable already has an RJ45 plug on the end. It creates a female-to-female pass-through connection.

Quick rule: bare cable needs a keystone jack. Finished plug needs a coupler.

Mistake 2: Choosing Cat6A When Cat6 Is Enough

Cat6A is a strong choice, but not every job needs it. For many home internet, smart TV, streaming, gaming, and standard office connections, Cat6 is practical and cost-effective.

For Cat6 keystone installs, look at RJ-EC-04 Cat6 keystone option. For Cat6 pass-through installs, use RJ-EC-05 shielded Cat6 coupler or RJ-EC-06 black Cat6 coupler.

Mistake 3: Choosing Cat6 When The Job Should Be Cat6A

The opposite mistake also happens. If the job is a future-ready network, office buildout, long-term upgrade, homelab, 10Gbps-ready installation, or PoE-heavy project, Cat6A may be the better choice.

For Cat6A keystone installs, use RJ-EC-01 Cat6A keystone option. For shielded Cat6A installs, choose RJ-EC-02 shielded Cat6A option or RJ-EC-03 Cat6A coupler option.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Shielding

Shielding is not required for every install, but it matters in the right environment. If the wall plate is going near electrical equipment, motors, lighting systems, dense cable runs, equipment rooms, or PoE devices, shielded components may be worth using.

For basic residential installs, unshielded Cat6 or Cat6A is often fine. For commercial, homelab, or higher-interference work, shielded Cat6A can be the better long-term choice.

Mistake 5: Forgetting The Coax Connection

Many TV, modem, and media room locations need both coax and Ethernet. Buying an Ethernet-only wall plate can leave the installer adding another plate or using loose coax beside the wall opening.

An Ethernet + coax wall plate bundle keeps both connections in one finished location. That is useful behind TVs, at cable modem locations, in media cabinets, and anywhere a coax signal and wired network connection are needed together.

Mistake 6: Mixing Categories Across The Cable Run

A network channel performs according to the lowest-rated part in the run. If you want Cat6A performance, the cable, wall plate connector, patch cords, and patch panel should all support the intended category.

For contractors, this is especially important on jobs where the customer expects a tested, professional-grade result.

Mistake 7: Not Planning For Quantity

Homeowners may only need one or two wall plates. Contractors may need repeatable quantities for several rooms, units, offices, or service calls. Choosing a bundle that is available in practical pack sizes can make ordering easier.

If you are not sure which exact combination you need, start with RJ-EC-00 mixed wall plate option.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

• Do you need Ethernet only, or Ethernet plus coax?
• Is the cable bare, or does it already have an RJ45 plug?
• Do you need Cat6 or Cat6A?
• Does the job need shielded components?
• How many wall plates do you need for the project?

FAQ

What is the biggest mistake when buying Ethernet wall plates?

The biggest mistake is choosing a coupler when the job needs a keystone jack, or choosing a keystone jack when the cable already has an RJ45 plug.

Is Cat6 enough for most homes?

Yes. Cat6 is enough for many home internet, TV, streaming, and gaming setups. Cat6A is better for future-ready or higher-performance installs.

Should I buy an Ethernet + coax wall plate?

If the location needs both coax and Ethernet, a combined bundle gives a cleaner result than separate plates or loose cables.