How to make a cable entrance in the data closet?

If the cabling is just for data networking (i.e. no voice, video, etc), I would stick with the multiport faceplate idea. You can get double-gang faceplates that will accommodate 12 inserts. If that's not enough, you can add more later.

If you're considering a Leviton structured media cabinet (or similar), you can also mount them "in" the wall, so that the front is flush with the wall. Here's a link to the page for the 14" cabinet.

Thanks to both of you (Bob and Robert). Have one question though.

I am not sure how this looks like and how to find it. Can you point me to a picture of something like that? Perhaps at

Thanks,

Bolek

I would run several conduits down thru the wall to a large junction box mounted flush with the wall. you can then use a cover with one or more grommeted cutouts along the bottom edge to bring the cables out of the front of the box. The conduits should have plastic bushings at both ends to protect the cable.

I don't know how many cables you are going to pull, but I would start with at least 3 2" conduits and a 10"x10"x4" pull box. Leave at least one conduit empty (except for a pull string) for future expansion.

I wouldn't use a patchpanel, or rather, I'd make a patchpanel from keystone jacks in 6up wallplates, trimmed into a double or triple gang electrical box with the back/side cut out. Very neat finish.

If you really want the patchpanel (often mounted vertical), you can make a neat wall penetration with a clamp-on LV Caddy box and an empty Decora wallplate.

The standard for wiring new homes is to use a Leviton or other lockable patch-box surface mounted directly over a hole in the drywall. I think Home Depot carries these.

-- Robert

Boleslaw Ciesielski wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:

If you do not want to terminate them in the wall or put up a box like the Leviton over the hole (after the fact it can be tough to "do it right") you can get one of those orange or blue DATA hold openings and then cover that with a Leviton quick port single or double gang cover where you've cut out the opening larger.

I've also used 2 slotted wire ducts side by side to hold excess cable if you aren't ready to terminate it close.

Ya thatll work. If you are buying boxes of cat 5e cable. I use the plastic cable guides for stuff like that. Take it off the box and glue into sheetrock. Its free and looks good.