Faceplates

Summary: Faceplates

Faceplates for Category Cable Installations

Windy City Wire supplies a complete selection of keystone faceplates to finish and protect Category Cable terminations in commercial and industrial environments. Designed for clean, professional presentation and fast installation, our faceplates help integrators, contractors, and distributors deliver consistent results across enterprise offices, healthcare facilities, education campuses, manufacturing floors, and mission‑critical spaces. We partner directly with trade professionals and distribution—Windy City Wire does not sell to end users.

Why choose Windy City Wire faceplates

• Standard keystone compatibility: Accepts industry‑standard keystone inserts to support current and emerging networking technologies, from Category Cable data drops to AV and fiber.
• Port density and flexibility: Single‑gang and double‑gang options in 1 to 12 ports make it easy to right‑size each location and streamline network planning.
• Clear identification: Versions with labeling windows support consistent identification schemes that aid network optimization, documentation, and faster service calls.
• Color and finish options: White, black, gray, light ivory, and stainless steel selections support aesthetic requirements, zone identification, and code compliance.
• Built for the job: Commercial‑ready plates offer a flush, professional look while protecting terminations and maintaining pathway organization that supports long‑term network resilience.
• Stocking and purchasing efficiency: Select items are sold per each; others are priced per pack of 10 so you can stock common configurations and reduce jobsite trips. Order for 1 = 1 package of 10 when purchasing pack quantities.

Part of the Windy City Wire low‑voltage solution

• SmartWire® synergy: When paired with SmartWire low‑voltage cable, these faceplates complete a consistent end‑to‑end pathway from telecom room to workstation.
• Pulling performance: SmartWire cables include SmartWire Glide lubrication applied during manufacturing, reducing friction during pulls and helping crews stay on schedule.
• Standards‑driven installs: A clean, labeled faceplate finish simplifies moves, adds, and changes while supporting documentation practices that strengthen network resilience and uptime.

How faceplates help optimize networks

• Network optimization: Proper port density and labeling at the wall reduce patching errors and speed troubleshooting.
• Network planning: Matching port counts to user needs and room function helps balance cost and scalability across floors and buildings.
• Networking technologies: Keystone openings accommodate copper, fiber, and AV inserts to consolidate connectivity at each location.

Available configurations
Below are the core constructions and options available for faceplates in this category. Each is compatible with standard keystone jacks and inserts.

• Single‑Gang, 1‑Port Keystone Faceplate (White, Black): Clean, single‑drop plate for workstations, phones, or specialty terminations. Ideal for focused runs where expansion is not required.
• Single‑Gang, 2‑Port Keystone Faceplate (Black, Light Ivory, Gray, White): A common choice for dual data/voice drops with a compact footprint.
• Single‑Gang, 3‑Port Keystone Faceplate (Light Ivory, White): Adds capacity for a third service such as AV or a spare for future growth.
• Single‑Gang, 4‑Port Keystone Faceplate (Black, Gray): Supports higher user density or combined data/voice/AV at a single location.
• Single‑Gang, 6‑Port Keystone Faceplate (White): Maximizes port density in a single‑gang opening for conference rooms, labs, or shared spaces.
• Single‑Gang, Blank Faceplate: Covers unused openings and preserves a clean look for future expansion.
• Single‑Gang, 1‑Port Keystone with Labeling Windows (White, Gray, Light Ivory): Label fields aid documentation, wayfinding, and quick identification during service.
• Single‑Gang, 2‑Port Keystone with Labeling Windows (Multiple colors): Adds labeling windows to the most common two‑drop layout for clear port mapping.
• Single‑Gang, 4‑Port Keystone with Labeling Windows: High‑capacity plate with integrated labels to support multi‑service locations.
• Single‑Gang, 2‑Port Stainless Steel Faceplate: Durable finish for high‑traffic or industrial areas where added robustness is preferred.
• Double‑Gang, 6‑Port Keystone with Labeling Windows (White): Balanced density and documentation in a double‑gang footprint for collaborative spaces.
• Double‑Gang, 12‑Port Keystone Faceplate (Black): Maximum workstation port capacity in a single wall location to consolidate connectivity.

Ordering guidance

• Many faceplates are priced per pack of 10 (order for 1 equals a package of 10). Select items are priced per each for small additions or service work.
• Choose color and labeling options to align with your documentation standards and campus color coding.
• Confirm keystone insert type for each port based on the Category Cable and services planned at the location.

Summary: Value for your next project

Windy City Wire faceplates give trade professionals a dependable, uniform finish for Category Cable runs that supports network planning, day‑two maintenance, and long‑term performance. When combined with SmartWire low‑voltage cable and our broader product solutions, your team gains a cohesive pathway from the telecom room to the endpoint—helping control labor, simplify standards across sites, and strengthen network resilience over the life of the installation.

Ready to specify?
Contact Windy City Wire to discuss product selections, color options, and stocking strategies that fit your next rollout. We work directly with integrators, contractors, and distributors to build solutions that keep projects on time and on budget.

Solutions: Faceplates

Faceplates for Category Cable Systems

Windy City Wire faceplates help integrators, contractors, and distributors deliver clean terminations, clear labeling, and consistent appearance for low-voltage Category Cable installations. Built around standard keystone openings, our faceplates support the full breadth of enterprise and industrial networking technologies while helping teams streamline installation, documentation, and future service work.

Where faceplates fit in modern networking technologies

• Enterprise LAN and WLAN: RJ45 terminations for Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A keystone jacks in offices, conference rooms, and common areas to support switching, Wi‑Fi access points, and workstations.
• PoE and smart building devices: Organized ports for IP phones, security cameras, PoE lighting, sensors, and access points—contributing to network optimization by simplifying identification and moves/adds/changes.
• Security and life safety: Neat, labeled terminations for access control panels, intrusion detection, intercoms, and IP video management networks.
• AV and collaboration: Mixed-media layouts when used with compatible keystone inserts for HDMI, AV control, and structured cabling in training rooms and auditoriums.
• Operations technology (OT): Durable options for manufacturing floors, utilities, transportation hubs, and distribution centers—supporting network resilience in demanding environments.

Industries and environments

• Corporate campuses and multi-tenant commercial buildings
• Industrial and warehousing facilities
• Healthcare and laboratories
• Education (K–12 and higher ed)
• Hospitality and entertainment venues
• Retail and financial services
• Public sector, municipalities, and transportation

Faceplate options to match your scope

• Port counts to fit device density and growth planning:
  • Single-gang: 1‑, 2‑, 3‑, 4‑, and 6‑port
  • Double-gang: 6‑ and 12‑port for high-density locations and telecom rooms
  • Blank single-gang plates for future expansion
• Color choices that aid wayfinding and zone identification: white, black, gray, and light ivory.
• Labeling window versions on select 1‑, 2‑, and 4‑port models to support clear port identification and faster troubleshooting.
• Stainless steel options (2‑port) for high-traffic, industrial, or hygienic spaces where durability and cleanability matter.
• Standard keystone compatibility to pair with RJ45 data jacks and other compatible inserts for voice, data, and AV endpoints.

Ordering considerations

• Most faceplates are available in contractor-friendly packs of 10 to simplify staging and deployment. Select items are offered per each—ideal for punch-list and service work.
• Standardize colors, port counts, and labeling-window models by space type to streamline network planning and installation across large projects.

How faceplates advance network planning, optimization, and resilience

• Network planning: Choose port density by room function, leave blank ports or blank plates for expansion, and align color schemes to cable ID standards for easier documentation.
• Network optimization: Labeling-window models support clear numbering and location IDs, reducing trace time and service errors.
• Network resilience: Durable materials and consistent terminations help maintain reliable connections at the user edge; stainless steel variants add protection in harsh or high-contact areas.

Best-practice tips for integrators and contractors

1. Map device counts by space type, then select a faceplate port count that covers present need plus growth.
2. Adopt a site-wide color key (for example, white for user data, gray for voice, black for security) to speed field identification.
3. Use labeling-window faceplates where MAC work is frequent. When paired with your documentation standards (and, when applicable, SmartWire identification), technicians can trace and service circuits more quickly.
4. Deploy stainless steel plates in high-traffic corridors, labs, or industrial zones; use plastic plates in standard office and learning spaces.
5. For mixed-media locations (data plus AV or control), select double-gang or higher port counts to keep terminations consolidated and accessible.

Applications at a glance

• Open office and huddle spaces: 2‑ to 4‑port single-gang plates to serve workstations, VoIP phones, and collaboration gear.
• Classrooms and training rooms: 4‑ to 6‑port single-gang or 6‑port double-gang plates to combine data and AV terminations.
• Security head-ends and IDFs: 12‑port double-gang plates for dense patching blocks near racks and cabinets.
• Manufacturing cells and warehouses: Stainless 2‑port for scanners, HMIs, APs, and cameras.
• Healthcare spaces: Labeling-window plates for clear identification and compliance with documentation requirements.

Whether you are standardizing a multi-building rollout or executing a fast-track retrofit, Windy City Wire faceplates provide the flexibility, organization, and clarity needed to support modern Category Cable networks and the evolving demands of today’s networking technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions: Faceplates

• How is your SmartWire low-voltage Category Cable cables sold on spools or in boxes?

  SmartWire Category Cable is delivered in our patented RackPack carton to maximize labor savings and efficiency as part of our complete solution. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

• What are the main differences between CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, and CAT7 cables?

  - CAT5e: Up to 1 Gbps at 100 m, 100 MHz; common for data, VoIP, and cameras.
  - CAT6: 1 Gbps at 100 m; 10 Gbps up to about 55 m, 250 MHz; better crosstalk control than CAT5e.
  - CAT6A: 10 Gbps at 100 m, 500 MHz; improved alien-crosstalk performance; ideal for modern networking technologies and long-term network planning.
  - CAT7: Typically shielded construction, 10 Gbps at 100 m, ~600 MHz; chosen for additional noise immunity. Select the Category Cable that aligns with your application, desired network optimization, and budget.

• What are some popular Category Cable colors and what do they stand for?

  Conventions vary by organization, but common uses include:
  - Blue: General data drops
  - White/Gray: Standard horizontal runs or office data
  - Yellow: PoE devices or wireless access points
  - Red: Critical systems, uplinks, or security/DMZ segments
  - Green: Management networks or legacy crossover designation
  - Orange: Demarc/backbone or interconnects
  - Black: Security/CCTV or AV
  - Purple/Violet: Healthcare/AV or special-purpose circuits
  - Brown: Building automation/BMS
  Establish a documented color code to support consistency and network resilience.

Additional Links:

• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
• The RackPack - Our patented cable delivery solution
• Our Transporters - RackPack Transportation Devices
• 19 Stocking Locations Nationwide - Find a Branch near you