RJ-45 Keystone Jack - Pricing Differences, Quality, Fixture Compatibility

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › RJ-45 Keystone Jack - Pricing Differences, Quality, Fixture Compatibility

nzfatmatt

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Topic # 106331 22-Jul-2012 16:36

I am rewiring network etc throughout the house since we're having to Jib some rooms.

Will be using PDL 600 wall plates.

On looking at the RJ-45 keystone jacks I see there are a wide variation in prices.

PDL Cat5 Module from Electrical Direct LTD at $11.64+GST and $1.17+GST for the Cat6 Keystone Clip Module.
Argent Cables for $4.85
ComputerStore for $4.65+GST
Dynamix from Elive for $12.30
Dynamix from CablesDirect for $5.58+GST
PBTech for $3.50+GST
Digitus from Ascent for $9.19 and $5 by the time you buy 10

They all seem like the same keystone modules to me, all Cat 6 Jacks and you still need to get the Keystone Clip to mount to the PDL 600 Cover Plate. I know I like the PDL Keystone Clip Mount already as they are slightly recessed and don't stick out like others I have seen.

I assume all these keystone modules fit? Does anyone know if there is any quality difference between the different modules or is it just high prices for the same thing. Considering I'm wanting 30 or so, the difference in total cost is a bit.

Edit:Part of post got lost

Handle9

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Reply # 659961 22-Jul-2012 17:04

I use a few PDL Keystones with Dynamix CAT6 modules (the ones PB sell). They work fine, just don't put too much pressure on them when you punch down onto them.

richms

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Reply # 659976 22-Jul-2012 17:33

The PDL keystone adapter and a keystone is IMO the worst wall outlet ever, since the keystone is moved further into the wall you are lifting the end of the release tab, and it flexes rather than lift the catch up enough to actually release. The recess just makes it even worse.

Richard rich.ms

coffeebaron

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Reply # 659980 22-Jul-2012 17:39

I usually use the Dynamix modules: however I do quite like the PDL modules and would favour these for some jobs. I would also use them exclusively if price was a bit closer.

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chevrolux

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Reply # 660031 22-Jul-2012 19:41

richms: The PDL keystone adapter and a keystone is IMO the worst wall outlet ever, since the keystone is moved further into the wall you are lifting the end of the release tab, and it flexes rather than lift the catch up enough to actually release. The recess just makes it even worse.

The PDL keystone adapters don't recess that jack that much at all. You might be thinking about the PDL mod-clip adapter which allows 'clipsal' modules to be placed in the PDL plate. This recesses the jack so far you need a pen to release the patch cord.

My recommendation for a good quality, cheap module would be the dynamix modules in a PDL wall plate with keystone clips.

In a commercial building we use Molex modules which are about $15/ea. The only reason we use this is as we can offer a 50-year warranty on the cabling. The ministry of ed require certification too. However, we can wire up a building and not certify it and get exactly the same results with half the cost.

richms

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Reply # 660066 22-Jul-2012 21:15

chevrolux:

The PDL keystone adapters don't recess that jack that much at all. You might be thinking about the PDL mod-clip adapter which allows 'clipsal' modules to be placed in the PDL plate. This recesses the jack so far you need a pen to release the patch cord.

Nahh, seen those and they are hopeless for that. This is the PDL adapter to a keystone where it has a RJ45 shaped hole in the front that lines up with the one on the keystone.

The ones with a rectangle hole on the front dont suffer the problem, but with those the keystone is really really loose in them and I havent seen them without a goofy lip on one side of them either. Plus they look really ugly with the holes around the keystone etc.

Richard rich.ms

nzfatmatt

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Reply # 666811 3-Aug-2012 11:29

Thanks for all the comments. I ended up going to the Dynamix ones as when buying 40 it's a lot cheaper than PDL ones. Got them through Ascent, once the multiple items discount kicked in it was cheaper than CablesDirect price which was without GST and shipping.

My only comment on the Dynamix ones is that they don't have the ability to have the cable come out the back or top due to the hole in the cover that goes over the punch down points which the PDL has. Also the Dynamix cover just rests on the punch down joints, it doesn't clip like the PDL. So when put in wall the cable can lift it off. A piece of insulation tape will deal to this but with comparison in price, I am accepting this problem.

In terms of plugging unplugging from the socket when they are slightly recessed, I don't have any problem releasing the clip of the RJ45 plug. Plus it's not like I'll be taking the cables in/out much.

DarthKermit

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Reply # 666978 3-Aug-2012 13:53

I went for the PDL network modules when I was networking our house. I was able to get them at trade price. I'd think twice if I had to pay retail; which is about $36 + GST I think.

Whatifthespacekeyhadneverbeeninvented?

DarthKermit

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Reply # 667791 5-Aug-2012 14:55

Ah scratch the above. My 2011 PDL price guide has them at $18.40 for the 619MD ex GST.

We got the whole house redone with PDL 600 series with stainless steel covers. Looks good.

Whatifthespacekeyhadneverbeeninvented?