Keystone copper connectivity is essentially based on a universal RJ-45 form factor that enables the connectivity to be interchangeable across brands-any keystone outlet will fit into any keystone opening. But there are some considerations.

Same Size Does Not Mean Same Performance

Keystone outlets feature a snap-in mounting with a rectangular face of 14.5 mm (0.57 in.) wide by 16 mm (0.63 in.) high. Since keystone connectivity is interchangeable, it is often chosen for versatility and the ability to work with a wide range of keystone work area products such as faceplates, boxes, and other mounting solutions. Keystone outlets can be especially beneficial if you are dealing with unique or customized mounting solutions from third-party vendors. Keystone connectivity can also facilitate upgrades and vendor replacements-existing keystone mounting solutions allow for easily replacing outlets with another vendor’s keystone outlets.

However, just because keystone outlets are the same size, that does not necessarily mean they are all equal. While their form factor may be identical, you still need to consider the performance. At a basic level, they need to be verified to meet industry standards like ANSI/TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801, which means they also need to be from a reputable manufacturer. Buying keystone connectors from low-cost, unknown suppliers increases the risk of ending up with non-standards compliance, inferior performance, or even counterfeit components.

There are additional performance considerations as well. For example, are the outlets UL 2043 compliant for use in air handling spaces? How easy and repeatable is the termination process? How well do they achieve outlet-to-outlet pair separation to suppress alien crosstalk when mounted side-by-side in 10 Gb/s applications? One key performance factor to consider is power over Ethernet (PoE) support and the ability to prevent plug and jack contact erosion at the final mated location that can occur due to arcing when the plug is unmated under PoE load conditions. Keystone outlets that include a straight jack contact shape can result in damaged plug contacts at the final mated position and ultimately an unreliable connection. In contrast, Siemon Z-MAX® and MAX® keystone outlets feature our PowerGUARD® technology with a patented curved jack contact shape that ensures any arcing damage to the plug and jack contacts remain away from the final mated position. Learn more about our PowerGUARD technology.

Additional Considerations

While the universal interchangeability of keystone connectivity has its benefits-as long as you’re selecting standards-based connectivity from a reputable manufacturer-they are considered a more commoditized option that might not give you all the features and benefits you can get with a manufacturer-specific modular connectivity solution.

Siemon Z-MAX and MAX hybrid outlets come with a door option that is great for keeping dust out of unused outlets. They can also be mounted flat or angled and include spaces for icons to easily distinguish between voice and data. Keystone outlets are not available with these added features.

Sometimes, these features can have an impact on installation. For example, when planning for work area mounting, it is important to ensure adequate clearance for depth requirements to maintain the cable bend radius. Since keystone outlets cannot be mounted in an angled orientation, they end up requiring more depth and a larger bend radius. For example, Siemon’s keystone Z-MAX outlets have a mounting depth of 30mm (1.2 in.) with a required bend radius of 4 times the cable diameter. However, an angle-mounted hybrid Z-MAX outlet has a mounting depth of just 23 mm (0.9 in.) and allows for a smaller bend radius of about 2 times the cable diameter.

We’ve Got You Covered!

Regardless of whether you prefer keystone or modular connectivity, Siemon has you covered. Our high-performance Z-MAX and MAX outlets available in category 5e UTP, category 6 UTP and category 6A UTP and shielded have the option of a keystone form factor. We offer high-quality keystone single-gang plastic and stainless-steel faceplates. They come in 1-, 2- and 4-port versions and keystone UTP patch panels in 24- and 48-port flat and angled versions. UL listed for use in air-handling spaces to support connections to ceiling-mounted devices such as Wi-Fi access points, surveillance cameras and LED lights, Siemon’s keystone surface mount boxes are available in 1-, 2-, 4- or 6-port versions.

You can find ordering information for our keystone connectivity by visiting Siemon’s eCatalog at ecatalog.siemon.com. Siemon’s new keystone faceplates, patch panels and surface mount boxes support Siemon keystone Z-MAX® and MAX® UTP outlets available in category 5e, category 6 and category 6A performance.