Modular RJ45 sockets: Screwfix's = TLC's?

[David]

I set up my home network using modular CAT-5 kit purchased from TLC a couple of years ago, and I now wish to expand it... However I note that Screwfix now sell this stuff and as I'm always scrabbling around to make up my Screwfix orders to the requisite amount to be carriage-free, I'd rather order the extra bits from them if poss.

I wouldn't risk it otherwise, but does anyone happen to know whether the Screwfix items (eg ref 15944) are compatible with the TLC stuff (eg ref CX 402R)? My TLC kit has 'Rainford Plastics' stamped inside in case that helps).

Thanks David

[Andy Kelly]

If you are asking are they technically compatible then the answer is almost certainly yes, especially if you are not running anything more than 100Mbps Ethernet over the components.

The one thing I can't guarantee is that the tool you used to terminate the wires to the TLC outlets will be compatible with the Screwfix outlets. How much is the tool for the Screwfix outlets? If it's relatively cheap then buy it as well.

[Andy Dingley]

I have half-a-dozen vendors' Cat5 products. I've not tried Screwfix's but none of my other brands are interchangeable between modules and faceplates.

-- Smert' spamionam

[John Rumm]

You have two chances of the module for one type fitting the face plate of another - slim and fat! ;-)

Just to make the decision making process harder still I have noticed that Solwise do modular stuff reasonable prices. See

[BigWallop]

They do have very reasonable prices. I just bought one of our lads a new LAN tester kit and it cost about a third more than the one on their site, excluding the VAT. It's identical except for the red and blue buttons, the buttons on this one here are orange and green. BUGGER !!!

Thanks for the link John. :-)

[David]

Damnit - back to TLC it is then! You'd think the mfrs would have come up with a standard for something as simple as this, wouldn't you? Imagine the nightmare if, say, electric plug faceplates and mounting boxes were all specific to their respective manufacturers.

Thanks all David

[Dave Liquorice]

Why? Just buy complete units for the new positions or do you just want the plug in modules to replace blanking plates from the original installation?

Why? If they where "standard" everyone would buy from the cheapest/best for them, source. Making things just that little bit different ties people to that maker or even worse that design.

To some extent they are. The only thing that is standardised is the plate/box fixing holes positions. On surface mounted stuff you have rounded v square corners, overall size of plate v box etc.

[Ian Clowes]

I bought the Screwfix Euromod type a couple of years ago. These are the ones that are on a 25mmx50mm face and snap into a surrounding frame, and are the same as the ones on the TLC site using the ref you gave.

In fact, from memory, the Screwfix ones of then (they may have a different supplier now) look exactly like that pic on the TLC site, with the little recessed rectangle for a label in the same place, etc.

I used my Screwfix ones in MK Logic Plus faceplates which are nice and shiny, as opposed to the naff yellow-ish plastic Screwfix frames. I had no problems fitting them and all the punchdowns worked fine first time.

So, to answer your question, I think they'll fit just fine.

One word of warning is that the Screwfix ones I bought have a 'tight' action on the little slide up flap, and aren't generally of great construction. If you're going to be moving cables around frequently or relying on more cack handed people to do it for you then a better quality item might be a wise choice.

HTH IanC

[David]

Yes, the latter...

Mm, true - personally, I never use surface mounted stuff. I was really envisaging the scenario of approaching, say, a faulty flush mounted socket to replace it, and having to worry about faceplate size, hole positions and screw threads. Which is analagous to my wanting to replace modular RJ45 blanking plates with modules.

Anyway, have already ordered from TLC now (unfortunately the post from Ian arrived too late!)

Thanks David