|  | 9.2 | RJ-45 Jack and Outlet Installation
| 9.2.6 | Factors to consider before flush-mounting an RJ-45 jack

You must take several factors into consideration before you decide to flush mount an RJ-45 jack into a wall. For example, the techniques you use to cut into drywall differ from those that you use to cut into plaster. Therefore, it is important to determine, first, the type of wall material that you will have to work with.

Plaster can be a difficult material to work with, because it crumbles easily. Also, it is not always possible for mounting screws to attach securely into the wood lath that is located behind the plaster wall. If this is a concern, you may want to surface mount the jack instead.

If there are wide wood baseboards on the wall, you may want to install jacks there, because this wood is a more solid material than the wall itself. If you do choose to place the jack on a wood baseboard, avoid cutting the opening into the bottom 5 cm of the baseboard. If you attempt to place the box in that location, the wall's bottom plate will block you from pushing it in. You should also avoid placing a jack anywhere that it might interfere with trim placed around doors or windows.

Finally, the last step is to determine whether the jack is to be mounted in a box, or whether it's to be mounted in a low-voltage mounting bracket.

| Web Links
| Cabling Glossary
| Cable Termination and Installation