2 Gang Ethernet Socket - Dark Brown

A pair of data sockets sits on one flat plate here, finished in a deep dark brown that settles quietly against warmer walls, oak trim and darker paint. The front is screwless, so no screw heads interrupt the face, and the plate itself is a compact 88mm square. Both positions accept standard network cabling, which gives two wired points where a single one has often been made to stretch. We stock it for homes being wired properly for data rather than left to wireless alone.

Doubling up in one place tends to be the sensible choice at a desk, where a computer and a printer or a small switch all want a wired connection, and behind a television, where a streaming box and a games console are both happier off the wireless network. It suits period rooms and darker schemes particularly well, since the brown reads as part of the woodwork rather than a bright white square. This is a low voltage data plate only, for indoor rooms, and it carries no mains power.

The plate is a tough ABS moulding rather than metal, which keeps the weight down and makes the face easy to wipe over. Keep it looking right with a dry cloth now and then; if fingerprints build up around the ports, a barely damp cloth with the circuit isolated will lift them, and household cleaners and solvents are best kept well away from the plastic. It carries a ten year warranty. In a room already using brown switch plates and power points, this brings the network side into the same key instead of leaving one pale rectangle on the wall.

What network cabling does it work with?

It is made for Cat 5 and Cat 6 data cabling, so it will serve everything from a basic broadband run to a full gigabit home network.

How big is the plate?

It is 88mm by 88mm on the face, with a 35mm depth behind it, which puts it in line with standard single plate sizes.

Can I use it for a telephone line as well?

It is intended for data circuits. It is a low voltage plate and should not be used for mains power.

Will the two positions work independently?

Yes. Each position is a separate data point, so you can run one to a computer and the other to a printer, access point or smart television.

How should I clean it?

A dry cloth over the face is usually enough. For marks, use a slightly damp cloth with the circuit isolated and dry it fully before use, avoiding abrasives and spray cleaners.

Is it suitable for a garage or outbuilding?

Only in dry, heated conditions. It is rated for indoor use, so damp or unheated spaces call for a sealed enclosure instead.