What is a pass through wall plate?

A pass through wall plate, also known as a décor style wall plate or a decorator wall plate, is a special type of wall plate that allows cables, wires, or cords to pass through a wall while still covering the opening. Pass through wall plates provide a clean, finished look while hiding unsightly holes or damage in walls that have cables running through them.

What are the different types of pass through wall plates?

There are a few different types of pass through wall plates:

• Single gang pass through wall plate – Designed to fit a standard single gang electrical box, these have an opening for a single cable to pass through.
• Double gang pass through wall plate – For double gang boxes, these wall plates have an opening wide enough for 2 or more cables.
• Low voltage pass through wall plates – Made specifically for low voltage wiring like speaker wires, Ethernet cables, etc. The opening is normally long and thin.
• Brush wall plate – Uses brush-like strips to hide the wires. Allows wires to pass through at any point along the plate.
• Splice wall plates – Uses removable tabs to cover cable access points and splicing. Often used for in-wall speakers.

There are various shapes and styles within each pass through wall plate type. Common options include rectangular, round, or sloped openings. The plates themselves also come in different shapes like single gang, double gang, square, or custom.

Why are pass through wall plates used?

Here are some of the main reasons to use a pass through wall plate in your home or office:

• Hide unsightly wires and cables – Rather than having wires sticking awkwardly out of a wall, pass through plates allow you to route them neatly behind a wall plate.
• Create clean look – Pass through wall plates maintain the clean, seamless look of walls without damage, holes, or dangling wires.
• Safety – Exposed wires sticking out from walls can be a safety hazard, especially for kids. Pass through plates provide a safer solution.
• Organize cables – Plates with multiple openings or brush strips allow you to organize and combine multiple cables through one wall access point.
• Convenience for modifications – Makes it easy to add, remove, or change wiring without having to cut into and patch drywall.
• Meet building codes – In many areas, electrical codes prohibit exposed wires. Pass through plates provide code compliant cable installation.

Where are pass through wall plates commonly used?

Here are some of the most popular locations to install pass through wall plates in homes and offices:

• Entertainment centers – To route TV coaxial cables, HDMI cords, component cables, speaker wires, etc. from AV equipment.
• Offices and cubicles – To run power cords, Ethernet, and phone cables through walls when positioning desks and workstations.
• Kitchens – To connect small kitchen appliances or route low voltage wiring for undercabinet lighting.
• Bathrooms – For wiring bathroom electrical accessories like lights, fans, speakers.
• Bedrooms – Commonly used for TV cables, speaker wiring for surround sound, Ethernet cables.
• Outside walls – To connect outdoor low voltage lighting, landscaping speakers, security cameras.

How to choose the right pass through wall plate

Here are some tips on selecting the best pass through wall plate for your needs:

• Size – Measure your electrical box and choose a wall plate that fits – either single gang, double gang, or a square/rectangle wall plate.
• Number of openings – Choose a plate with enough openings for the cables you need to pass through.
• Types of cables – If running low voltage wiring, get a plate designed for that purpose. For heavier power cords, use one rated for higher voltages.
• Style – Pick a decorative style that matches your room’s décor like stainless steel, antique bronze, white, black, etc.
• Plate design – Consider specialty plates like brush plates or splice plates for easier cable installation.
• Code compliance – Verify the wall plate meets any applicable building or electrical codes for your area.

How to install a pass through wall plate

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a pass through wall plate:

1. Turn off the power – Shut off electricity to the wiring before beginning work.
2. Remove old plate – Take off the existing wall plate if there is one.
3. Prepare wires – Pull enough wire slack through the electrical box so they extend past the box edges.
4. Install box extensions – If needed, attach box extenders to bring the box flush with the wall surface.
5. Feed wires through pass through plate – Insert cables through the openings in the new pass through wall plate.
6. Attach plate – Align plate over box and attach it to the box with included screws.
7. Organize wires – Neatly tuck wires into box, bundle them together, and attach cable clamps if desired.
8. Reconnect power – Turn electricity back on and test that devices are still working properly.

Conclusion

Pass through wall plates provide an attractive, clean way to route cables and wires through walls. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to match your electrical boxes and décor. Be sure to choose the right plate for your needs and cables. Follow basic installation steps to safely and neatly integrate these useful plates into your home or office wiring.