Black Box CAT5e Patch Panel, Punchdown - 2U, Unshielded, 48-Port

Engineered for professional network deployments, the Black Box CAT5e Patch Panel delivers dependable, high-density termination for complex Ethernet layouts. This 48-port, 2U patch panel is built for data centers, server rooms, and enterprise wiring closets where durability, organization, and performance matter. Designed for unshielded Cat5e cabling, it offers fast, clean terminations with a robust punchdown interface, helping you scale your LAN backbone while keeping cable management neat and accessible. With ETL verification and a comprehensive hardware kit, this patch panel is a trusted cornerstone for reliable connectivity in challenging environments.

• High-density 48-port layout: Accommodates a full 48-port copper network in a compact 2U footprint, enabling neat, scalable terminations in crowded racks while simplifying labeling and port mapping for quick maintenance.
• Punchdown termination for rapid installations: Precise punchdown termination supports quick, reliable connections. The panel is designed for standard 110-style tooling, delivering consistent performance across all ports and reducing termination time on large deployments.
• Unshielded Cat5e performance for everyday networks: Optimized for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and general office applications. The unshielded design offers straightforward compatibility with standard category 5e cabling, minimizing crosstalk and maintaining signal integrity in typical office environments.
• Premium construction and included hardware: Heavy-duty metal frame (0.059" / 16-gauge) with solid mounting capability, plus 12-24 and 10-32 screws, stuffer caps, and cable ties to support fast and organized installations right out of the box.
• ETL Verified with long-term reliability: ETL Verified for quality assurance, backed by a 2-year warranty. This patch panel is designed to meet industry standards and endure everyday rack use, offering dependable performance over time.

Technical Details of Black Box CAT5e Patch Panel, Punchdown - 2U, Unshielded, 48-Port

• Port Count: 48 RJ45 Cat5e ports in a 2U, 19" rack-mountable chassis.
• Construction: Heavy-duty metal frame designed to withstand rack environments; frame thickness and body components optimized for durability and long life.
• Material: 0.059" (16-gauge) steel frame with compatible body hardware to ensure rigidity and reliable terminations under load.
• Termination: Punchdown (110-style) termination for fast, secure connections with Cat5e cables.
• Cable Type: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cat5e, suitable for standard Ethernet deployments and office networks.
• Contacts: Gold-plated contacts with a 50-micron plating for corrosion resistance and stable electrical performance over time.
• Mounting: 2U rack-mount configuration; compatible with standard 19" racks and mounting rails using included screws and hardware.
• Included Hardware: 12-24 and 10-32 mounting screws, stuffer caps, and cable ties to support quick, tidy installations and easy future reconfigurations.
• Certification: ETL Verified, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards for professional networking hardware.
• Warranty: 2-year warranty from Black Box, reflecting confidence in long-term reliability and support.
• Compatibility: Designed to work with standard Cat5e Ethernet patches, keystone jacks, and patch cables used in enterprise wiring closets and data centers.

how to install Black Box CAT5e Patch Panel, Punchdown - 2U, Unshielded, 48-Port

• Step 1: Prepare your rack and panel location. Ensure the rack is stable and that there is adequate space for cable management. Identify the 19" mounting rails where the 2U patch panel will be mounted.
• Step 2: Attach the patch panel to the rack using the included 12-24 and 10-32 screws. Align the holes with the rack rails and secure firmly to prevent vibration or movement during cable rearrangement.
• Step 3: Route Cat5e cables from the network switch, telecom room, or distribution frame to the patch panel location. Leave extra length for labeling and future changes, while keeping cables organized to minimize bending radius and crosstalk.
• Step 4: Perform punchdown terminations for each port using an appropriate punchdown tool. Ensure each wire pair is terminated into the correct port according to your labeling scheme, and verify that each termination is solid and compliant with standard Cat5e guidelines.
• Step 5: Label every port for easy identification. Use a durable label system to map patch panel ports to switch ports or upstream devices, which speeds up moves, adds, and changes.
• Step 6: Apply stuffer caps to any unused ports to keep dust and debris out of the panel. Use cable ties to neatly bundle and route cables, maintaining good airflow and reducing strain on terminations.
• Step 7: Test the connections. Use a LAN tester or a qualified network tester to verify continuity, pair integrity, and correct port mapping. Address any mis-terminated cables promptly before placing the panel into regular service.
• Step 8: If applicable, install the panel cover or safety shields and re-check the mounting fittings. Confirm that all cables are secured and that airflow around the panel remains unobstructed to preserve performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the port configuration? A: The panel provides 48 Cat5e RJ45 ports in a 2U rack-mountable form factor for high-density, organized termination in LAN and data center environments.
• Q: Is this panel shielded? A: No. It is an unshielded Cat5e patch panel designed for standard unshielded twisted pair networks and typical office environments where shielding is not required.
• Q: Does it support PoE? A: A patch panel is a passive termination device and does not supply PoE power. Use a PoE-capable switch or injector to power PoE devices, while the panel handles data terminations.
• Q: What is included with the patch panel? A: The package includes the patch panel itself, mounting screws (12-24 and 10-32), stuffer caps, cable ties, and the hardware required for rack installation. It is ETL Verified and backed by a 2-year warranty.
• Q: What warranty and support are available? A: The panel comes with a 2-year warranty, with Black Box providing product support for setup, troubleshooting, and ongoing reliability considerations.
• Q: What standards does it meet? A: It is designed for Cat5e UTP networks and is ETL Verified, reflecting compliance with applicable safety and performance standards for networking hardware.
• Q: Can I use this panel in a three-phase or high-density data center? A: Yes, the 2U, 48-port configuration is suitable for high-density deployments in professional data centers and wiring closets, provided you have adequate rack space and proper cable management practices.