A patch panel or patch bay is a panel, typically rackmounted, that houses cable connections. One typically shorter patch cable will plug into the front side, whereas the back holds the connection of a much longer and more permanent cable. The assembly of hardware is arranged so that a number of circuits, usually of the same or similar type, appear on jacks for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient, flexible manner.
Patch panels offer the convenience of allowing technicians to quickly change the path of select signals, without the expense of dedicated switching equipment. This was first used by early telephone exchanges, where the telephone switchboard (a massive array of patch panels) and a large room full of telephone operators running it was ubiquitous.

These modules are used for either data or voice networks. Although suitable for both domestic and commercial properties the smaller dimensions make them suitable for installation into floor boxes or shallow dado trunking mainly used in commercial installations. They are shuttered to prevent dust entering the module, and allow for less bend radius in the back box to protect the cable. Termination can be made using LSA compatible tooling.

Back Boxes