Low Voltage Mounting Brackets
What is the purpose of installing a Low Voltage Mounting Bracket?
A low voltage mounting bracket is essential when creating a low
voltage outlet for supporting voice, data, audio, video, fiber, and any
other low voltage cable terminations. The bracket is installed in the wall so you have a component in place so you can easily mount a wall plate,
face plate, or any other type of outlet in place. Low voltage mounting
brackets are available in multiple sizes, shapes, and configurations to
support various low voltage residential and commercial applications.
There are even low voltage mounting brackets available that allow you to
put power and low voltage on one outlet location!
How do I choose a low voltage mounting bracket?
The best way to choose a low voltage mounting bracket is to first
evaluate the plate or configuration you will have at a particular
location. Then choose the low voltage mounting bracket that best
supports your application. Remember that there are different brackets
made to support “new” and “existing construction” installations. So be
sure to choose the one that is made to support your installation type.
Although the most common brackets are the standard single gang and
double gang styles, again there are many available to support various
custom installation types.
Do I have to install a low voltage mounting bracket when I add an outlet?
It is best practice. If you try to install a wall plate or any other
type of outlet without a mounting bracket it will be very difficult to
attach it directly to the drywall. The whole purpose of the low voltage
mounting bracket is to create a strong durable platform that allows you
to mount directly onto it. Without the mounting bracket there is just
no way to successfully mount anything to the wall.
Can a lot voltage mounting bracket damage my cables?
It is the opposite. A low voltage mounting bracket is designed to
protect your cables as they enter and exit the walls. Once in place the
low voltage mounting bracket creates a shield that protects your cables
from splinters, nails, or any other sharp material that could be in the
wall. This is vital when running expensive fiber-optic, network,
video, data, and speaker cables. If these cables are damaged it could be expensive and time consuming to replace and re-install new cables.
How do I install a low voltage mounting bracket for a new outlet in my home?
Since this is an existing construction applications you will need to
choose the low voltage mounting bracket designed for this purpose. In
an existing construction installation all you have to do is use a level
and place the low voltage mounting bracket in the exact place you want
to install it. Then you just trace the bracket with a pencil on the
wall so you can create the pattern you need. Then all you have to do is
get a drywall saw and cut the hole for the bracket to pop right into.
Once the bracket is in the wall you can use the front screws to tighten
up the mounting wings that are on board the bracket. This will
essentially tighten the bracket snug to the wall. Creating a new outlet
or existing construction can really be done in just a matter of
minutes.
Will a low voltage mounting bracket work on all wall types?
Since the industry standard is to use drywall in home and business,
most low voltage mounting brackets are designed to adjust to fit ¼ to 1”
thick wall board, paneling, and dry wall. So there is some flexibility
there to work with various sizes and types of walls.
How does a low voltage mounting bracket work for new construction?
For new construction applications low voltage mounting brackets are
installed when the walls are open prior to laying the dry wall. So the
low voltage mounting brackets are put in place in the locations you will
have your future outlets. So they are attached to wall studs prior to
closing the walls, then it is the company installing the walls to create
the opening for the outlets to be visible and usable once the walls are
closed. For new construction installations low voltage mounting
brackets are available in screw on or nail on types.