Home Garden

How to Replace a Cable Switchplate

As work spaces are updated to reflect changing styles and paint schemes, at times it becomes necessary to replace wall plates. These covers serve as the connection points for coaxial cable, Ethernet lines and, in the case of a presentation room, VGA or audio cables for use of big picture displays. Since the wiring has already been run to the particular point on the wall, replacing the wall plate is a simple matter of turning a few screws.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unplug all cables or connectors attached to the front of the wall plate.

    • 2

      Remove the two screws securing the cover plate to the wall. Pull the plate an inch or two away from the wall.

    • 3

      Remove screws holding any cables in place. Unscrew the coax cable from its wall plate connector. Unclip the Ethernet cable from its keystone jack.

    • 4

      Discard the old wall plate and remove the new cover from any packaging.

    • 5

      Reattach all cables coming from the wall to the back of the new plate.

    • 6

      Secure the new plate to the wall with two screws.