General
Product type	closure plate
Compatibility	OpDAT PA 19 inch patch panels
Cable entry	Straight or angled
Cable gland	PG11, PG13,5, PG16, PG21
Utilization	for patch panels with cable gland
Not required for	OpDAT fix, slide, PF

The cover plate 15081101-E from Metz Connect is an accessory for OpDAT PA 19 inch patch panels. It serves as a closure and protection component at the rear of the patch panels, ensuring secure and orderly sealing of cable connections. The plate is used when cables are introduced into the patch panel via cable glands complying with PG11, PG13.5, PG16, or PG21 standards. The cover plate is available in various variants differing in cable entry design (straight or angled) and the PG size used. This component is specifically designed for use with OpDAT PA 19 inch patch panels and is not required for the OpDAT fix, slide, and PF models.

Applications

The cover plate is used in network and data cabling, particularly in server rooms, data centers, or during the installation of structured cabling systems. It enables clean and mechanically secure fastening of cables at the rear of the patch panel, ensuring orderly cable routing and a sealed, dust- and moisture-protected closure. Its use is especially beneficial when cables are not directly introduced into the front of the patch panel but are connected via the rear using a cable gland.

Functions and Features in Detail

The cover plate provides a secure mounting surface for cable glands in sizes PG11, PG13.5, PG16, and PG21. The variants include both straight and angled cable entries, allowing flexible adaptation to different cable runs and installation scenarios. The plate itself is designed to seal the rear of the patch panel, ensuring a closed, clean surface.

Technology Explained Simply

The cover plate is a mechanical component that does not perform any electrical or optical functions. Its purpose lies exclusively in mechanical securing and aesthetic closure. The cable glands (PG sizes) used are standardized according to DIN EN 50014 and ensure a secure, tight connection between cable and housing. The cover plate is inserted into the patch panel to seal the rear and fix the cable glands. The angled variant allows for better cable guidance, especially in tight spaces or when cables cannot be introduced vertically into the housing.

Compatibility and Accessories

The cover plate is specifically developed for OpDAT PA 19 inch patch panels. It is not intended for the OpDAT fix, slide, and PF models, as these have a different construction and do not require cover plates. The exact selection of variant (straight or angled, PG size) depends on the specific installation situation and the cables used.

Installation and Mounting

Mounting is performed at the rear of the patch panel. The cover plate is inserted into the designated cutouts and secured. Cables are passed through the gland and then tightened to ensure a tight and mechanically stable connection. Installation does not require special tools, but careful selection of the correct variant (straight/angled, PG size) is necessary to ensure proper functionality.

Operational Advantages

Using the cover plate ensures orderly and clean cable routing at the rear of the patch panel. It prevents dust, moisture, or other environmental influences from entering the housing and protects cables from mechanical stress. The mechanical stability of the connection is enhanced by the cable gland, which is particularly advantageous in environments with frequent movement or industrial applications. The clear structuring of the rear cable side facilitates maintenance and identification of connections.