Home > Snap, Click, Connected: Why Keystones & Field-Terminations Are a Game-Changer for AV Installs
Snap, Click, Connected: Why Keystones & Field-Terminations Are a Game-Changer for AV Installs
In the world of AV and networked signal flow, it’s easy to focus on the headline kit – screens, amplifiers, networked audio, wireless gear. But at the core of any reliable system lies the cabling infrastructure, and more specifically, the terminations. Poorly executed terminations are one of the most common causes of signal degradation, noise, and unnecessary support calls.
At Dizztribution, we’ve seen first-hand how solid cabling practice, particularly at the keystone level, makes makes a real difference to system performance and the smooth running of a project. Taking the time to get terminations right, especially when working with quality keystone systems, makes a real difference in system performance.
What we mean by “keystones” and “field terminations”
Keystone jacks (or keystone modules) are the modular snap-in connectors used in wall plates and patch panels. These are the final connection point in your structured cabling.
Field termination means doing the final connections on-site instead of relying on pre-terminated leads. This approach gives the installer control over cable length, routing, and final placement, which is critical in custom and commercial AV environments.
They give you flexibility on site, help you adapt to the unexpected, and keep control over every part of the install.
Common pain-points on installs (and how keystones fix them)
Poor terminations create knock-on issues that take time and money to resolve. Here are some of the issues we see time and time again:
Wasted time trying to correct bad terminations later.
Signal problems due to poor shield contact or incorrect pair handling. All leading to degraded performance.
Poor future proofing down the line meaning when the client revises the system you’re chasing your tail.
Call-backs due to a noisy connection or intermittent drop doesn’t just cost you time, it can impact your reputation.
Investing in high-quality keystones and following consistent termination practices help you mitigate all these risks.
Why we use CobiCabling
To help ensure our connections are rock-solid we rely on Cobi Cabling’s keystone range and for good reason as they offer:
Toolless installation – No punch-down tools required. Just click, close, done. It’s faster, cleaner, and reduces installation fatigue.
Ease of use – Clear labelling, intuitive layout, and installer-friendly design makes field terminations a breeze, even in tight spaces.
Speed – Quicker to terminate than many traditional keystones, particularly useful in large projects with many endpoints.
Dust covers included – A small detail, but one that helps protect terminations pre-commissioning or when ports are unused.
Conforms to industry standards – Fully compliant with Cat5e/6/6A specs and industry test protocols.
Built to last – Made from robust, high-quality materials and designed by former Mayflex engineers, these keystones are built with durability and reliability in mind. The solid construction helps reduce the risk of failure or breakage, especially during install, giving you confidence in every connection.
Reliable, repeatable results – This means fewer call-backs, and time spent fault-finding.
Practical install tips
A few basics that help every termination job go smoothly:
Plan your runs: Know the lengths, deviations, access points and labelling scheme beforepulling cable.
Maintain pair integrity: Keep untwisting to a minimum and ensure shields are properly terminated where applicable.
Label everything clearly: At both ends. It saves confusion later and helps with client documentation.
Test every connection using a cable tester like Patch App and Go — it’ll help you catch faults early and log your results for peace of mind.
Leave room for growth: Spare ports now means easier upgrades later.
Final thoughts
A good AV system relies on a stable foundation which is tested, labelled, and properly terminated. High-quality keystones and consistent field termination practices take a bit more care upfront, but they reduce rework, improve reliability, and leave a better impression with the client.
Whether you’re tackling a full commercial rack or a single-zone system, getting the terminations right makes a real difference. If you’re looking for keystones that perform reliably and install quickly, CobiCabling’s range is worth having in your toolkit.
