DATA COMM 45-0071-WH Recessed Low Voltage Cable Plate with Built-In Duplex Receptacle Outlet, Easy To Install - Ideal for Home Theater, TV & Power Cable Management, Mid-Size, White

Why I reached for this recessed outlet

Cable chaos is a given with wall-mounted TVs and smart displays. I wanted a solution that would give me a clean, code-compliant way to power devices while passing low-voltage cables through the wall without a gaping hole. The DataComm recessed outlet checked those boxes on paper: a mid-size recessed cavity, a built-in tamper‑resistant duplex receptacle, and an integrated pass‑through with a flexible screen to tidy up the opening. After installing it behind a TV and later behind a smart display, here’s how it stacked up.

Design and build quality

This is an all-in-one kit: the recessed plate, an electrical box, and a 15A/125V tamper‑resistant duplex outlet already mounted in the assembly. The finish is a clean white that blends well with standard trim and plates. The recessed cavity is deep enough to get plugs and small power bricks out of the way so TV mounts can sit close to the wall.

Two details stand out:

• The flexible internal screen: Instead of leaving a bare pass‑through for low‑voltage cables (HDMI, Ethernet, speaker wire), the plate uses a soft screen that closes around the cables. It looks cleaner, reduces airflow through the wall cavity, and helps deter dust and pests. It also means I’m not staring into a dark hole when nothing is routed.

• Integrated metal wings: This is an “old work” style install. The metal wings clamp the plate to drywall without a separate bracket. They’re robust and hold the assembly tight and flush when properly snugged down. Because the surrounding frame is plastic, I was mindful not to over‑torque the screws.

The included duplex outlet is tamper‑resistant, which is a plus for households with kids and is often required by modern electrical codes. As with most TR outlets, the shutters are a little stiff; plugs need to go in straight.

Installation experience

I installed the DataComm recessed outlet in two scenarios: behind a wall‑mounted TV and behind a smart display with an oversized AC adapter. In both cases, the process was straightforward.

• Planning and layout: I measured carefully between studs and used a level for the cutout. The mid‑size opening is wider than a standard single‑gang box, so you need a clear section of drywall and enough space between studs. I checked for existing wiring and plumbing with a stud finder and a small exploratory hole.

• Cutting and mounting: The drywall cut was uneventful. The integrated box and plate drop into the opening, and the metal wings cinch down from the front. The wings grabbed cleanly on 1/2-inch drywall. Tip: tighten each side incrementally so the plate seats uniformly and stays level. As with most retrofit clamps, over‑tightening can stress the plastic frame.

• Wiring: The included electrical box makes this a proper line‑voltage installation. I pulled power from a nearby circuit per code and terminated hot/neutral/ground onto the receptacle. If you’re not comfortable with branch‑circuit work or your jurisdiction doesn’t allow homeowner wiring, hire an electrician. This is a real outlet, not a low‑voltage pass‑through, so the usual rules apply (box fill, breaker capacity, GFCI where required, etc.).

• Cable pass‑through: I fed HDMI and power cables through the flexible screen. It’s not a huge opening—it’s designed to look tidy—so I routed the bulkier connectors first. The screen conforms nicely around cables and springs back when you remove them, which keeps the plate looking finished.

From start to finish, the first install took about 45 minutes including careful measuring. The second was quicker. The fit and finish after mounting were excellent—flush, square, and solid.

Day-to-day use

Behind the TV, the recessed cavity provided enough clearance for standard plugs and kept them out of the way of a low‑profile mount. The outlet’s grip is firm, and the tamper‑resistant shutters do their job. I’ve had no buzzing, heat buildup, or looseness.

For the smart display, the recessed space accommodated a chunky AC adapter that would not have fit in a standard surface‑mounted box. That alone made the upgrade worth it: no visible cords or awkward spacers behind the device.

The flexible screen is the quiet hero here. Compared with open grommets, it looks cleaner and, anecdotally, reduces dust migration. When I added an Ethernet cable later, the screen parted easily and re‑closed around the bundle.

Aesthetically, the plate disappears into white walls. The mid‑size footprint is larger than a single‑gang plate but proportionally balanced and less visually busy than stacking separate pass‑through and outlet plates.

Safety and code notes

• The receptacle is 15A/125V and tamper‑resistant. It is not GFCI and not surge‑protected. If you’re installing near sinks or on a circuit requiring GFCI, you’ll need upstream GFCI protection. For surge suppression, consider the variant with built‑in surge protection or handle surge protection at the power strip/UPS.

• Line‑ and low‑voltage share the faceplate but remain functionally separate: power stays in the electrical box, and low‑voltage routing happens through the pass‑through opening. Keep low‑voltage conductors out of the power box to maintain separation.

• Always verify local code requirements, including box fill, conductor types, and circuit loading. If tapping an existing circuit, confirm capacity and continuity on a breaker you can safely de‑energize.

Limitations and small gotchas

• Size and clearance: Because it’s mid‑size, you need sufficient room between studs and no blocking behind the drywall where you plan to cut. In older homes with narrow stud bays or lath-and-plaster walls, mounting can be trickier.

• Flexible screen opening: It keeps things neat, but the opening isn’t huge. Oversized ferrite‑choked HDMI cables or very large connectors may require a bit of finesse. I had better luck feeding larger connectors through before final tightening.

• Tamper‑resistant stiffness: Like many TR outlets, the shutters can feel a bit stubborn with angled or worn plugs. Straight, firm insertion solves it, but it’s something to note if you often swap devices.

• Don’t over‑torque: The metal wings are strong, but the surrounding plastic frame can crack if you crank down too hard. Snug is enough. If your drywall is especially crumbly, you may need to reinforce the edges or consider a different mounting approach.

• No built‑in surge on this model: If you want surge protection at the receptacle, look at the surge‑protected variant or plan for upstream protection.

Who it’s for

• Home theater or media room installs where you want both power and a clean cable pass‑through behind a TV.
• Smart displays and digital frames that use bulky power adapters.
• Clean retrofits where you prefer a single, integrated plate rather than juggling separate boxes and trim rings.

If you’re comfortable with basic electrical work—or you’re hiring a pro—this plate streamlines the job while elevating the finished look.

Alternatives to consider

• Single‑gang recessed outlets if you only need power and no cable pass‑through.
• Two‑piece “power bridge” kits that keep line voltage entirely within wall cavities and use in‑wall-rated power cords between two recessed boxes.
• A commercial‑grade or surge‑protected variant of this same plate if you need heavier‑duty spec or integrated surge suppression.

The bottom line

The DataComm recessed outlet hits a sweet spot: it’s an honest, code‑friendly way to put power where you need it while keeping low‑voltage cable management tidy and discreet. Installation is approachable with the right prep, the finish is clean and flush, and the flexible screen is more useful than it looks at first glance. Its few quirks—the modest pass‑through size, typical TR stiffness, and the need to avoid over‑tightening—are easy to manage with a bit of care.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool for anyone building a clean, professional-looking media setup or mounting smart displays that need concealed power. It’s an all‑in‑one solution that saves time, looks great on the wall, and keeps cables and power in their proper places. If you need GFCI or surge protection at the outlet, choose the appropriate variant or provide protection upstream; otherwise, this model is a strong, dependable choice.