Table Boxes - How to Choose a Conference Table Connectivity Box

So you have finally grown tired of dangling cables, cluttered desk spaces, or trying to constantly dig around for the cable type you need under the table or maybe you have an older table box just sitting there with outdated connections and it is finally time for an upgrade. Regardless of experience, choosing the right table box for your conference room or workstations can seem like a daunting task with all the available models, styles, and connectivity solutions current table box manufacturers provide.
In this article we will provide a brief overview of the different styles of table boxes currently available on the market, the connection types, and the top manufacturers in the industry.

Table of Contents

Table Box Styles
Connection Types
Installation and Sizing
Table Box Manufacturers

Table Box Styles

The first step in choosing a table box can arguably be the style of table box you are desiring, depending where you fall into a table box project. Sure, if you are like us, or an AV installer/integrator figuring out the connection types needed, should take priority over the look of the box, however inevitably these are not always the people making the purchase or the ones deciding to cut a hole in their newly purchased $10k conference table. More often the powers that be want to make sure the table connectivity box matches a certain standard or look that matches the table and rest of the room over what goes in the box. If that is the boat you are in or just needing assistance understanding the different types, let us look the different table box styles available.

In Table/Cable Wells:
Cable Well Table Boxes are probably the most popular table box style on the market. They are quickly noticed by their simplicity in design and lack of mechanical moving parts. Usually they consist of a standard modular frame our outer box, that holds connection types in place through a mix of inner brackets or frames typically unique to the manufacturer making the box. Accessibility is very basic, and most all feature a lift up/tilt up lid, that either comfortably rests open with the lid tilted back at an angle, or a lid that can manually retract, back down into the housing when the box is in use as to provide a more streamlined look and feel. Most lids do now feature some sort of half-moon cutout to allow some cables to be plugged in while the lid is closed.

Cable Wells from manufacturers like Kramer Electronics, also provide adjustable inner brackets that can be moved up and down depending on the client’s needs, and if they want to store extra cables or adapters in the box when not in use. Installing these types of table boxes does require a cut to be made in your conference table or workstation, but after that installation is a snap. After the hole has been cut, you can simply drop the box in place, and use the included mounting hardware to secure the box under the table, this is achieved either through brackets and screws, or counter pressure mounting clamps are the most common forms of installation methods. Once in place simply connect your wires coming from the bottom of the box and you are good to go.

Cable well style table boxes can be highly customized to match the connections types you need. Our top in table connectivity boxes that can be customized include Kramer Electronics TBUS Series and the FSR Symphony line. See our complete offering here: Cable Wells

Pop Up / Tilt Up Table Boxes
The second most popular style of table boxes is the Pop Up or Tilt Up variety of table box. These units work by utilizing mechanical springs, pulleys etc. to push the box up or open when the lid is activated by the user (typically just pushing a button or top of the lid to release the locking mechanism).

Pop Up style boxes allow the full unit to rise out of the table revealing the entire box itself. These units often offer connections on multiple sides of the box when raised which allow users to access the connections from any side. They also can feature custom built lids, that use your table cut out to make for a more seamless look and feel to your conference table. Pop Up style boxes can be customized to some degree but there are usually fixed power and connection limitations. View our top Pop Up box

Tilt Up boxes on the other hand gently raise the lid of the unit, exposing the inner connections at about a 45-degree angle. These provide a soft release mechanism and give your users a more “high-end” touch when interacting with the box. These units can be customized but are limited to power location and where the connections are placed as they usually feature a front fixed frame that users can use a variety of “snap-in” connectors to get the desired connections needed. View Tilt Up table boxes

Under Table and Table Edge Boxes
Under Mount table boxes are used primarily as an option when cutting a hole in the tabletop is not acceptable. These units install under a conference table of workstation and give users connectivity solutions and the table edge. Besides on surface or portable power and data solution these are about the easiest boxes to install. They can be highly customized, feature power, data, and USB charging, with some even offering a track system to allow the under-mount box to move forwards and backwards as you need. Table Edge or clamping units are table boxes that typically use a clamp to mount the box on the side of a table or workstation. These units are easier to install and are best used when cutting a hole in the tabletop is not a viable option. You will commonly find these in shared workspaces, classrooms, and other locations requiring a simple power and charging solution.

View our Table Edge boxes
View our Undermount solutions

Surface Mount Table Boxes
Surface Mount Table Boxes are very close in style and function as a Cable Well, however they typically do not feature a lid that conceals that connections and leave the connections always “seen” or available. Predominantly this type of solution features just power and USB charging with little wiggle room for customizing. As these units do not provide cover for the connections, they will sometimes feature Tamper Resistant (TR) outlets, spill or splash rating, or some form of IP dust rating. Surface Mount boxes do require a hole to be cut for installation and are often placed at shared work stations, public use areas like hotel meeting rooms, gathering spaces, bathroom vanities, or even nightstands or bed frames, we even have some you can install into couches and furniture.

Surface Mount Table Box solutions

Power Grommets and Connectivity Grommets:
If there was a standard in the Table Box community these smaller end units would probably be it. They are usually designed to install in existing conference table or workstation grommet cutouts and are typically a one or 2 function top solution. Power Grommets will feature 1 of 3 power solutions, sometimes combined and that is standard power to plug in laptops, PC’s or other equipment, USB charging for celling phones and tablets, and in some cases wireless QI charging for compatible devices. Connectivity Grommets are more pass-thru solutions, that offer a single type of audio, video, or data connection at the grommet.

View our power & connectivity grommets

Connection Types Available, what is in the box!

Here we will cover the most used connections in table boxes today. This is not an all exclusive list - these are just the most popular.

Power:
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Refers to standard power receptacle for plugging in computers, laptops, or other tabletop devices requiring power. Unless specified these will always be North American Rated, 110V. These come as single or dual inserts in most all table boxes.

USB Charging:

USB Charging ports for powering tablets, mobile devices and other equipment that can be charged via a USB connection. Most offered as a USB-A (Type A) connection but can also feature USB-C (Type C) connections that are commonly found in newer electronic devices. USB-A is the connection you find on most devices and looks rectangular in shape, USB-C is most found on newer cell phones and has a smaller form with round edges on both sides.

HDMI:

HDMI is a Digital Video and Audio interface/connection. This connection is most found on displays, cable satellite boxes, computers, laptops, and DVD players. This connection can be used to share a laptop directly to the display during meetings for users to present what is on their screen.

USB (USB Passive):

Standard USB connection, not to be confused with Charging USB. These are non-powered connections meaning they will not power your devices while connected. Their primary purpose is for sharing USB connected peripherals, such as conference cameras, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners and more. They will also transfer data. Non-powered, or passive, USB hubs do not have an external power source and only pull power from the computer's USB port. Unpowered hubs have compatibility issues with devices that need more power to operate than the hub can provide.

Data:

Data ports are mostly referred to as RJ-45 or Ethernet connections. RJ-45 refers to the connection type head, the actual port itself. These connection types are primarily used for passing an internet connection to the users at the table, most often in places without Wi-Fi or the need for greater connection speeds.

DisplayPort:

The DisplayPort interface is primarily used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor, and it can also carry audio, USB, and other forms of data. DisplayPort was designed to replace VGA and DVI primarily, it is still commonly found on certain monitors, laptops, and PC’s. Just like HDMI it is also a digital connection type as opposed to the older Analog units.

VGA:

Video Graphics Array, simply VGA, is also commonly referred to as 15-pin of HD-15 are terms you may see. This is the older analog connection type found mostly now on older laptops, monitors and PC’s. VGA connections are very easily spotted often with a blue faceplate, with a set of 15 holes (pins) setup in 3 rows of 5 on the connection. VGA is used to transmit video, primarily between a PC towers video graphics card, and your monitor. VGA alone does not pass audio so you will commonly see newer VGA cables and inserts with a 3.5mm audio jack in tandem with the port or cable.

USB-C:

USB-C is the latest connection type for USB cables. Visually this is a very easy connection head to spot, where as the USB-A (USB Type A) has a rectangular design, USB-C is a bit smaller with rounded or oval shape edges, beyond the technical specs its design is known for its “flippability” when connecting to devices. You will see USB-C connections on most all newer Android or Samsung devices (but not limited to) and the cables they come with. USB-C cables can carry significantly more power, so they can be used to charge larger devices like laptops. They also offer up to double the transfer speed. Primarily this connection will be used for charging purposes at the table box for cellphones, laptops, and other mobile devices, it can also be used for transferring data.

Audio:

The Audio port in most all Table Boxes will be a 3.5mm Audio jack, this is one of the most standard consumer style ports, which is the one you use to plug your headphones into. As the two most common digital connections types (HDMI and DisplayPort) carry audio with video signals, you will see audio connections paired with a VGA connection in most applications.

Installation and Sizing

As stated before, the Table Box industry is far from standardized in terms of box sizes between manufacturers, the only constant is what goes in the box, the connection types. However, these are not directly transferrable in the essence you cannot take an HDMI insert plate from one manufacturers table box and place it into a different manufacturers table box.
As stated before, the Table Box industry is far from standardized in terms of box sizes between manufacturers, the only constant is what goes in the box, the connection types. However, these are not directly transferrable in the essence you cannot take an HDMI insert plate from one manufacturers table box and place it into a different manufacturers table box.
Most commonly we encounter 2 customer types, those looking for a new Table Box solution or those looking to replace a current table box.
For Customers looking to replace an existing box, this can be a more daunting task in terms of matching cutout sizes. If you have a table box already installed and are looking to replace it, please see our table box cut out chart here: Cutout Chart
For customers wanting a new solution you have a few installation decisions to make. Primarily, do I want to cut a hole in my conference table or workstation? If the answer is yes, you simply need to locate where on the table you want your box to be and make a cut (all boxes will come with exact installation cutout sizes or templates). After that you simply drop the box in place and secure it to the underside of the table with included mounting hardware (included by all manufacturers).
If your answer to the above question was no, "I do not want to cut a hole in my fancy new table", then you will want to look at our Under table Mount, Clamp On, or Surface Mount Solutions. These solutions are more non-evasive in terms of alteration to the table if at all. While most Under table Mounts will require screwing the unit into the bottom of the table, Clamp on models will provide a simple clamp that gently attaches to the table without the needs for screws. While Surface or Free-Standing units can simply be placed on a tabletop, they also provide the least amount of connection types and are primarily used for Power and USB-Charging.

Table Box Manufacturers

So now that we have a better understanding between the different styles of table boxes and what goes in them, here is a list of our most popular table box manufacturers and why.

Kramer Electronics
Long known as one of the top table box manufacturers on the market, Kramer Electronics has been the leader for in table connectivity solutions for conference tables, board rooms, and workstations. Their new slogan is even “AV Beyond the Box” as they do specialize in a wide variety of other Professional Audio Video equipment. Kramer boxes are by far some of the easiest to use, install, and customize (both pre and post purchase).
Kramer Electronics Table Boxes Features the Following Benefits:

Customization: most all their boxes are highly configurable both at the time of purchase and in the future if your needs change.
Warranty: Kramer Electronics features an amazing 7-year warranty
Connection Types: Kramer offers all the most used connection types in their table boxes. They cover both analog and digital signal formats, all three USB connection types (USB-A, USB-B, USB-C), and provide both power and USB charging solutions.
Box Style: The 2 most common Kramer Electronics Table Box styles are the Cable Well (TBUS Line) and the undermount (UTBUS Line) varieties. These two styles can be virtually configured in anyway you need, with only the size of the box being the limiting factor. While Cables Wells and Under Table Boxes are the 2 primary styles they offer, the do also offer tilt up boxes, however these are far less configurable and are more of a rigid fixed solution.

Top 3 Kramer Electronics Table Boxes:
TBUS-1N-TBK2
TBUS-10xl-TBK9
TBUS-6xl-TBK7

Altinex

Practically equal to Kramer Electronics, is another table box manufacturer that has been doing great things in the table box world for many years. Altinex for years has been setting itself apart from the rest as the go to Tilt Up table box manufacturer that provides excellent fixed and custom-built solutions. Their highly coveted TNP and PNP line is the go-to for consumers who enjoy a table box with a little extra flare that will “tilt up” when the top is pressed. Altinex units also commonly come with a cable pigtail or whip on the under side of their boxes, providing for quicker installations for running cables directly to a floor box below the table. Another area that sets Altinex apart from the rest is the unique ability to provide custom designed “painted” tops for their units.

Altinex Table Boxes Features the Following Benefits:

Configurable: There are a lot of models that come as both fixed and customized solutions. Their only limiting factor is typically where the power units are placed, beyond that most inserts, or as Altinex refers to them “Snap In’s” are the same size and can be swapped both pre and post purchase as your needs change.
Robust Warranty: Altinex models feature a massive 10-year warranty on the box, and a 1 Year warranty on the gas spring in units that tilt or raise up.
Connection Types: these units house a wide range of connection types to the most commonly used digital and analog video connections, USB charging, and one step above others, color coded Data (Ethernet Ports), which can make setup and installation a bit easier for IT and Integrators alike.
Table Box Styles: Primarily know for their Tilt ‘N Plug and Pop ‘N Plug tabletop interconnect boxes (TNP and PNP respectively), Altinex does also offer cable well and undermount solutions. Not to be overlooked is the dual sided connection style Pop Up offerings on select models. This gives you more connections and easier access at the table for users.
Use your own top: Another great feature found in Altinex table boxes is the ability on select models to use the tabletop cut out material from you conference table as the lid. This provides a smooth look

Top 3 Altinex Table Boxes:
TNP327
TNP329
PNP517

ECA (Electri-Cable Assemblies)

Now under the Dekko family of in table power and connectivity solutions is another table box manufacturer that provides elegant and aesthetically pleasing solutions for customers. ECA by Dekko embraces the challenge of moving power solutions forward and prides itself on unique solutions to help brighten the energy of the room. ECA by Dekko provides a wide range of workstation and conference room power and charging solutions, while at the same time using their unique system of Telecom plates to bring audio, video, and data to their designs.
ECA by Dekko sets itself apart from the rest with their variety of colors, smooth lines, and high-end overall feel to their models. From in table wells, clamp on models, and surface mount or free-standing units, the solutions provided are bound to impress and elevate the overall dÃ©cor of your high end corporate or businesses establishment. If ECA did have one limiting factor it is the fact most all units are built to order, making them custom built units, and are thus â€“ nonreturnable.
ECA Table Boxes Features the Following Benefits:

Aesthetics and Design: Probably by far the cleanest and most dazzling table box and power solutions of all Table Box Manufacturers. If you are as equally concerned about what goes in the box as the look of the box, ECA will have a solution for you.
Function and Form: Using their unique series of Telecom Plates, ECA can provide a wide range of connection types to many of their interconnect boxes. On top of that ECA has now started to offer the ability to Daisy chain multiple boxes together on select models (DaisyLink and DaisyLink Quick Kits), giving you the ability to have less power cords needing to be plugged in per each model at the floor.
Table Box Styles: At their core, ECA by Dekko has three primary styles: Cable Wells, Clamp on Models, and Surface solutions. While those are the most popular and commonly purchased solutions, they do also have a variety of simple grommet solutions for power and USB charging.

Top 3 ECA Table Boxes:
Oasis
Reef
Interface G2

Byrne Electrical Specialists

Commonly known as “Byrne” is an electronics manufacturer that has been in business since the early 1970’s. Their primary core of table box solutions is in: In surface, On Surface, and Mobile styles. Equal to that of ECA, Byrne boxes are very visually appealing. They provide very clean looks, a variety of stylish finishes, and offer a decent number of custom configurations. Most all their table box solutions can come with either a wired power cable or a “whip” for hardwiring the electrical cord. Connection types are a bit more limited in terms of what is available with other companies, however they do provide a unique over under USB-A and USB-C charging port. Please not as most units are built to order, Byrne units are considered custom built and are thus non-returnable.
Byrne Table Boxes Features the Following Benefits:

Smooth Design and Stylish Colors: Byrne units are built to last with a strong presence of quality engineering. Their color options feature a more modern look with contrasting silver, black, and white anodized aluminum finishes. This also includes select models that feature an aluminum powder coat finishes to provide a glossier affect.
Configurable: Byrne table boxes are highly configurable. While most marketing materials may simply show of a base unit, their units can easily be ramped up in both over all size and connection type. Each port or insert is looked at more so individually in the overall table box structure, this allows popular units like the dual sided M2X to feature a completely different set of connections on each side of the box. Giving you more flexibility in your final table box design.
Table Box Styles: Where Byrne does provide the standard cable wells, pop up models, and grommet inserts, another area they excel in is the type of furniture where their boxes can be installed. In recent years Byrne has been developing more styles that can be installed in couches, nightstands, and headboards. This gives a unique opportunity to provide power in places customers would not normally expect to find charging solutions. You can now give your waiting rooms, lounge areas, and relaxed meeting spaces power and USB charging solutions for your clients.

Top 3 Byrne Models:
Axil X
Dean
Ellora

FSR Inc

FSR is by no means the last on this list for any particular reason. They have been a powerhouse in the pro audio video market and highly specialize in both Table and Floor Box solutions. FSR’s units are built to last and provide a wide range of technical and safety ratings. While in the past these units may have not been the prettiest belle at the ball, that has all changed with the introduction of the FSR Symphony line. Not to overlook the highly popular T3 and T6 in table boxes, the new Symphony line now a fierce competitor on the table box industry in terms of connectivity, function, and form. Not only are these table boxes easily configured to meet your connection types (for which they offer a wide variety of connections), they provide a variety of stylish color options in the recently added Symphony POP clamp on and under table box solutions. Have a specific custom color your designer or client has requested, give us a call, because FSR can do it.
FSR Table Boxes Features the Following Benefits:

Built to Last: FSR Table Boxes are durable to say the least. These units are engineered to be as durable as they are functional. From commercial ratings and listings to fire rated floor boxes, FSR just knows how to make a solid product.
Have it your way: Virtually all FSR table box solutions can be pre-configured to meet your specs, they are more about providing you the right options, than fixed solutions. Customizing a box with FSR is a breeze and customers have learned to appreciate that simple fact.
Table Box Styles: In the past FSR had primarily offered in table solutions such as cable wells, in both round and square form factors. But as of late, they have joined the gathering movement of a clamp-based solution. This gives users a simpler installation that does not require cutting a hole in your new $10,000 custom made conference table. It also makes units more portable and adaptable to workspace or conference room redesigns.

Top 3 FSR Table Boxes
T6 (T6-AC3-SQ TBK1)
Symphony
T3 (T3-PC1D-SQBLK)

Now that you are more empowered in your knowledge and understanding table boxes, where do we go?
To see a list of our different table box styles please visit our all categories here: Table Box Styles.
If you want to shop by manufacturer you can follow this link to view all table box manufacturers: Table Box Brands.
Know the connections you want and the style of box, but just do not want to search? Give us a shout via Live Chat, Quick Quote Request, or via phone by giving one of our highly knowledgeable table box specialists call here: (208) 215-3182 and we would be happy to help.