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StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers Review UK (2025): Tested for Network Protection
Network maintenance often gets overlooked until something goes wrong. The StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers arrived at my desk three weeks ago, and they’ve been protecting unused ethernet ports across multiple switches and routers in my testing lab. These simple plastic caps might seem trivial, but after years of dealing with connection issues caused by dust accumulation, I wanted to see if a 100-pack at £15.99 could genuinely prevent problems before they start.
StarTech.com 100 Pack RJ45 Dust Covers - Reusable RJ45 Blanking Plug/Dust Cap - Ethernet/LAN Port Protector/Blocker - Snap In RJ45 Female Jack Protective Cover for Hubs Switches Routers (RJ45COVER)
- PROTECT YOUR NETWORK EQUIPMENT: These RJ45 dust covers install in any standard RJ45/LAN slot keeping the open ports on your switches, routers, network cards & media converters safe from dust & debris
- AVOID NETWORK ISSUES CAUSED BY DUST: RJ45 dust caps prevents network errors and potential downtime caused by dust and debris in open slots
- EASY TO INSTALL & REMOVE: With a convenient outward facing pull-tab, these snap-in Ethernet port protectors are easy to insert & remove without disrupting adjacent ports or cables
- 100 PACK: With 100 individual RJ45 female port blockers included in every purchase these protective covers for RJ45 female jacks are easy to order and store on hand whenever you'll need them
Price checked: 18 Dec 2025 | Affiliate link
📸 Product Gallery
View all available images of StarTech.com 100 Pack RJ45 Dust Covers - Reusable RJ45 Blanking Plug/Dust Cap - Ethernet/LAN Port Protector/Blocker - Snap In RJ45 Female Jack Protective Cover for Hubs Switches Routers (RJ45COVER)
📋 Product Specifications
Physical Dimensions
Product Information
Key Takeaways
- Best for: IT professionals, system administrators, and home lab enthusiasts maintaining network equipment
- Price: £15.99 (excellent value for bulk protection)
- Rating: 4.6/5 from 97 verified buyers
- Standout feature: Pull-tab design makes removal effortless without disrupting adjacent ports
The StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers deliver exactly what they promise: reliable protection for unused network ports at a sensible price. At £15.99 for 100 units, they’re significantly cheaper than dealing with connection problems caused by dust contamination. The pull-tab design works brilliantly in tight spaces, and the snug fit prevents accidental removal while remaining easy to extract when needed.
What I Tested: Real-World Network Protection
My testing process involved putting the StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers through practical scenarios across different environments. I installed them on a 24-port Gigabit switch in my home office, covering 16 unused ports. The remaining caps went into a server rack with multiple switches and a 10Gtek SAS RAID Controller that has several open RJ45 management ports.
Over three weeks, I monitored how well the covers stayed in place during regular equipment handling, cable swaps, and general workspace activity. I deliberately tested removal and reinstallation multiple times to assess durability and ease of use. The environment included typical office conditions with moderate dust levels, plus a basement server area that accumulates more particulate matter.
I compared these against generic dust covers I’d purchased previously from another supplier, focusing on fit quality, retention strength, and the practicality of the pull-tab design. I also examined how they performed when installed in fully populated switch rows with adjacent cables creating tight working conditions.
Price Analysis: Bulk Value for Network Maintenance
At £15.99 for 100 units, you’re paying roughly 16 pence per dust cover. That’s competitive pricing for StarTech-branded accessories, which typically command a premium over unbranded alternatives. The 90-day average of £16.16 shows stable pricing with minimal fluctuation.
Generic RJ45 dust covers from unknown manufacturers can be found for £8-£10 per 100 pack, but quality varies dramatically. I’ve encountered cheaper versions that fit too loosely and fall out during equipment moves, or ones made from brittle plastic that cracks during removal. The StarTech option sits in a middle ground between bargain-basement caps and overpriced boutique solutions.
For context, a single service call to diagnose intermittent network issues caused by dust contamination costs far more than this entire pack. If you’re maintaining switches with 10+ unused ports, the investment pays for itself by preventing just one connectivity problem. The 100-pack quantity means you’ll have spares for years, assuming typical home office or small business usage.
Performance: Simple Design, Effective Protection
The StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers use a straightforward snap-in design that fits standard female RJ45 ports. The plastic construction feels solid without being overly rigid. Each cap features a small pull-tab that extends outward by about 3mm, providing just enough grip for easy removal.
Installation requires minimal pressure. I pushed each cap into an empty port until I heard a subtle click, confirming the internal retention mechanism had engaged. The fit is snug enough that accidental removal doesn’t happen during normal equipment handling, but not so tight that extraction becomes difficult. This balance matters when you’re working in cramped server racks or behind desks with limited access.
The pull-tab design proves its worth in densely populated switch environments. On my 24-port switch, I have cables in adjacent ports on both sides of several protected ports. The tab protrudes just enough to grip with fingertips or small pliers without requiring you to disturb neighbouring cables. Generic caps without tabs often require screwdrivers or other tools for removal, risking damage to the port or surrounding equipment.
Dust protection effectiveness is difficult to measure over just three weeks, but visual inspection shows the caps create a complete seal across the port opening. No visible gaps exist around the edges where dust could infiltrate. The plastic material doesn’t degrade or discolour under normal office conditions, maintaining a professional appearance.
I tested retention strength by deliberately bumping and jostling equipment during cable management work. None of the caps dislodged accidentally. However, they’re not designed to withstand direct pulls or catches on passing cables. If you drag a patch cable across installed caps with significant force, they can pop out. This seems reasonable for their intended purpose—they’re dust covers, not security plugs.
The caps fit flush with the switch faceplate, adding minimal depth. This matters for equipment installed close to walls or in tight rack spaces. Some generic covers I’ve used protrude by 5-8mm, creating clearance issues in confined installations.
Compatibility Across Network Equipment
These covers work with any standard RJ45 female port. I tested them across multiple device types: Netgear and TP-Link managed switches, a Ubiquiti router, network interface cards in desktop PCs, and media converters. All accepted the caps without issues.
The fit remains consistent regardless of manufacturer. Some cheaper dust covers vary in sizing, fitting loosely on certain brands while being too tight on others. StarTech appears to have maintained proper tolerances during manufacturing, resulting in universal compatibility.
I also tested the caps on RJ45 ports in unusual orientations. Wall-mounted patch panels with vertical port arrangements held the caps securely. Upside-down ports on under-desk mounted switches showed no tendency for gravity-induced removal. The retention mechanism works independently of orientation.
Comparison: StarTech vs Generic Alternatives
| Feature | StarTech RJ45 Covers | Generic Unbranded (100pk) | Premium Cable Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (100 units) | £15.90 | £8.99 | £22.50 |
| Pull-Tab Design | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Fit Consistency | Excellent | Variable | Excellent |
| Material Quality | Durable plastic | Brittle plastic | Premium plastic |
| Best For | Professional IT use | Budget-conscious buyers | Enterprise deployments |
The StarTech option balances quality and price effectively. Generic alternatives save £7 per 100 units but often require tools for removal and may crack during reinstallation. Cable Matters covers offer marginally better materials but cost 42% more for minimal practical benefit.
What Buyers Say: Amazon Review Analysis
With 97 verified purchases and a 4.6-star rating, customer feedback reveals consistent themes. IT professionals and system administrators dominate the buyer demographic, with many mentioning use in data centres, server rooms, and network closets.
Positive reviews frequently highlight the pull-tab design as a standout feature. Multiple buyers specifically mention how much easier these are to remove compared to previous dust covers they’d used. Several reviewers note that the tabs make working in tight spaces significantly less frustrating, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or picks.
The fit quality receives consistent praise. Buyers report that the caps stay in place during equipment moves and rack installations without falling out. Several reviews mention using them on various switch brands—Cisco, Netgear, HP, Dell—with universal compatibility.
The 100-pack quantity gets mixed reactions. Professional users appreciate having abundant spares for ongoing maintenance, while home users sometimes wish for smaller pack options. However, most acknowledge that the per-unit cost makes the bulk quantity reasonable even for limited needs.
Negative feedback is limited but worth noting. A few buyers mention that the caps can be pulled out if cables snag them during installation work. This seems to be an inherent trade-off—easy removal means they won’t withstand deliberate pulling. Two reviewers wanted a tighter fit for outdoor or industrial environments, though these covers aren’t marketed for harsh conditions.
Several buyers compare them favourably to unbranded alternatives they’d purchased previously. Common complaints about generic covers include loose fits, brittle plastic that cracks, and difficulty removing without tools. The StarTech reputation appears to deliver tangible quality differences that justify the modest price premium.
Long-term durability feedback is positive among buyers who’ve been using them for 6+ months. The plastic doesn’t yellow or become brittle over time in climate-controlled environments. Multiple removal and reinstallation cycles don’t degrade the retention mechanism noticeably.
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
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Price verified 9 December 2025
Who Should Buy the StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers
IT professionals managing multiple switches and routers will find these dust covers essential for preventive maintenance. If you work in data centres, server rooms, or network closets where equipment accumulates dust over time, the 100-pack provides enough coverage for comprehensive protection at a reasonable cost.
System administrators who frequently reconfigure network infrastructure benefit from the pull-tab design. When you’re swapping cables and adjusting port assignments regularly, having dust covers that remove easily without tools saves significant time. The ability to work in tight spaces without disturbing adjacent connections matters during live system changes.
Home lab enthusiasts with substantial network equipment should consider these covers. If you’re running a Gigabyte B550M K Motherboard in a home server or maintaining a multi-switch setup for testing and development, protecting unused ports prevents future headaches. The 100-pack quantity means you’ll have spares for years of ongoing use.
Small business owners maintaining their own network infrastructure gain peace of mind from proper port protection. Preventing dust-related connectivity issues is cheaper than service calls or downtime. The professional appearance of branded StarTech accessories also matters when equipment is visible to clients or staff.
Who Should Skip These Dust Covers
Casual home users with a single router or small switch probably don’t need 100 dust covers. If you only have 2-3 unused ports to protect, the quantity becomes excessive. Budget-conscious buyers might prefer generic 20-packs for £3-£4, accepting lower quality for minimal use cases.
Users requiring industrial-grade protection should look elsewhere. These covers work brilliantly in climate-controlled environments but aren’t designed for outdoor installations, extreme temperatures, or harsh industrial conditions. If your equipment faces those challenges, you need more robust solutions.
Anyone who never reconfigures their network might not value the pull-tab design enough to justify the StarTech premium. If you’re installing dust covers once and leaving them indefinitely, generic alternatives save money without practical disadvantages.
Installation Tips and Best Practices
Install dust covers immediately when decommissioning ports or setting up new equipment. Waiting allows dust accumulation that defeats the purpose. I keep a small container of caps in my tool kit for on-site work, ensuring I can protect ports during equipment moves or rack installations.
When working in populated switch rows, install caps from left to right or right to left systematically. This prevents accidentally skipping ports or losing track of which ones need protection. The consistent approach matters when dealing with 24-port or 48-port switches.
Mark or label caps used in temporary situations. If you’re protecting ports during equipment moves or maintenance windows, a small piece of tape on the pull-tab helps identify which covers to remove when restoring normal operation. This prevents confusion in complex installations.
Store spare caps in a sealed container or bag. While they’re protecting ports from dust, your spare inventory shouldn’t sit in dusty drawers accumulating contamination. A simple plastic storage box keeps them clean and organized.
Inspect caps periodically during routine maintenance. While they don’t require regular replacement, visual checks ensure none have been accidentally removed or damaged. This takes seconds during scheduled equipment inspections.
Long-Term Durability Expectations
The plastic construction should last indefinitely in normal office environments. Unlike rubber or silicone alternatives that can degrade over time, hard plastic maintains its properties for years. I have similar StarTech dust covers on older equipment that show no signs of deterioration after 3+ years.
The retention mechanism tolerates repeated installation cycles well. I removed and reinstalled the same cap 15 times during testing without noticing reduced grip strength. The internal retention features don’t wear down quickly with normal use.
Colour stability appears excellent. The black plastic doesn’t fade to grey or develop discolouration under normal lighting conditions. This matters for visible equipment where aesthetics count.
The pull-tabs show no tendency to break or crack during normal removal. I deliberately tested rough handling—yanking at angles, using pliers with excessive force—and couldn’t break a tab without intentionally destructive effort. Regular use won’t cause tab failures.
Alternative Products Worth Considering
Budget-conscious buyers might consider generic RJ45 dust covers available in 50-packs for around £5. These lack pull-tabs and quality consistency but work adequately for static installations where removal frequency is low. The cost savings matter if you’re protecting hundreds of ports across extensive infrastructure.
Cable Matters RJ45 dust covers at approximately £22 for 100 units offer premium materials and slightly better retention strength. The practical differences are minimal for most users, but enterprise environments with strict quality standards might prefer the enhanced specifications.
For comprehensive cable management alongside port protection, the YBBOTT 16-Port PCIe SATA Expansion Card demonstrates how proper hardware organization prevents multiple issues. Combining dust covers with systematic cable management creates robust, maintainable infrastructure.
Environmental Considerations
The plastic construction raises sustainability questions. These caps should last years, reducing the need for frequent replacements, but they’re not biodegradable. StarTech doesn’t specify recycled content in the materials, which is increasingly relevant for environmentally conscious buyers.
The 100-pack quantity means less packaging waste per unit compared to smaller multipacks. If you’ll eventually use all 100 caps, buying in bulk reduces overall packaging consumption.
Proper disposal matters when caps eventually reach end-of-life. The plastic appears to be recyclable through standard programs, though you’ll need to verify with local facilities. Don’t discard them in general waste if recycling options exist.
Technical Specifications
Each dust cover measures approximately 15mm x 12mm x 8mm (length x width x depth). The pull-tab adds 3mm to the length. Weight per cap is negligible—roughly 0.3 grams—making the entire 100-pack under 30 grams.
The plastic material is unlabelled but appears to be ABS or similar thermoplastic. It’s rigid enough to maintain shape but not so hard that it risks damaging port contacts during installation.
Operating temperature range isn’t specified, but the plastic remains stable in typical office conditions (15-30°C). I wouldn’t recommend use in environments exceeding 50°C or below freezing.
The retention mechanism uses internal ridges that engage with the RJ45 port housing. No adhesives or secondary fasteners are involved—it’s purely mechanical retention.
Comparison with Complete Network Solutions
While dust covers protect individual ports, comprehensive network protection requires multiple approaches. Proper rack enclosures, positive air pressure systems, and regular cleaning schedules all contribute to equipment longevity. The StarTech caps form one component of a broader maintenance strategy.
For users building complete systems, pairing these covers with quality components like the ASUS TUF RTX 5070 Gaming Graphics Card in a well-maintained environment maximizes hardware lifespan. Prevention costs less than repair across all technology categories.
Final Verdict: Simple Protection Done Right
The StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers excel at their intended purpose: keeping dust out of unused network ports. The pull-tab design solves a genuine frustration that anyone who’s struggled with generic caps will immediately appreciate. At £15.99 for 100 units, they’re priced fairly for the quality delivered.
These aren’t revolutionary products—they’re dust covers. But StarTech has refined the design to eliminate common irritations: difficult removal, inconsistent fit, brittle materials. The result is a maintenance accessory that works reliably without requiring thought or special handling.
For IT professionals and serious home lab users, the 100-pack represents years of supply at a reasonable investment. The prevention value far exceeds the cost when you consider the time and expense of diagnosing dust-related connectivity issues.
I’m keeping these as my standard dust covers for all network equipment. The pull-tabs alone justify the modest premium over generic alternatives, and the consistent quality across the entire pack confirms proper manufacturing standards. They’re not exciting, but they’re exactly what network maintenance requires: reliable, practical, and effective.
The StarTech RJ45 Dust Covers earn a strong recommendation for anyone maintaining network infrastructure. They won’t transform your setup, but they’ll quietly prevent problems you’d rather not deal with. Sometimes the best technology is the kind you install once and forget about—until you need to remove it, at which point you’ll appreciate those pull-tabs.
Product Guide
