Cable Grommets — Standard Hole Sizes (60mm, 80mm) for Desks

September 22, 2025

A cable grommet is a round or rectangular furniture fitting inserted into a drilled or routed opening in a desktop to route power and data cables neatly beneath the desk. The most common standard hole dimensions in furniture construction are 60 mm and 80 mm in diameter.

What Exactly Is a Cable Grommet?

The cable grommet (technically often referred to as a cable port or cable pass-through) is a functional component for office furniture, conference tables, and worktops. It usually consists of two components: an outer ring or frame that sits securely in the hole of the substrate board, and a removable or swivel lid.

The lid features an aperture that is often equipped with an integrated brush seal. This seal prevents cables from chafing against the edges, holds them securely in place, and protects the interior of the desk from falling dust. Acting like a funnel, the fitting bundles the clutter of cables on the desk surface and directs them straight towards the power strip.

Typical Dimensions and Standards

A hole saw or a Forstner bit is required to fit round grommets. The choice of diameter depends on the volume and plug size of the cables to be passed through.

60 mm: This is the standard size for individual workstations. A desk cable grommet 60mm provides sufficient room for a monitor kettle lead, a network cable, and slimmer charging cables.
80 mm: For more complex setups with multiple monitors, thick power supply plugs, or docking stations, a desk cable grommet 80mm is used. The larger cross-section makes it easier to pass wide mains plugs through.

The installation depth of these fittings is usually between 15 mm and 25 mm. This makes them compatible with standard desktops made of chipboard, MDF, or solid timber, which typically have a thickness of 19 mm to 25 mm.

Types and Variations

The choice of material and shape depends on the structural requirements of the desktop and the desired design aesthetic.

Shapes: Alongside classic round models, there is the cable grommet rectangular for wide bundles of cables, as well as the cable grommet square.
Materials: For mechanically demanding contract and commercial environments, a cable grommet metal or specifically a cable grommet aluminium is suitable. For lighter office solutions, a cable grommet plastic is frequently used.
Finishes: To match the decor of the desktop visually, various finishes are well established. These include the cable grommet black for dark tops, the cable grommet silver for modern office furniture, or the cable grommet white for light surfaces.

Application and Installation

When planning the placement of furniture cable grommets, the position on the worktop must be marked out precisely. Typical placement is in the rear third of the desk, often 100 mm to 150 mm from the back edge. This prevents conflicts with the desk underframe or the crossbeam beneath the top.

The hole must be drilled precisely at a 90° angle. The outer ring of the grommet is then pressed flush into the opening or – on models with a ribbed shank – tapped in gently using a rubber mallet. Gluing is generally not necessary, as the fit is designed to hold securely via friction.

Related Terms

Cable tray: A metal or plastic channel mounted underneath the desk that holds the cables and power extension leads routed through the grommet.
Cable spine: A flexible articulated conduit that bundles cables from the floor up to the desktop.
Forstner bit: A specialised wood drill bit for producing dimensionally accurate, large-diameter clean holes in board materials.