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How do I wire a CAT 5 or CAT 6 keystone telephone jack?

Steven Racz
Audio, Video, & Automation Expert
Steven Racz is an Audio, Video, & Automation Expert and Owner at Altitude Audio Video based in Littleton, Colorado. With over 15 years of professional experience, Steven and his team of technicians specialize in installing residential and commercial audio systems, theater design and installation, Josh Ai voice & control systems, and Control4 automation. At Altitude Audio Video, they strive to tailor the perfect system for your needs.

Steven Racz

Audio, Video, & Automation Expert

Expert Answer

The easiest way to wire a CAT 5 or CAT 6 keystone telephone jack is to strip the wire, separate the conductors, and then place those conductors in their respective colored ports on the back of the keystone connector or wall plate connector. Then you can use a punch-down tool to push those cables all the way in and make the connection.

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Question

How do I hook up my new phone line to the phone company's box outside?

Community Answer

If the box in question only has two possible connections, just plug a RJ11 jack into the one marked Line 1. If there are more, you would be well advised to ask your phone company to send out a technician.

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Question

The cable has 4 wires. However, only 2 are used. Which ones do I connect?

Community Answer

Typical colors that go together are red/green and yellow/black. As long as you use the same colors on both ends, it doesn't matter.

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Question

I have an old phone. How do I wire it to a new phone line?

Community Answer

All you need is to conect two wires -- RX&TX, marked on the telephone terminal -- to the telephone socket (also marked TX&RX ), then plug in to the new phone line.

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Question

How do I check the wire for voltage?

Community Answer

You could use a multimeter. Touch one of the wires of the multimeter to the phone wire, then touch the other one to another port on the phone, or even to another part of the wire, at about 10 cms apart.

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Question

How do I connect blue and white wires to red, green, yellow, and black wires?

Community Answer

With a soldering iron and some solder would be the most reliable option. Or turn off the electricity and wrap the metal of the wires around each other -- this option will be easy but may be slightly unsafe and won't last if it gets knocked.

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Question

What do I do if my phone has no dial tone?

Adrian

Top Answerer

Make sure the wiring is not loose, and try the phone in a different jack. If that is not the case, try plugging in a different phone. If that fixes the problem, you will need to get a new phone. If that is not the issue still, contact your telephone service provider.

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Question

Can I use CAT-6 cable for phone service?

Upnorth Here

Top Answerer

Yes, CAT-6 conductors work well for telephone service, up to a limited distance.

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Question

Phone is plugged in to telephone line but it says we have no service, why not?

Community Answer

The line may be undergoing maintenance. Try calling your telephone company from a smartphone.

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Question

What causes static on my phone?

Community Answer

There may be obstructions blocking signal. Try getting a signal booster antenna installed.

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Question

I can call out from my landline but my phones won't accept incoming calls. The phone doesn't even ring.

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

Have someone call you. You can fix your landline inside the house on your own but don't attempt to fix it on the outside your door. That's not your property even if you own the house.

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