How to Install Telephone Jacks

Telephone repairmen can take forever to do a simple job. You're sick of waiting and ready to take matters into your own hands. There's one small problem. You're not exactly sure how to install a telephone jack on your own. After reading this article, you'll know exactly how to install a telephone jack and won't need to depend on a repairman any longer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone jack
• Wire cutters
• Pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
• Straight screwdriver

How to Install Telephone Jacks

1. Disconnect the telephone line from the Outside Network Interface. This is located outside and looks just like the gray telephone wires inside your house. Simply, but gently pull it out of the box.

2. Gather/purchase the items you will need to install the telephone jack.

3. Take the old jack out of the wall. You may need to use a screwdriver to do this. You will see four wires on the inside (black, green, red and yellow). Using your Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screws and take the wires out. At this time, the existing jack should be completely off.

4. Insert the new jack into the spot your existing jack left. Place the new jack in straightly and screw it into the wall.

5. Connect the wires. You will only need to connect the red and green wires if you have one line in your home. Match the red wire to the red wire, the green wire to the green wire, etc. Once they are correctly connected, place the cover plate on.

6. Re-connect the wire in the Outside Network Interface.

7. Plug your phone into the jack inside of the house and listen to that dial tone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not hear a dial tone, check all connections, usually something is not connected tightly enough.
• If everything is connected properly, you may have a bad jack. You will need to purchase a brand new jack and repeat all of the steps.
• If you are installing a brand new telephone jack, you will need to do the wiring for this beforehand (which can be quite tedious). The resources section will take you to a web site regarding telephone wiring only.

Resources

• Telephone Wiring Information