How to Run a Telephone Wire

Sometimes, doing things yourself can be, truly rewarding. For a start, you can maintain quality, secondly, you sharpen your skills and, most importantly, you save a lot of money. And this holds true if you run a telephone wire in your home by yourself. If you’ve decided that this one’s for you first get your phone company to install a Network Interface Device (NID) outside your home, then, get ready to roll. You needn’t be a phone wiring expert to do this, just about anybody with a little experience can run a telephone wire.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone jack plates
• Cable splitter
• Screwdriver
• Cat 5 cables (gauge 22 or 24)

Instructions

1. Disconnect your line connected to the NID box by unplugging the wire outside your home. Call your phone company for assistance or instructions, if you are doubtful of which wire to disconnect.

2. Attach your line to the corresponding pair of wires of the NID box. Connect one line to the red and green wires and the other with the yellow and black wires. Twist the wires counter-clockwise around the colored pole. Then use a screwdriver to screw the wires in.

3. Pass the Cat 5 cables through the holes provided on the back of the NID and run them into your home. Some NIDs have covered cables that go down into basements.

4. Once the main line, from the NID box enters your home, split it into the required number of branches that you need, one for each room. Splitting the main line at a central location is a good idea, as it will make troubleshooting easier, should you face a problem later.

5. Pass the main telephone wire through conduits in the walls where convenient, then, connect it to the rear of the telephone jack plate. However, it is advisable to run several lines through one conduit. This will insulate them from other wires that may be present in the wall. Ensure that telephone lines are at least 6 to 12 inches away from any other wiring to avoid interference.

Tips & Warnings

• For safety and other reasons, phone companies usually lock or seal a part of the NIDs. You needn’t be concerned, as the area that is locked or sealed is for exclusive use by the phone company.

• Four phone lines can be connected to most NIDs. However, a technician from the phone company will be required to assist you with the wiring, should you choose multiple phone lines.

• Always disconnect the phone line before working on it. This is because it carries a large electrical charge, particularly, during an incoming call.

• Ensure that all wires in the NID box do not come into contact with each other. If they do, a short circuit can occur which will damage all phone jacks installed inside your home.