How to Install an RJ 45 Connector
While wireless Internet connectivity exists, many businesses, schools and stores still use wired networks to ensure security. This article describes how to create RJ-45 cables and how to install an RJ-45 connector.
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Things You'll Need
- RJ-45 Cable (also referred to as Ethernet or CAT-5) RJ-45 Tips (also known as ends) RJ-45 Keystone Jacks (for in-wall installations) RJ-45 Keystone Jack Faceplates (also known as wall-covers; similar to electrical outlet socket covers) RJ-45 Cable Stripper/Crimper (available at Radio Shack and most computer stores) RJ-45 Wiring Diagram (see resources below for link)
Instructions
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Creating RJ-45 Cables
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1
Once you've gathered the supplies listed above, you're ready to start making your own RJ-45 cables. To begin, select the desired length of your cable. Keep in mind that if your cables will be used in-wall, they need to be long enough to reach from Point A to Point B, including slack.
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2
Take your strippers/crimpers and remove approximately an inch and a half of the cable sleeve. Be careful not to cut into the colored wires inside.
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3
Once you've removed the sleeve, you should see several pairs of colored wires. Separate each of the pairs into individual wires. You should have a total of eight wires.
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4
Organize each of the wires in the following order LEFT to RIGHT.
1 - White Orange
2 - Orange
3 - White Green
4 - Blue
5 - White Blue
6 - Green
7 - White Brown
8 - Brown
If you're having trouble, reference the diagram listed in the Things You'll Need section above (see resources below for link). -
5
After you've aligned the wires based on the diagram above, smooth the wires so that they're flat (a little bumpy is OK). To achieve a precision end, clip off one 1/2 centimeter (0.5) using your wire cutter.
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6
Once you've aligned and cleaned the wire ends, take one of your RJ-45 ends (clip facing down) and slowly insert the wires into the tip. Make sure that the wires are firmly secured and filling the end. Double-check to make sure that your wires are still aligned in the correct pattern before continuing.
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7
Take your crimpers and carefully place the cable into the appropriate slot. Firmly squeeze down on the handle to ensure that the cable is sealed. A good rule of thumb is to hold down for five seconds, release, and then hold for five more seconds.
Installing RJ-45 Keystone Jacks
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8
Installing keystone or in-wall jacks is slightly more complicated than creating RJ-45 cables. To begin, take a keystone jack and place it in the wall plate. Make sure that the two are secure before continuing.
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9
To create the cable necessary, repeat steps one through five listed in section one above.
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10
After you've stripped, arranged and cleaned your wires, you can add them to the keystone jacks. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. In order to ensure that the jacks are functional, you need to match the order of the wires exactly to your cables. In the example above, the cables were created with the clip facing down. Your keystone jack is in the similar format (insert with clip facing down). However, in order to match your cable, you will need to flip the order (see next step).
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11
In order to match your cable, the order of your keystone jack's wires should be (LEFT to RIGHT):
1 - Brown
2 - White Brown
3 - Green
4 - White Blue
5 - Blue
6 - White Green
7 - Orange
8 - White Orange -
12
After you've aligned your wires correctly, you can begin putting them in the keystone jack. You'll notice that unlike the RJ-45 ends, you cannot use a crimper to close the connection. You should have a special tool that was included with your keystone jacks. Insert the wires into the corresponding colors on the keystone jack and use your tool to push them in place.
Once you've done this, you can complete the other end of the line following the same steps listed above.
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1
Tips & Warnings
In order to ensure that your cables are working properly, investing in a cable tester (fairly inexpensive) will guarantee that you've done everything correctly. Make sure that your cables are long enough to have at least one to three feet of slack. This will ensure a long life for your cable and prevent damage.
If you're installing in-wall jacks, keep in mind that you will need to cut a hole in your wall. Before you cut, if you're not the owner of the property, make sure to clarify what you're doing. Also, make sure to measure your hole to be smaller than the wall plate. This will ensure that the plate is flush against the surface of the wall.
