How to Install an RJ-45 Connector on CAT 5 Cable
CAT 5 cables commonly use RJ45 connectors to plug into computer networks and other data systems. Cables can be bought with these connectors attached, but a savvy network engineer or computer hobbyist can save money by making his or her own.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- CAT 5 cable
- Wire cutters/strippers
- RJ45 connector(s)
- RJ45 crimping tool
Instructions
-
-
1
Strip the outer jacket from the CAT 5 cable. A CAT 5 cable consists of four twisted-pair wires (eight individual wires in all). These are bundled together and covered with a plastic outer jacket. Remove about 1 to 2 inches of the outer jacket with a wire stripper to expose the wires inside.
-
2
Untwist the twisted pairs of wires, and arrange the wires so they are straight and arranged in the following order by color:
1 -- White/Green
2 -- Green
3 -- White/Orange
4 -- Blue
5 -- White/Blue
6 -- Orange
7 -- White/Brown
8 -- Brown -
-
3
Once the wires are arranged in order, hold them next to your RJ45 connector and trim them to a length that matches the connector's length. This is usually about 1/2 to 3/4 inches, depending on the brand of the connector.
-
4
Hold the wires firmly with your thumb and forefinger so they stay in order, and insert them into the opening of the RJ45 connector.
-
5
Using an RJ45 crimper, crimp the base of the RJ45 connector so that the wires stay in place.
-
1
