How to Add a Telephone Jack
In today's technological world, communication is key. Having a phone jack where you want it, when you need it, plays an important role in staying in touch with friends, family and co-workers. Knowing the basics on how to install one yourself is a great skill to have. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Telephone jack
- Four-wire phone cable
- Pencil or pen
- Hole saw
- Utility knife
- Wire stripper
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Decide where you are going to install your telephone jack. Consider ease of access, existing windows or doors, wiring, plumbing or HVAC services in the wall. Other factors include furniture placement, what kind of device will be using the new jack--computer, desk phone, wall phone, etc.--and what kind of mount you will install (recessed or surface).
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2
Find out where the nearest service or distribution box is for your home. Usually the service box is located outside of the home or in the basement or a crawlspace. Look for a grayish box with a phone company name or logo on the panel. It may or may not be secured with a small plastic or metal fastener. This is where you will need to tie in the new phone line.
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3
Mount your phone jack. Recessed jacks will be positioned in a box that is set into the wall and covered with an accompanying faceplate. To set this kind of jack in place, hold the box against the wall where you want to mount it and draw around it with a pencil. Cut out the drywall with a hole saw or utility knife. Install the box and secure it with screws. Surface-mounted jacks are easier to install; they often come with a peel-off backing and can be pressed onto the wall or baseboard. Regardless of the mount, be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
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4
Run the new phone line (four-wire cable) from your source point (service/distribution box) to where your new jack will be installed. This can be done simply by drilling a hole either through the floor or wall and pulling the wire through at both the source point and new jack location. If you have a recessed jack box, it may be a bit tricky to pull the wire up through the wall and into the box, so be patient. Leave extra line at both ends. Strip off 2 to 3 inches of the gray plastic covering with a wire stripper to prepare the wire for installation.
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5
Go back to the source point and open up the box. Remove about 3/8ths of an inch of the plastic coating from each of the four colored wires. Attach all four wires to the corresponding colored screw or hub (green-to-green, blue-to-blue, etc.) with a screwdriver. Make sure to check that each wire is securely in place, but do not overtighten.
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6
Return to the newly installed jack. Remove the plastic coating from each colored wire, then attach them as directed in the manufacturer's instructions to the appropriate contact points or hubs inside the new jack. Install the cover and plug in your phone.
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Tips & Warnings
For an instant connection, consider a wireless phone jack.
Do not install jacks in damp locations. Do not install a phone line in an outlet box.
