How to Check Telephone Jacks

A telephone jack is an interface that allows you to connect a telephone device to a phone line. If you have telephone service but your telephone isn't receiving a dial tone, you may need to inspect the jack. The most likely problems with a faulty jack are wires that aren't making good electrical contact or incorrect wiring.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper

Instructions

1. Unscrew the two long screws that fasten the telephone jack to the wall. This may require a few minutes to accomplish, as these screws are typically about 3 inches long. Gently pry the telephone jack from the wall and pull the wiring out without disconnecting it from the jack. Examine the back of the telephone jack. The most prominent feature will be a series of terminals that connect the telephone wires to the telephone jack. The jack may have up to three pairs of terminals, although most phone jacks will only use one pair.

2. Inspect the wires connected to the two innermost pins of the telephone jack and identify the terminals that they're connected to. These pins are typically the only ones that the telephone device will use. The left innermost pin is the positive lead (tip) for the line and the right innermost pin is the negative lead (ring) for the line. Call the terminal that connects to the left innermost pin terminal (A) and the terminal that connects to the right innermost pin terminal (B).

3. Check the telephone wires to ensure that the telephone jack is connected properly to the desired line. The green wire should be connected to terminal A and the red wire should be connected to terminal B if you wish to connect to line one. The black wire should be connected to terminal A and the yellow wire should be connected to terminal B if you wish to connect to line two. The orange wire should be connected to terminal A and the blue wire should be connected to terminal B if you wish to connect to line three. This color code assumes your house is wired according to the traditional color standard.

4. Replace the wiring if necessary. If the wires connected to terminals A and B appear damaged or corroded, loosen the terminal screws and remove the wires. Snip the ends off and strip the insulation from the last half-inch of the wires. Wrap the bare wires around the appropriate terminal screws and tighten the terminal screws.

5. Line up the holes of the telephone jack with the holes in the wall and screw the telephone jack back into the wall.

References

• techFAQ.com