Instructions For How to Hook Up a Fax Machine

A fax machine can send an instant hard copy of a document anywhere in the world.

A fax machine allows you to send and receive hard copies of a document over a phone line and does not require a second phone line unless you need a dedicated line for the device. Otherwise, you can get a service called distinctive ring which is a second phone number on your existing line that rings in short bursts instead of the standard long rings. A fax machine with the distinctive ring feature can discern the distinctive ring and use it as the fax line.

Instructions

1. Locate the "Line In" port on the back of the fax machine. This is the port where you will plug in the phone cable that runs from the phone jack.

2. Plug your phone into the "Phone Out" jack on the back of the fax machine. You will not hear a ringtone until the machine is operational.

3. Plug the handset that comes with the fax machine into the plug marked "Handset" on the back or side of the fax machine.

4. Turn the fax machine on and check the handset and plugged-in phone for a dial tone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have the distinctive ring feature on your phone line, choose the "distinctive ring" feature on your fax machine to set it up to only answer on that ring tone.

References

• Computer Hardware Basics: How to Set Up a Fax Machine

Resources

• FaxAnswers: Fax Machines