How to Install a Modular Phone Jack to Replace a Wall Jack

Replacing a home telephone wall jack is a fairly easy home maintenance task.

Replacing a wall jack with a new modular telephone jack is a simple task. You don't need to be an expert electrical engineer, as it's simply a matter of loosening some screws and putting them back again. Get familiar with the process before installing a modular phone jack to replace your wall jack.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wire cutters with stripping tool
• Needle nose pliers

Instructions

1. Turn off the line from the interface box attached to the outside of the house. Open the interface box and unplug the master jack. Alternatively, take another phone on the same line off the hook, which will keep it from ringing.

2. Remove the old jack. Remove the modular cord from the jack you wish to replace. Unscrew the screws fastening the jack to the wall. Here you will see several (usually four or six) differently colored wires attached to the inside of the jack. Diagram their placement so you will remember how to reattach them to the new jack. To detach them, simply loosen the screws holding them.

3. Examine the phone wires. If the wires are damaged in any way, use the wire cutters to strip the insulation surrounding the wires, then cut off the ends of the wires and strip the plastic wire covering away.

4. Reattach the wires to the new jack. Use the screws in the new jack to attach them in the same placement as they were attached to the old jack. Using the needle nose pliers, bend the ends of the wires into U shapes. Place the wire ends around the screws on the back of the new jack and tighten the holding screws so that the wires stay in place.

5. Fasten the phone jack to the wall. Push the wires back into the hole in the wall. Hold the new jack against the wall the same position as the old jack and screw it in place. Plug the phone back in and turn on the line.

Tips & Warnings

• There are primarily two types of modular telephone jacks. One type attaches flush with the wall and the other mounts on the surface of the wall. When you are at the hardware store, try to find a modular jack that is the most identical to the old one you are looking to replace. This will help ensure it fits properly.

References

• Danny Lipford: How to Install a Phone Jack