How to Organize Phone Jacks

Know right where to plug the line in.

Save time and frustration when troubleshooting your modem or identifying the root of a problem with your telephone connection by keeping phone jacks organized. Easily identify which cords power phones, faxes and other office equipment, eliminating questions about what line plugs in where. If one function goes bad on your phone and you have to remove the whole unit, make the transition quickly. Don't let your productivity be compromised by accidentally cutting connection to your computer or fax machine. Know which cords power your machines.

Things You'll Need

• Small white adhesive labels
• Hanging tags on string
• Zip ties or twist ties
• Masking tape
• Marker

Instructions

1. 

   Familiarize yourself with the cords that power your equipment.

   Follow each electrical cord from the phone jack to the unit it supplies power to, such as a telephone, fax machine or modem. If the cord is tangled with other cords, untangle it.

2. Gather any slack in the cord and bundle it up. Wrap the bundle with a zip tie or twist tie to keep it from getting tangled or caught underfoot.

3. 

   Keep your home, office and mobile phones and their numbers straight.

   Stick a small adhesive label to the face plate of the phone jack and write the name of the unit it supplies power to. If there is more than one type of phone or fax machine be specific with your label. Write "office phone" or "home phone" as opposed to simply writing "phone." Include the phone number that is associated with the line as well.

4. 

   Label your cords to match their phone jacks.

   Attach a hanging tag to the cord where it plugs into the phone jack. The hanging label should correspond to the label on the jack. If the cord needs to be unplugged or unplugs unexpectedly, you will know where to plug it back in.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the same method of organization for other cords in your space including power cords, speaker wires and cable cords.

• Regularly check cords for damage and discard broken or worn cords.

• Unplug power sources to phones and other equipment before organizing phone jacks or working around wires.

References

• Organizing Plain and Simple: Donna Smallin
• State Farm Insurance: Home Electrical Safety Tips