Installing RJ-45 Connectors

The following procedures are designed to help you install RJ-45 connectors correctly. Clear-Com recommends that the work is tested with a cable checker. When you are installing RJ-45 connectors, wires can slip out of the correct order as the prepared cable end is inserted into the connector.

The shorter, general procedure for avoiding this issue is as follows:

  1. Strip enough jacket off the cable to be able to grasp the wires and pull the jacket back.

  2. Untwist the wires and pull them into the correct order and let the jacket slip back to hold them in place.

  3. If this is done correctly, the wires will stay in the correct order. Trim exposed wires to about 9/16 in. (14.28mm) and install into the connector.

The detailed procedure is as follows. To facilitate the installation of RJ-45 connectors:

  1. Strip off enough of the outside vinyl jacket to be able to grip the wires inside easily (2 in. or 50.8 mm).

While holding the four twisted pairs in one hand, slide back the vinyl jacket and clamp it between your thumb and forefinger. Keep the jacket clamped in this retracted position until the fourth step.

  1. Pull the twisted pairs to the one side and untwist them back to the edge of the vinyl jacket. Smooth the kinks out slightly by pulling the conductors through your fingers.

  2. In the correct color sequence, pull one wire at a time, straight out, clamping it in place between your thumb and forefinger.

If a wire must cross the others, ensure that this occurs inside the jacket. Ensure that your color sequence matches the other side and it does not reverse.

Note: If you are rebutting a cable, verify the color code. The twisted pairs must be positioned correctly.

  1. While holding the wires in the correct order, release your clamped thumb and forefinger enough to allow the retracted jacket to slip back.

You must still maintain enough pressure on your thumb and forefinger to hold the jacket and wires flat, but the individual wires should stay in the correct order without holding them with your other hand.

  1. Cut the exposed wires to the correct length and slip them into the RJ-45 connector as you release your clamped thumb and forefinger.

  2. Crimp and test the cable.

Note: Care must be exercised that the shield is not left pulled back inside the wire jacket. We also recommend that the drain wire is soldered to the side of a shielded style connector. Our tests show that a drain wire that is only crimped and not soldered will make an intermittent connection at best.