|  | 9.2 | RJ-45 Jack and Outlet Installation
| 9.2.12 | Procedure for punching wires down into a jack

| Lab Activity
| In this lab, you will learn the correct process for terminating a RJ-45 jack as well as the correct procedure for installing the jack in a wall plate.

To punch down the wires into the jack, you need to use a punch tool. A punch tool is a device that uses spring-loaded action to push wires between metal pins, while at the same time, skinning the sheath away from the wire. This ensures that the wire makes a good electrical connection with the pins inside the jack. The punch tool also cuts off any extra wire.

When you use the punch tool, you must begin by positioning the blade on the outside of the jack. If you place the blade on the inside of the jack, you will cut the wire short of the connection point. If this happens, no electrical connection can occur. (Note: If you tilt the handle of the punch tool a little to the outside, it will cut better.) If any wire remains attached, after you have used the punch tool, simply twist the ends gently to remove them, then, place the clips on the jack, and tighten them. To snap the jack into its faceplate, push it in from the back side. Make sure that when you do this that the jack is right-side up. Then, use the screws to attach the faceplate to either the box, or to the bracket.

If you have surface mounted the box, keep in mind that it may hold 30-60 cm of excess cable. You need to either slide the cable through its tie-wraps, or pull back the raceway that covers it, in order to push the rest of the excess cable back into the wall. If you have flush-mounted the jack, all you need to do is push the excess cable back into the wall.

| Web Links
| Cabling Glossary
| Cable Termination and Installation