Lab 9.2.12 RJ-45 Jack Outlet Install

Estimated time: 45 min.

Objectives:

> - Learn the correct process for terminating (punching-down) a RJ-45 jack
> - Learn the correct procedure for installing the jack in a wall plate

Background:

> In this lab, you will learn to wire an RJ-45 data jack for installation in a wall plate using a punch-down tool. These skills are useful when you must install a small amount of cabling in an office or residence. 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.

> You will work with CAT 5 cabling and CAT 5 rated T568-B jacks. A CAT 5 straight-wired patch cable with an RJ-45 connector will normally plug into this data jack (or outlet) to connect a PC in a work area to the network. It is important that you use CAT 5 rated jacks and patch panels with CAT 5 cabling in order to support higher speed versions of Ethernet such as Fast Ethernet which is 100Mbps. The process of punching down wires into a data jack in an office area is the same as punching them down in a patch panel in a wiring closet such as a Main Distribution Facility (MDF) or Intermediate Distribution Facility (IDF).

Tools / Preparation:

> Prior to starting the lab, the teacher or lab assistant should have a spool of Cat 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable, several RJ-45 data jacks, a 110 Punch down tool and an Ethernet / RJ-45 continuity tester available. Work individually or in teams. The following resources will be required:

> - Two to Three foot length of CAT 5 cabling (one per person or one per team)
> - Two CAT 5 RJ-45 data jacks (one extra for spare) – If RJ-45 data jacks are installed on both ends of the cable, the installation can be tested by inserting cable with RJ-45 connectors and a simple cable continuity tester
> - CAT 5 Wall Plate
> - 110 type punch down tool
> - Wire cutters

Worksheet

> Use the following procedure and diagram below to punch down the wires into the RJ-45 jack and install the jack into the wall plate:

> Step 1.

> Remove jacket 1" from the end of the cable.

> Step 2.

> Position wires in the proper channels on the jack, according to the color chart below.

> Step 3. Use the 110 punch-down tool to push conductors into the channels. Make sure that you position the cut side of the punch-down tool so that it faces the outside of the jack, or you will cut the wire you are trying to punch-down. (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. NOTE: Make sure that no more than .5" of untwisted wire is between the end of the cable jacket and the channels on the jack.

> Step 4.

> Snap the jack into its faceplate by pushing it in from the back side. Make sure, when you do this, that the jack is right-side up (clip faces down when wall plate is mounted).

> Step 5.

> 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 a 1'-2' of excess cable. Then 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.

> Category 5 568-B jack wiring color scheme

> Hold the jack with the 8-pin jack receptacle (the part the RJ-45 connector goes into) facing up or away from you while looking at the wire channels or slots. There should be four wire channels on each side.

> > > > 8-pin receptacle

> White Green | White Blue
> Green | Blue
> White Brown | White Orange
> Brown | Orange