Plug End
Assembly Of A Category 5/5e Shielded Solid Or Stranded RJ45 Plug
Twisted pair cables such as CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6a cable are a low cost and easy installation alternative to traditional coax cables for transmitting KVM and AV signals. KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) extenders via CAT5 may be used to remove computers from harsh or sensitive environments, or to restrict physical access to the computer. Video extension products such as VGA, DVI, S-Video or HDTV extenders via CAT5 are used to extend video displays. Each extender consists of two units - the local and remote units, which are interconnected using a CAT5/5e/6 cable.
This article focuses on the proper method for terminating a CAT5/5e shielded solid or stranded cable using standard tools and materials that are readily available. With the proper use of the tools and a little practice you will be terminating CAT5/5e cables in no time.
Prepare the cable
You will first need CAT5/5e shielded cable (solid or stranded for the purposes of this article) cut to the desired length. The cable can be terminated before or after installation, even if you have a long run to make. Using a cable tester from VPI (www.vpi.us) the cable can be easily tested for continuity, crossed pairs and pinouts to make sure all connections have been made properly.
Next you will need to make sure you have the correct plugs to terminate the cable with. Different plugs are intended to different types of cable, whether you have solid or stranded connectors, flat or round cable, shielded or unshielded, and CAT5, 5e, 6, or 6a. Be sure to use a plug suitable for your cable.
For tools you need a CAT5 wire stripper, wire cutters, RJ45 crimp tool, and a CAT5 cable tester.
Terminate the cable
First, carefully strip the jacketing from the cable to expose 1" of the insulated wire conductors. Don't cut too deeply or you will knick the wire insulation underneath. If you just score the cable jacket and bend the wire in several directions to finish the break, the result will be a good problem-free cut.
Next, peel the foil shield insulation back onto the cable jacket and trim to within approximately ¼" of the jacket edge. Wrap the drain wire such that it is located at the bottom (locking-tab side) of the cable. Do not remove any insulation from the conductors.
Untwist the wires all the way to the jacket edge (but not beyond) and arrange them according to TIA/EIA 568A or 568B standards.
Carefully flatten the wires and align them for insertion into the plug. Make a straight cut across all wires to ensure the ends are of equal length, leaving approximately ½" of the wire sticking out from the jacket edge. The plug has small openings in it, one for each conductor. The wires must be placed in the proper order for either the TIA/EIA 568A or 568B standard.
Hold the RJ45 plug in front of you with the locking tab down, cable opening towards you. Orient the wires so connector pin 1 aligns with cable wire 1, pin 2 aligns with cable wire 2, etc. Pin 1 is on the far left with the plug held as described. Slide the wires into the RJ45 plug. The cable jacket should extend into the connector about 1/4" for strain relief and shielding connection. Make sure the drain wire is positioned at the bottom of the connector as this is where it will see the greatest contact with the shield of the RJ45 plug.
Using the RJ45 crimp tool, crimp the assembled termination to make it permanent. Firmly squeeze the handles to set the contacts and secure the plug. Once crimped, the termination should be tight and very difficult to remove.
Test the cable
Use the CAT5 cable tester to check your work. The tester will indicate proper continuity (complete connection end-to-end), make sure the pairs have been matched up properly, and that the pinout is according to the selected wire standard. If an end is wired incorrectly, the tester will indicate which end is incorrect. Simply cut off the end and try again.
Be sure to see more articles about CAT5 cable termination available from VPI. Other types of cable require slightly different procedures, so not all of the details for the cable you want to terminate will be covered in this article.
About the Author
Video Products Inc (http://www.vpi.us/) has an expanding headquarters located in Aurora, OH. Our company is focused on supplying the highest quality products to the tech-savvy home user and the IT professional. We have one goal at VPI - to make your life easier by providing connectivity products of exceptional quality and mixing them with friendly, knowledgeable service.
VPI cables have become known worldwide for delivering crisp and clear images with no signal degradation. As our product line has expanded, we have carried this dedication to quality and innovation through our wide variety of cables, adapters, hubs, switches and splitters - everything you need to connect your PC, MAC or SUN computer to the peripherals you prefer.
How pulsejet engines work (and a shameless plug for my book)
 |
 Camco 55245 RV 30 Amp Electrical Cord Male Replacement Plug End w Handle $16.95 Time Remaining: 19d 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $16.95 Buy It Now |
 206mm Thread Male Hex Inner Pipe End Cap Drain Plug 3Pcs $5.16 Time Remaining: 5h 22m |
 Qty 12 Fiberboard Mailing Tube w End Plugs 36 x 3 in $19.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 19m |
 Camco 55343 RV 30 Amp Electrical Cord Female Replacement Plug End w Handle $16.95 Time Remaining: 19d 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $16.95 Buy It Now |
 YAMAHA PW50 CYLINDER PISTON GASKET TOP END KIT SET FREE PLUG GUARD $82.95 Time Remaining: 7h 51m |
 50 ft foot feet 12ga gauge Speakon plug end to speaker cable PA pro audio cord $26.95 Time Remaining: 15d 20h 51m Buy It Now for only: $26.95 Buy It Now |
 NOS 1965 66 67 CHEVELLE CAMARO NOVA CORVETTE POSI REAR END FILL PLUG GM $11.61 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 11h 36m |
 Winchester Vintage 1892 Magazine End Plug NO RESERVE Like 1894 and 1873 $5.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 12h 21m |
 Extension Cord Replacement plug End female 10pc $9.99 Time Remaining: 27d 52m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE 1890 CABOTS SYLPHO NATHOL PLUG END GLASS BOTTLE WITH ORIGINAL CORK DUG $2.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5h 7m |
 Extension Cord Replacement plug End male 10pc $9.99 Time Remaining: 27d 52m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Black Ops Bar Jammers End Plugs silver $4.00 Time Remaining: 4h 6m Buy It Now for only: $8.98 Buy It Now |
 50 Mason Bee Nesting Tubes with Permanent End Plugs New Paper Liners $10.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 11h 38m |
 100 Pcs LOT RJ45 Network Cable Modular Plug Cat5 CAT5e 8P8C Connector End $3.49 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 14m Buy It Now for only: $3.49 Buy It Now |
 Old Rod End Plug $3.16 Time Remaining: 7h 11m |
 NEW Qty 25 Fiberboard Mailing Tube w End Plugs 24x2 in $19.99 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 55m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 62 Corvette NOS GM rear end filler drain plug $14.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 16m |
 7 way blade RV Connector Light Plug Trailer End NEW $4.90 Time Remaining: 18d 12h 9m Buy It Now for only: $4.90 Buy It Now |
 YAMAHA PW50 CYLINDER PISTON GASKET TOP END KIT SET FREE PLUG GUARD $82.95 Time Remaining: 7h 52m |
 Bosch Diesel Fuel Injector End Plug Cap Mercedes BMW Volkswagen VW 240D 300D MBZ $3.49 Time Remaining: 2h 11m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 100 Pcs LOT Yellow CAT5 CAT5E CAT6 RJ45 Plug Connector End Boot Cap Snagless $3.88 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 10m Buy It Now for only: $3.88 Buy It Now |
 BI WIRE TWO HIGH END 5N COPPER SPEAKER CABLES 9 GAUGE 8FT 24K BFA BANANA PLUGS $97.99 Time Remaining: 13h 56m Buy It Now for only: $107.99 Buy It Now |
 FREE SHIPLOT OF 105 M5 F END PLUGS 125V15AFREE SHIPPING $15.25 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 46m Buy It Now for only: $15.25 Buy It Now |
 4 Z1 KZ900 KZ1000 CAM END PLUGS $13.40 Time Remaining: 9h 42m Buy It Now for only: $15.10 Buy It Now |
 YAMAHA QT50 CYLINDER PISTON GASKET TOP END KIT SET FREE PLUG GUARD $82.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 51m |
 40 White Cord 35mm Plug to 35mm Audio Cable with Male ends $5.55 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 31m Buy It Now for only: $5.55 Buy It Now |
 Mason Bee 200 high Quality nesting Tubes with End Plug Replaceable Liners $35.00 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 40m Buy It Now for only: $50.00 Buy It Now |
 1000 Pcs RJ45 CAT5 CAT5E 8P8C Modular Network Cable LAN Connector End Plug LOT $23.58 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 55m Buy It Now for only: $23.58 Buy It Now |
 NEW Fiberboard Mailing Tube Recessed End Plugs 24x2 in $4.49 Time Remaining: 10h 59m |
 5 Pcs Gold Tone Spring End RCA Male Plug Audio Adapters $5.10 Time Remaining: 1h 25m |
 Trailer 7 way RV Style Plug Connector Trailer End $3.99 Time Remaining: 28d 23m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 2 LED MOUNTAIN BIKE HANDLEBAR BAR END PLUG REAR LIGHTS $5.87 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 45m |
 7 Way RV 8 Cord Trailer wiring harness Molded End plug camper Optronics $18.00 Time Remaining: 25d 15h 24m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 Buy It Now |
 YAMAHA QT50 CYLINDER PISTON GASKET TOP END KIT SET FREE PLUG GUARD $82.95 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 51m |
 Switchcraft 297 TRS 1 4 Inch 3 Conductor Phone Plug Cable End solder terminals $3.29 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $3.29 Buy It Now |
 YAMAHA PW50 CYLINDER PISTON GASKET TOP END KIT SET FREE PLUG GUARD $82.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 52m |
 Daniel Woodhead Extension Cords Electrical Plugs Replacement Ends Male Female $15.00 Time Remaining: 10h 10m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now |
 Qty 25 Fiberboard Mailing Tube w End Plugs 18 x 15 in $19.99 Time Remaining: 12d 10h 8m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Classic 2 Line Automatic Electric Monophone w o end plug $95.00 Time Remaining: 14h 24m |
 100 Pcs LOT Beige CAT5 CAT5E CAT6 RJ45 Plug Connector End Boot Cap Snagless $3.88 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 6m Buy It Now for only: $3.88 Buy It Now |
 YAMAHA PW50 CYLINDER PISTON GASKET TOP END KIT SET FREE PLUG GUARD $82.95 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 51m |
 KZ1000 KZ1100 ZN1100 CAM END PLUGS KZ1000J POLICE SHAFT $20.99 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m Buy It Now for only: $23.10 Buy It Now |
 20 PACK PRO XLR 3 PIN MALE PLUGS CONNECTOR ENDS KIRLIN 3213 $29.50 Time Remaining: 8d 19h 40m Buy It Now for only: $29.50 Buy It Now |
 KZ1000 KZ1100 ZN1100 CAM END PLUGS KZ1000J POLICE SHAFT $20.99 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 10m Buy It Now for only: $23.10 Buy It Now |
 Camco 55255 RV 50 Amp Electrical Cord Male Replacement Plug End w Handle $18.95 Time Remaining: 19d 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $18.95 Buy It Now |
 New Sram Bar End Plugs S white red Road reflective force rival apex $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 28m |
 YAMAHA PW50 CYLINDER PISTON GASKET TOP END KIT SET FREE PLUG GUARD $82.95 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 51m |
 Cinelli Cork Ribbon Handlebar Tape Includes Bar End Plugs Select Color NEW $14.95 Time Remaining: 7d 7h 6m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now |
 New Sram Bar End Plugs S Black MTB XX X0 X9 X7 X5 $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 7h 27m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 CatEye Road Handlebar End Cap Plug Set of 2 Chrome $3.93 Time Remaining: 16d 11h 10m Buy It Now for only: $3.93 Buy It Now |
 NEW Bontrager Big Earl Aluminum Bar End Plugs BLACK $5.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 10h 50m |
 GE 23213 RG59 Coaxial Video Cable with F Plugs at Each End (White, 50 Feet) List Price: Sale Price: $11.35 You save: $1.64 (13%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionVideo Cable connects TVs, DVRs, VCRs, satellite receivers and other audio or video components equipped with "F" type connections.  |
 Bulletproof BMX Bicycle Handlebar End Plugs, Silver Alloy Sale Price: $9.80 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDONT MISS OUT ON THIS EXCELLENT PRODUCT |
 Coleman Cable 05984 Replacement Yellow Vinyl NEMA 5-15P 15-Amp Cord End, Male Plug List Price: Sale Price: $2.47 You save: $8.52 (78%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days See Reviews For This Product Description2 pole, 3 wire vinyl plug. Enclosed dead front brass blades, large head type terminal screws for easy wiring. Cord hole: .250" to .685". 15A 125V, NEMA 5 15P. Yellow, UL listed. Use with matching connector model No... |
 GE 23300 RG6 Coaxial Cable with F Plugs Each End (50 Feet) List Price: Sale Price: $13.80 You save: $1.19 (8%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionRG6 Video Cable is a direct burial cable for outdoor or indoor connection of satellite dish, off-air antenna, TVs, DVRs and VCRs. |
 Jabra C250 EarWave Boom Headset for 2.5mm Plugs List Price: Sale Price: $5.65 You save: $24.34 (81%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Jabra EarWave Boom is a stylish, ultra-lightweight, behind-the-ear headset with a built-in miniature microphone boom for optimal voice pick-up |
 Sterling Silver Nose Studs with 1.8mm Color CZs Hand Set - Straight End - Set of 20 Pcs in a Case List Price: Sale Price: $19.95 You save: $17.60 (47%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSterling Silver Nose Studs with 1.8mm Color CZs Hand Set - Straight End - Set of 20 Pcs in a Case |
 Lamp Cord Has Clip-in Candelabra Socket, Rotary Switch And Molded End Plug. 6 Ft. White (Set of 10) Sale Price: $29.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis high quality 6 foot cord and socket assembly is an easy way to illuminate any small craft or novelty project. The metal spring clip is designed to fit into a 1" hole for an instant fit. The socket will hold any candelabra base threaded bulb up to 40 watts and the wheel switch has a simple one hand on-off design... |
 Hopkins Towing Solutions 48500 Endurance 7-Way Trailer End Plug Sale Price: $10.40 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHopkins Towing Solutions Endurance 7-Way Trailer End Plug is designed to provide excellent power management and is impact resistant. This socket includes mounting bracket, hardware and grease packet which is extremely durable and withstands all weather conditions... |
 Quality Park 46007 White Kraft Mailing Tubes w/Recessed End Plugs, Inside: 18 x2 Dia., 25/ctn List Price: Sale Price: $34.35 You save: $1.64 (5%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFiberboard tubes covered with white Kraft. Recessed plastic end plugs (included) secure contents, give tubes extra rigidity. |
|
|
PowerBridge ThinWALL Solution In-wall Dual Outlet Power Kit $64.49 This kit is designed specifically to allow for ultra slim-line HDTV's with flat angle type plug end and standard straight plug power cords. This kit allows for super flat wall mounting and works with the Samsung cable-type wall mount. |
