Phone Jack Wiring and 4 Wire Connections
|
|
Why are there four wire connections on a standard home phone jack? How to Wire a 4-Wire Phone Jack Connection. |
4 Wire Phone Jack Connections
Question:Why are there four wire connections on a standard home phone jack?
- Why are there 4 wire connections at a standard home phone jack when I’ve always had good luck using only two wires?
- Are 4 wires really necessary for each telephone?
Thanks for the answer. Great site! Ken.
This electrical question came from: Ken, a Handyman from Livingston, Montana.
Additional Comments: Really a neat site! Very helpful. Thanks!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Ken.
How to Wire a 4-Wire Phone Jack Connection
- You are right, there are only two wires needed for a phone line to work.
- There are always at least one spare pair to be used for a second line
- This prevents having to install a new cable
The Following links will assist you with Telephone Wiring
For more information about Phone Jack Wiring
Telephone Wiring
Phone Jack Wiring
This telephone wiring diagram with photos and instructions will show you the direct steps to correctly wiring a telephone jack.
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| « Problem With Dimplex Electric Heater Unit | Install A Garage Door Indicator Light Using Home Automation » |
I have the old 4 wire phone wire system. I wish to connect it to a newer TV but cannot find a phone to a USB Adapter. Can you help?
Thanks
Eric L.
Hi Eric,
The old standard RJ-11 4-wire analog phone system is not compatible with a USB connection of a digital device. However some TV components do have a 4-wire RJ-11 connection that is used for TV subscriptions or channels that use the phone system. It all depends on the specific system that you have.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
Dial Tone but Phone Does Not Work
My landline phone has buzz and a dial tone but does not work. It also tells me on the display when the line is in use, and when it is not. I have a cordless phone, as well as a non cordless. Could you give me any suggestions.
Thank you.
Problem with Telephone
Hi Phyllis,
If the phone has recently been wired, then it is possible that the two main wires need to be reversed. The wiring of the phone jack should be verified for proper connections.
If the phone has been working all along and the wiring has not been altered or changed then you should contact your phone company and explain the problem with the phone service.
I hope this helps,
Dave
I am having a very hard time finding 4 wire phone cord that is round and black. Where can I find this?
Hi Joan,
Locating a 4Wire Telephone Cord
Have you tried looking for the black 4 wire phone cord at your local Radio Shack store or try searching on the internet? If your phone is an older model then maybe a thrift store may have some cables like the one you are referring to.
I hope this helps,
Dave
Hello, I am installing a new phone jack that contains the red, green, yellow, and black wires. The wires coming from the household box are solid blue and solid white. Which combination do I use in connecting the White and Blue wires too?
What a great site – thanks! I’m replacing a phone jack and the wiring didn’t match up in my old house. Now we can get the phones back up … I hope!