Phone Jack Wiring and 4 Wire Connections
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Why are there four wire connections on a standard home phone jack? How to Wire a 4-Wire Phone Jack Connection.
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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
Telephone Wiring Diagram
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.
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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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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!