ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable


» Residential Electrical Wiring Guide to Home Wiring
» Need Electrical Help? Get a Quick Reply! Ask the Electrician

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.

By:


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

Check out my YouTube Channel and Subscribe to my Videos
» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

4 Wire Phone Jack Connections
[ad#block]Question:Why are there four wire connections on a standard home phone jack?

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

The Following resources will assist you with Telephone Wiring

Telephone Wiring Diagram

For more information about Phone Jack Wiring
Telephone 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.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This 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 Tester
This 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 Cutter
My 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.


More articles about Telephone Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous Next »
Problem With Dimplex Electric Heater Unit Install A Garage Door Indicator Light Using Home Automation


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

8 Responses to “Phone Jack Wiring and 4 Wire Connections”
  1. Dave Rongey says:

    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

  2. Eric L. says:

    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.

  3. Dave Rongey says:

    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

  4. Phyllis says:

    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.

  5. Dave Rongey says:

    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

  6. Joan says:

    I am having a very hard time finding 4 wire phone cord that is round and black. Where can I find this?

  7. Tom says:

    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?

  8. gretchen says:

    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!