If you're unsure what connector you need, look no further than our Connector Finder. Answer some questions and let trueBOT guide you to the perfect solution! If you're working with a different brand of Ethernet cable, please have your Ethernet cable
A load bar is a fixture for carrying the conductors inside an 8P8C RJ45 standard plug. The use of the load bar minimizes the amount of wire that needs to be untwisted during the termination procedure.
Our Cable Academy has how-to blogs for just about everything, including how to terminate our RJ45 connectors! They have step-by-step instructions, detailed pictures, and even embedded videos so you can walk through the termination process with our..
Component Rated means the individual piece of hardware, cable, or assembly has been ANSI/TIA 568 Certified with a test instrument. Most cabling systems are field certified after installation, but component rated ensures you are starting out with top
You should never use unshielded termination hardware with shielded cable. Please see our blog Shielded Ethernet with Unshielded Hardware - Don't Do It! to find out why this is important!
No, you don't need to. Our shielded termination hardware will work just fine without them. However, the use of the conductive copper fabric strips does make the termination procedure a little friendlier and makes for a neater-looking finished product
Our All-In-One Crimp and Termination Tool has a ton of versatility! Whether it’s a few terminations or thousands, our high-performance multi-tool will handle the job. The built-in adjustable strain latch presser bar enables you to use this tool with
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee our Cat6/6A Shielded Pass-Through RJ45 Connectors will work with other crimp tools. This is due to the external ground collar, and most crimp tools don't have the space to accommodate the collar. Then, the tool will
Regardless of what you are plugging your RJ45 8P8C connector into, it will need to be terminated first before it can fit into a port. RJ45 8P8C connectors have eight golden contact prongs. When coming from the factory, 8P8C connectors are not termina
The large cut-to-fit boot has taller locking bars to accommodate for larger inside dimensions of our unshielded Cat6 or Cat6/6A RJ45 connector plugs, plus the Cat5e Shielded internal ground connector plug too. The small cut-to-fit version is used onl
Our Cable Academy has how-to blogs for just about everything, including how to terminate our field term plugs! They have step-by-step instructions, detailed pictures, and even embedded videos so you can walk through the termination process with our..
What is an Ethernet coupler? Quite simply, you have two cables that end in 8P8C (RJ45) plugs, and you need to join them. You cannot cut off the ends and splice them together, as that is not allowed per the specifications and will ruin your..
No problem. Assuming we carry the 8P8C that will properly fit your cable, you can use our Connector Finder tool which will guide you through the technical details of selecting a connector that will work.
Our compression F-connectors are not inherently weatherproof and need to be protected when installed outdoors.
"Keystone" refers to a sizing standard for components such as jacks and couplers to fit into mounting frames such as those found in patch panels and wall plates. Our keystone jacks will fit into patch panels and wall plates that adhere to the..
A jack is a female receptacle for a plug. In the world of Ethernet, the plug is an 8P8C (RJ45), and the jack is the fixture that receives the plug.
Field term plugs, like keystone jacks, contain circuitry to ensure that impedance is matched throughout the channel, minimizing insertion loss. Crimp-on plugs do not have this and will not perform as well, especially when attempting the fastest..
Yes, with exceptions. When it comes to keystone jacks and field termination plugs you may use the same category or a higher category than your cable category, but not lower. When it comes to 8P8C (aka RJ45) plugs, category does not matter but fitment
Yes, assuming the keystone follows the industry standard pattern and is also labeled as "HD", or "High Density".
For Cat6A cable operating at 10Gbps, no more than one. Read more in our Cable Academy blog Ethernet Couplers - How Many is Too Many? to learn more and view the Coupler Rules of the Road Matrix.
The extended pin is there to ensure that the pins make contact in a certain order when plugging and unplugging the connector. It also prevents arcing when a PoE circuit is connected or disconnected while it is accidentally live.
Yes. All punch down keystone jacks, toolless keystone jacks, and field term plugs can be re-terminated up to twenty times, as long as there is no physical damage to the jack.
Our shielded and unshielded punch down keystone jacks and toolless keystone jacks can be tricky to reopen!. Our Cable Academy blog How To: Open Shielded and Unshielded Tool-Less Keystone Jacks has step-by-step instructions and a helpful walkthrough
A Lucent (LC) fiber optic connector is a connector used for connecting fiber optic cables. It is a small form-factor connector that uses a 1.25 mm ferrule, smaller than the more common SC or ST connectors, which use a 2.5 mm ferrule. This smaller siz
A Subscriber or Standard (SC) fiber optic connector is a widely used connector for fiber optic cables. It is known for its simple, durable design and is commonly used in data communication and telecommunication networks. The SC connector features a 2
Inspect and clean connectors regularly, especially before connecting them. The frequency depends on the environment and usage, but monthly or even weekly cleaning might be necessary in dusty or high-traffic areas. Learn more about cleaning fiber opti
Dirty fiber optic connectors can lead to signal loss, increased reflection, and network performance issues. It's crucial to maintain clean connections for optimal network performance and equipment reliability. Learn more about cleaning fiber optic co
Not cleaning fiber connectors can result in failed connections, data errors, and even permanent damage to equipment. Learn more about cleaning fiber optic connectors in the following Cable Academy blogs!
Dry cleaning with click cleaners is suitable for light contamination. Wet cleaning with wipes and solvents is effective for heavier dirt but requires careful handling. Learn more about cleaning fiber optic connectors in the following Cable Academy bl
This is an often misconception of the fiber end face cap. This cap is not designed to protect the fiber connector end face from dirt or dust. It is, however, designed to protect the end face of the fiber connector from scratches, getting cracked, or
Learn more about cleaning fiber optic connectors in the following Cable Academy blogs!
No, this is not recommended, as it can blow contaminants deeper into the connector. Compressed air will not remove fingerprints or oils from the end face. Learn more about cleaning fiber optic connectors in the following Cable Academy blogs!
Every fiber optic connector should be inspected and cleaned, including new ones, patch cords, jumpers, and pre-terminated trunks. Don't forget adapters and test equipment ports. Learn more about cleaning fiber optic connectors in the following Cable
Choose appropriate tools based on the connector type and contamination level. Click cleaners are good for light dust on ports, while wipes and solvents are needed for heavier dirt. Use lint-free wipes and specially formulated fiber cleaning solvents.
Avoid reusing wipes or swabs, cleaning against hard surfaces, using excessive solvent, or neglecting to clean both sides of a connector. Check out our Cable Academy blog Understanding The Importance Of Fiber Optic Inspection which goes into more deta
Cleaning alone isn't enough. The inspection ensures the cleaning was successful and reveals any remaining contamination. Inspecting connectors ensures they are clean before mating, preventing potential performance issues and costly downtime. Check ou
Optical and video microscopes are available, with video scopes being more versatile for hard-to-reach areas and MTP/MPO connectors.
The IEC 61300-3-35 standard provides specific criteria for pass/fail certification based on the number and size of scratches and defects on the connector end-face. Check out our Cable Academy blog Understanding The Importance Of Fiber Optic Inspectio
Cleaning a clean connector is unnecessary and can introduce new contaminants. Inspect first to see if cleaning is needed.
Excessive cleaning, using the wrong tools, or neglecting inspection can damage connectors and introduce contamination.
Excessive cleaning, using the wrong tools, or neglecting inspection can damage connectors and introduce contamination.
Inspect regularly, especially before mating, and more frequently in dusty or high-traffic areas. It depends on the environment and frequency of use, but generally before and after every connection. Learn more about cleaning fiber optic connectors in
They indicate polish style and type:. Blue – UPC Polish Singlemode. Green – APC Polish Singlemode. Beige – UPC/PC Polish Mulimode. Aqua – UPC Polish OM3/OM4 Multimode. Violet – UPC Polish OM4 Multimode. Learn more about fiber optic color coding in th
MTP® and MPO are both are multi-fiber connectors used for high-density cabling applications, but MTP® is a trademarked version of MPO with improved performance. MTP® connectors offer enhanced features like metal pin clamps, floating ferrules, and imp
PC (Physical Contact), UPC (Ultra Physical Contact), and APC (Angled Physical Contact) differ primarily in their end-face polish, affecting reflectance. PC has a slight curve to reduce air gaps, UPC further refines this surface for lower back reflect