5 Ways to Make RJ45 Terminations Faster & Easier

1. Learn your color code

Instead of relying on the termination sticker or printed color code, memorize the T568A and T568B schemes. This saves time because you’re not having to constantly look at the label. It also creates better cable preparation habits.

2. Consistently prepare cable

Believe it or not, the quality of your cable preparation can dramatically impact the quality of your termination. For example, when prepping shielded cable, it’s important to strip off approximately four inches of jacket to ensure that there is enough drain wire to wrap and achieve a proper bond. If you prep to a shorter length, you may not have enough drain wire length for a good bond.

3. Invest in good tools

Inexpensive tools are easy to come by, but they’re often unreliable and don’t have long lifespans – so you’ll end up purchasing them over and over. Good tools may cost a little more upfront, but they quickly pay for themselves by enabling reliable, headache-free terminations that don’t have to be redone. They also last much longer, with frequently available replacement parts (such as replacement headsets or cutting blades in Rapid Termination Tools) that allow you to continue using the same tools for a longer period of time instead of paying to replace them.

4. Use termination aids

Belden T-Bar and X-Bar technology are good examples of termination aids.  These bars help stabilize pairs and ensure accurate positioning prior to termination. They also provide great strain relief for superior cable retention. Other examples of RJ45 termination aids include load bars, wire guides and stuffer caps.

5. Measure, measure, measure

Sure, “measure twice, cut once” is a saying for builders, but it applies to us, too. Taking good measurements during the RJ45 termination process can ensure that you have enough space for your termination to reside, especially in wall outlets and when used in modular furniture.