How to Splice a Cat4

Category 4, or Cat-4, cables are computer network cables used to transmit voice/data signals of up to 20 megahertz (MHz) with transmission speeds of speed of up to 16 megabits per second (Mbps). There are four unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) of wires inside a Cat-4 cable. As of 2011, Cat-4 has been superseded by Cat-5, Cat-5e and Cat-6 cables. Cat-4 is rarely used, which is why it is difficult to find devices specifically designed to splice a Cat-4. Still, a Cat-4 can be spliced using readily available network cable connectors, such as the RJ-45 modular plug and its matching RJ-45 keystone modular jack.

Diagonal pliers
RJ-45 modular plug
RJ-45 crimp tool
RJ-45 keystone jack

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the ends of both Cat-4 cables flush. Strip off ¾ inch of cable sheathing from the tip of each cable with diagonal pliers. Untwist and straighten out the exposed wires. Note the color of each of the four wires on both cables and assign a number for each color, starting with the No. 1.
- 2
  Hold an RJ-45 network plug upright with the opening pointing downward and view the cavities or pins inside the plug's transparent casing where wires are inserted. Note that the jack has eight pins. Assign numbers 1 to 8 for each pin, starting from the left.
- 3
  Hold one of the cables that need to be spliced and insert the tip of the wire with color No. 1 into the first cavity/pin. Insert the wire with color No. 2 into the second pin, insert the wire with color No. 3 into the third pin and plug wire with color No. 4 into the fourth pin. Push the wires until the tips are flush against the end of the cavities. Crimp the wires onto the plug with an RJ-45 crimp tool.
- 4
  Lay the RJ-45 keystone jack on a stable and solid surface and pry off the snap-on cover on its top to reveal eight slots that will accommodate the wires. View the miniature color-coded chart alongside the jack and note the two color-coded schemes -- T568A and T568B -- presented. The T568A scheme will be used for this connection. Place the wires on top of the jack parallel to its length with the jack's opening facing away from the wires and the cable sheath sitting on top of the jack.
- 5
  Route each wire to its corresponding slot on the jack in the following manner: wire with color No. 1 to the white/green slot, wire with color No. 2 to the green slot, wire with color No. 3 to the white/orange slot and wire with color No. 4 to the blue slot. Punch down each wire firmly all the way to the bottom of its slot with the punch-down tool supplied with the jack.
- 6
  Trim any excess wire on both sides of the jack with diagonal pliers. Replace the jack snap-on cover. Plug the RJ-45 male plug to the RJ-45 keystone jack. Turn on your computer and check your network for connectivity.

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