Cat5e - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Magnettica · 11-03-2009, 01:25 PM

What is the correct color code for category 5e? I'm ashamed to say I don't do much LV work but it's a money maker and I need to learn. Hell, it was just last week that I bought a compression catv tool!

EDM · 11-03-2009, 01:30 PM

I could post images here but there are many webpages that could describe it better. Here's one: http://www.swhowto.com/CAT5_Ch1.htm You could Google it to find more.

Basically the standard is to use the B standard on both sides. You could also use the A standard, as long as you do it on both sides, but that might confuse the next person. The reason that there are two standards (A and B) is if you use A on one side and B on the other it makes a crossover cable, which I doubt you are looking to do.

Most jacks have the color code for both A and B listed right on it.

What exactly are you looking to do?

Bob Badger · 11-03-2009, 01:33 PM

egads · 11-03-2009, 01:48 PM

I have always thought that A was what was used for multi line phone systems and B is for computer networking. I always use B, although both are coded on the jacks.

EDM · 11-03-2009, 01:55 PM

On a little bit of a different subject, this is for using Cat5 for phone lines. I made this a while ago, save it to your iPhone so you always have it

cobra50 · 11-03-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egads

I have always thought that A was what was used for multi line phone systems and B is for computer networking. I always use B, although both are coded on the jacks.

Same here....A for digital phone and B for ethernet

EDM · 11-03-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobra50

Same here....A for digital phone and B for ethernet

One color pattern is T568A and the other is T568B . You will read that one is preferred for commercial applications and the other is preferred for residential applications. Whatever they say - the meat of the matter is that these two different looking wiring standards are ELECTRICALLY BOTH THE SAME IF you use the SAME color pattern on BOTH ends of a given cable! Irregardless of which of the two color pattern you choose pin 1 on one end is connected to pin 1 on the other end. Pin 2 on one end is connected to pin 2 on the other end and so forth. The difference is just in the COLOR of the wires. The important thing here is to decide on JUST ONE color pattern and DO ALL your wiring with that pattern you chose.

Bob Badger · 11-03-2009, 02:12 PM

I have always understood it as EDM describes.

Most of our customer specs ask for B.

Don't forget there are also crossover and rollover cable connections as well.

Trimix-leccy · 11-03-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Badger

Don't forget there are also rollover cable connections as well.

What is a 'rollover' cable?? remember I am in the UK and we speak a different language

NolaTigaBait · 11-03-2009, 02:58 PM

This is an informative thread. Does anybody know of any good books to read up on low voltage wiring?

Bob Badger · 11-03-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimix-leccy

What is a 'rollover' cable?? remember I am in the UK and we speak a different language

I am not an expert, I only pretend to be one at work.

I grabbed this of the web.

Use a straight-through cable when:

1. Connecting a router to a hub

2. Connecting a computer to a swtich

3. Connecting a LAN port to a switch, hub, or computer

Use a crossover cable when:

1. Connecting a computer to a router

2. Connecting a computer to a computer

3. Connecting a router to a router

4. Connecting a switch to a switch

5. Connecting a hub to a hub

Rollover cables, also called Yost cables, usually connect a device to a router or switch’s console port.

Magnettica · 11-03-2009, 03:56 PM

Thanks for all the information.

Magnettica · 11-03-2009, 05:22 PM

Bob thanks, EDM thanks - that website was very helpful. I need to keep up with all the new technology so when a customer asks "do you do this" I can undoubtedly say yes. The Home Theatre seems to be the big ticket and I just would like to know how to wire and install cat 5 stuff properly. For the most part the Cat 5 stuff is a PITA but well worth th money. I'm sure most electricians feel the same way.

ampman · 11-03-2009, 05:24 PM

very good thread i also don't do much lv

NolaTigaBait · 11-03-2009, 05:27 PM

Yeah, good link.

Magnettica · 11-03-2009, 05:44 PM

I need practice terminating RJ45 connectors. I'm just this big loaf with giant fingers trying to install these teensy-weensy wires into an even smaller connector. I'd rather do services everyday.

EDM · 11-03-2009, 05:48 PM

There isn't much of a need to make up patch cables, IMO. You can buy them so cheap that it's not worth it to spend your time making them.

The only time I did it was when trying to make a perfect looking rack up, but now I'll just "loose" the slack of a longer cable on the sides. You can buy them by the foot so you usually only have an extra couple inches.

NolaTigaBait · 11-03-2009, 05:48 PM

Yeah, it took me a few times, but I got it. I'm batting like .750 on them.

jamesclerie · 11-03-2009, 05:59 PM

No offense to any body but I would never go a try to sell a customer a service upgrade knowing I could do the job without question and to code. I think that what you guys have here is the basics but when it comes to networking there is so much more than color codes that have to be considered. I again mean no disrespect but leave the Low voltage to the low voltage guys we will leave the SPARKS to the Sparkies

NolaTigaBait · 11-03-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesclerie

No offense to any body but I would never go a try to sell a customer a service upgrade knowing I could do the job without question and to code. I think that what you guys have here is the basics but when it comes to networking there is so much more than color codes that have to be considered. I again mean no disrespect but leave the Low voltage to the low voltage guys we will leave the SPARKS to the Sparkies

I understand your point, but respectably GO **** YOURSELF

.