Creating custom-length Ethernet cables is a fundamental skill for any network installer, IT professional, or dedicated DIY enthusiast. It saves money, reduces cable clutter, and ensures a perfect fit for every connection. At D-lay Cable, we don’t just supply premium-quality cabling and components; we empower our partners with the knowledge to build reliable, high-performance networks from the ground up. dlaycable will walk you through the professional process of terminating a Cat5e cable with an RJ45 connector.
Your Essential Toolkit: The Foundation of a Perfect Crimp
Before you begin, gathering the right tools and materials is critical. A successful termination depends as much on the quality of your components as it does on your technique. Using subpar tools or cable can lead to connection issues that are difficult to troubleshoot later.
- High-Quality Cat5e Bulk Cable: The backbone of your network. Choose a reliable cable with 100% solid copper conductors, like our D-lay Cable Cat5e CM/CMR rated cable, to ensure maximum signal integrity and PoE performance.
- Cat5e RJ45 Connectors: These are the plastic ends. Ensure they are designed for Cat5e cable. We recommend pass-through connectors for beginners as they simplify the process, but standard connectors work perfectly with practice.
- Crimping Tool: This is a multi-purpose tool that will crimp the connector, and often includes a wire cutter and jacket stripper. A good ratcheting crimper ensures you apply the correct, even pressure every time.
- Wire Stripper: While often part of the crimper, a dedicated stripper can offer more precise control when removing the outer cable jacket without nicking the inner wires.
- Flush Cutters (or Scissors): For a clean, straight cut across the eight conductors before inserting them into the connector.
- Ethernet Cable Tester: A non-negotiable tool for professionals. A tester verifies that all eight pins are correctly wired and making a solid connection. Skipping this step is a gamble.
The Blueprint: Understanding T568A vs. T568B
Inside an Ethernet cable are eight wires, organized into four twisted pairs. To make a functional cable, these wires must be inserted into the RJ45 connector in a specific order. There are two industry-standard wiring schemes recognized by the TIA/EIA: T568A and T568B.
- T568B: This is the most common standard used in the United States and for new network installations. We recommend using T568B for consistency.
- T568A: This is the other standard, often seen in older government or residential installations.
For a standard “straight-through” cable (used to connect a computer to a switch, router, or wall jack), you must use the same standard on both ends. Using T568B on one end and T568A on the other creates a “crossover” cable, which is rarely needed with modern networking equipment.
T568B Color Code (Most Common)
When looking at the RJ45 connector with the tab facing down and the copper pins facing up, the order from left to right (Pin 1 to Pin 8) is:
- Orange/White
- Orange
- Green/White
- Blue
- Blue/White
- Green
- Brown/White
- Brown
The Step-by-Step Crimping Guide
With your tools ready and the T568B standard in mind, you’re ready to create your cable. Work on a clean, well-lit surface.
Step 1: Strip the Outer Jacket
Using your cable stripper, carefully score and remove about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) of the outer PVC jacket from the end of the cable. Be gentle—you only want to cut the jacket, not the twisted pairs inside. Once scored, the jacket should pull off easily.
Step 2: Untwist and Align the Wires
You will now see four twisted pairs. Separate them. Carefully untwist each pair completely, all the way down to the base of the jacket. The goal is to make the individual wires as straight as possible. Use your fingers to flatten and straighten them. Then, arrange them in the T568B color order listed above. This is the most crucial step—take your time and double-check the sequence.
Step 3: Trim for a Perfect Fit
Hold the straightened wires tightly together in the correct order. Use your flush cutters or the cutter on your crimp tool to make a single, clean cut across the top of the wires. You should be left with about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of exposed wires from the edge of the jacket. A straight, even cut is essential for all wires to make contact inside the connector.
Step 4: Insert Wires into the RJ45 Connector
Hold the RJ45 connector with the tab facing down. Carefully slide the aligned bundle of wires into the connector. Push gently but firmly until all wires have reached the very end of the connector. The outer PVC jacket should also slide about 1/4 inch into the back of the connector, which is crucial for strain relief.
Visual Check: Look through the clear top of the connector. You should see 8 shiny copper tips, meaning each wire has reached its destination. Also, re-verify the color order one last time.
Step 5: The Critical Crimp
Insert the wired RJ45 connector into the appropriate slot on your crimping tool. Squeeze the handles firmly and completely. A good ratcheting tool will click and only release once a full crimp cycle is complete. This action does two things: it pushes the copper pins down to pierce the wire insulation and make contact, and it secures the cable jacket in place for strain relief.
Step 6: Repeat for the Other End
Congratulations, one end is complete! Now, simply repeat steps 1-5 on the other end of the cable, ensuring you use the same T568B standard for a straight-through cable.
The Final Check: Don’t Skip the Test
Once both ends are terminated, plug your new cable into your Ethernet cable tester. A basic tester will have a series of lights (1 through 8) that should light up in sequence on both the main and remote units. This confirms two things:
- Continuity: There are no breaks in the wires.
- Correct Pairing: You followed the T568B order correctly.
If any light is out of order or doesn’t light up, you have a fault. The most common solution is to cut off the connector and try again.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect Wire Order: The #1 mistake. Always double-check the T568B sequence before crimping.
- Jacket Not Secured: If the PVC jacket isn’t crimped inside the connector, the delicate wires can easily break or pull out. Ensure at least 1/4 inch of the jacket is inside the plug.
- Wires Not Fully Inserted: If the wires aren’t pushed all the way to the end of the connector, the crimper pins won’t make a connection. Pass-through connectors help eliminate this issue.
- Nicked Inner Wires: Being too aggressive when stripping the outer jacket can damage the insulation of the inner wires, leading to shorts and signal loss.
Your Partner in Professional Networking
Mastering the art of cable termination gives you complete control over your network infrastructure. By following these steps and starting with high-quality components, you can create reliable, high-speed connections tailored to your exact needs. At D-lay Cable, we’re committed to being your partner in building superior networks. For a connection you can count on, start with materials you can trust.
Explore our full range of bulk network cables, connectors, and tools on our website, or contact our team of experts for any project needs.