wiring a phone jack in new location

[miguel]

OK, telephone experts, I have some questions for you!

I have several phone jacks (all functioning) in my house and they are just fine. I'd like to add a new jack in a more convenient location, however.

I've seen the YouTube videos on how to hook up the jack by matching the colors, etc. but my question is, can I simply splice another length of telephone cord onto an existing, working cord and go from there?

So, I'm envisioning the functioning cord that runs from the box outside the house, under the floor of my house (through an unfinished basement...) to phone jack A, cutting that and patching a new cable into it, and running that new length of cord to the new jack.

Is that how it's done or am I being too optimistic.

Note this isn't for a "new" line (new number) just wanting to add a new jack to an existing phone line.

Thanks!

 

[4sarge]

I've never had luck with splicing but have added a jack for a junction box with success

 

[indytechnerd]

You could do it that way, yes. I'm not a fan of splicing in, though. I'm guessing you've got a box with a bunch of phone wires where ever the main phone line comes into the house, right? Why not make the straight run from that box to the new jack?

 

[fullmetaljesus]

You can do that, and yes it will "work" but you are creating a potential head ache, My dad would say "If something is worth doing, its worth doing right."

 

[eldirector]

I've added several phone jacks over the years. I usually go off of an exiting jack. Only once have I cut a known, good wire and spliced in. In that case, I used a junction block so everything would stay nice and neat.

Just match the colors.

 

[Skywired]

You could do it that way, yes. I'm not a fan of splicing in, though. I'm guessing you've got a box with a bunch of phone wires where ever the main phone line comes into the house, right? Why not make the straight run from that box to the new jack?

^^THIS^^

 

[shibumiseeker]

In a former life I was a telecommunications technician and got my first job in the field because I could solder

Yes, you can splice it in, but over time corrosion or poor connections will manifest themselves in unusual ways not readily traceable. The best option is a new run from the point of service. The next best option is a junction box. They are cheap and readily available, no big deal. And yes, it really is as simple as matching the colors. Even if you reverse tip and ring it'll still work unless you are putting in a PBX or similar equipment.

 

[hunter46140]

What noon else has told you is that you need to take caution when you cut the wire. They not to cut all the wires at once, if you do you can potentially cause a short in your system. Sometimes it requires a service call from the phone company. Just be careful.

 

[miguel]

You could do it that way, yes. I'm not a fan of splicing in, though. I'm guessing you've got a box with a bunch of phone wires where ever the main phone line comes into the house, right? Why not make the straight run from that box to the new jack?

Of all the good ideas, I am leaning towards this one so far.

From the phone company box on the side of my house, I found the following tangle of incoming wires in the basement:

Looks like these were all spliced to hell and additional wires connected and run to the existing jack locations throughout the house. Since there are some "open" pairs (green/red, black/yellow) available I assume I can connect a new cord to those, then run that baby to my new location and wire my jack up as needed.

Just don't call when I'm doing it, ok?

 

[eldirector]

I'd bet those un-used pairs are for a second line, and aren't connected to anything on the other end. Most phone cables have 8 wires (4 pairs) for 2 phone lines.

You have a little static on your line, don't ya'? Might was well clean up that rat's nest while you are adding to it.

 

[shibumiseeker]

Only 2 wires are used per line. The primary ones are the green and red (tip and ring). The yellow and black can have a second line run on them.

That is an ugly rat's next of wiring. While you are redoing it you might consider putting in a block, it'll make future wiring much simpler and will make everything more reliable.

 

[miguel]

I'd bet those un-used pairs are for a second line, and aren't connected to anything on the other end. Most phone cables have 8 wires (4 pairs) for 2 phone lines.

You have a little static on your line, don't ya'? Might was well clean up that rat's nest while you are adding to it.

Oh, my lines are fine, it's just that everyone I talk to has issues with theirs.

When you say "junction box" all I can think of it Petticoat Junction...got a link with a picture of one or how it works?

What kinda box are you guys talking about? Got a link?

 

[eldirector]

I sued one of these;
RadioShack® 2-Position Dual-Row Barrier Strips - RadioShack.com

 

[shibumiseeker]

I sued one of these;
RadioShack® 2-Position Dual-Row Barrier Strips - RadioShack.com

How much did you get the the settlement?

 

[shibumiseeker]

For a couple of lines the barrier terminals eldirector linked are fine. If you want to wire a jack to several rooms, the classic 66 punch block is the weapon of choice, and if you are running Cat5 then the 110 block is what you want.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=66+punch+block&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=15502911092682059674&sa=X&ei=jvazT7q7CNCI6AGm85nFCQ&ved=0CL0BEPMCMAI

While a punch tool makes for fast work, you can use needlenose pliers.

 

[eldirector]

How much did you get the the settlement?

Spell-check doesn't help when it is an actual word.....

USED..... I meant USED.

I had a bunch of those terminal blocks in my "collection". Worked pretty well for the 4 phone jacks in the old house.

 

[It'sAllFun&Games]

People still have landlines?
I thought everyone switched to cell phones.
I'm just sayin'.
Do you still use a flintlock as your carry weapon?

 

[tv1217]

Of all the good ideas, I am leaning towards this one so far.

From the phone company box on the side of my house, I found the following tangle of incoming wires in the basement:

Looks like these were all spliced to hell and additional wires connected and run to the existing jack locations throughout the house. Since there are some "open" pairs (green/red, black/yellow) available I assume I can connect a new cord to those, then run that baby to my new location and wire my jack up as needed.

Just don't call when I'm doing it, ok?

lol, 4 scotchloks, that's nothing.

 

[DialTone301]

While you can extend existing lines it is almost always better to install a "home run" back to the telecom demarc point.

 

[miguel]

You guys are all hard core.

I'm just a dude with a dream of another jack on the opposite side of the doorway!

I was going to connect the wires in my previous picture to this: