Module

Setup and Maintain Network Systems

Task

Terminate a UTP Cable Using RJ45 Connectors

Objective

After completing this activity, you will be able to:

  • Identify cable termination tools and materials.
  • Prepare a UTP cable correctly.
  • Arrange wires according to T568A and T568B standards.
  • Crimp an RJ45 connector properly.
  • Test the completed cable for correct operation.

Required Tools and Materials

Materials

  1. UTP Cable (Cat5e/Cat6)
  2. RJ45 Connectors (2 pcs)

Tools

  1. Crimping Tool
  2. Wire Cutter
  3. Cable Stripper
  4. Network Cable Tester

Safety Precautions

✓ Handle the crimping tool carefully.

✓ Do not use damaged connectors.

✓ Keep the cable free from sharp bends.

✓ Ensure hands are dry when working.

✓ Keep the work area clean and organized.

Understanding Wire Standards

There are two standard wiring schemes:

T568A

PinColor
1            White/Green
2            Green
3            White/Orange
4            Blue
5            White/Blue
6            Orange
7            White/Brown
8            Brown

T568B (Most Common)

PinColor
1            White/Orange
2            Orange
3            White/Green
4            Blue
5            White/Blue
6            Green
7            White/Brown
8            Brown

Wire Arrangement Reference

Procedure Guide

Step 1 – Measure and Cut the Cable

  1. Determine the required cable length.
  2. Add approximately 10 cm extra length.
  3. Cut the cable cleanly using a cable cutter.

Check Point

✓ Cable length is correct.

✓ Cable end is cut straight.

Step 2 – Strip the Outer Jacket

  1. Place the cable in the stripping section of the crimping tool.
  2. Rotate gently around the cable.
  3. Remove approximately 25 mm (1 inch) of outer jacket.

Important

⚠ Do not cut or damage the inner conductors.

Check Point

✓ All 8 conductors are intact.

✓ No insulation damage.

Step 3 – Untwist the Pairs

Inside the cable there are four twisted pairs:

  • Orange Pair
  • Green Pair
  • Blue Pair
  • Brown Pair
  1. Carefully untwist the conductors.
  2. Untwist only the amount needed.

Important

⚠ Excessive untwisting reduces cable performance.

Check Point

✓ Wires remain smooth and undamaged.

Step 4 – Arrange Wires in Correct Order

For this exercise use T568B.

Arrange wires from left to right:

PinColor
1            White/Orange
2            Orange
3            White/Green
4            Blue
5            White/Blue
6            Green
7            White/Brown
8            Brown

Procedure

  1. Hold wires between fingers.
  2. Straighten each conductor.
  3. Place them in exact order.
  4. Verify the color sequence carefully.

Check Point

✓ Correct color order.

✓ Wires are straight.

✓ No crossed conductors.

Step 5 – Trim Conductors

  1. Hold the arranged conductors firmly.
  2. Cut all wires evenly.
  3. Leave approximately 12–13 mm (½ inch) exposed.

Important

⚠ All conductors must be exactly the same length.

Check Point

✓ Wire ends are even.

✓ Length is suitable for insertion.

Step 6 – Insert Wires into RJ45 Connector

  1. Hold the RJ45 connector with:
    • Clip facing downward.
    • Gold contacts facing upward.
  2. Carefully insert the conductors.
  3. Push fully until:
    • Every wire reaches the front end.
    • Cable jacket enters the connector.

Important

⚠ The outer jacket must enter the connector for strength.

Check Point

Verify visually:

Item        Yes/No
Correct wire order
All wires fully inserted
Wire tips visible at front
Jacket inside connector

Step 7 – Crimp the Connector

  1. Insert the RJ45 connector into the crimping tool.
  2. Squeeze the handles completely.
  3. Release and remove the connector.

What Happens During Crimping

  • Gold pins pierce conductor insulation.
  • Pins make electrical contact.
  • Strain relief locks onto cable jacket.

Check Point

✓ Connector is firmly attached.

✓ No loose conductors.

✓ Connector does not pull off easily.

Step 8 – Terminate the Other End

Straight-Through Cable

Use T568B on both ends

Most commonly used for:

  • PC to Switch
  • PC to Router
  • Printer to Switch

Crossover Cable

End AEnd B
T568AT568B

Used mainly for older devices.

Step 9 – Test the Cable

Procedure

  1. Connect one end to the Main Tester.
  2. Connect the other end to the Remote Tester.
  3. Switch on the tester.

Expected Result

LED sequence:

1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8

Fault Indications

Fault            Possible Cause
No light            Broken wire
Wrong sequence            Incorrect wiring
Missing pin            Poor crimping
Multiple lights            Short circuit

Check Point

✓ All 8 LEDs illuminate correctly.

✓ Sequence is correct.

Final Inspection Checklist

Item               Pass
Cable length correct                □
Jacket not damaged                □
Correct T568B order                □
Wires trimmed evenly                □
Wires fully inserted                □
Jacket inside connector                □
Connector crimped correctly                □
Cable tester passed                □

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Wrong color sequence.

❌ Excessive untwisting.

❌ Uneven conductor lengths.

❌ Cable jacket outside connector.

❌ Incomplete crimping.

❌ Using damaged RJ45 connectors.

❌ Forgetting to test the cable.


✅ Try Sinhala version

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