Ethernet cables can handle a high amount of energy and information. This ability to transfer power is why you should handle them correctly and with care. When setting things up, you should also know of how to break Ethernet cables down and terminate connections for reasons such as rewiring or addressing malfunctions. Read on to learn more about how to properly terminate an Ethernet cable connection.
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin your project, you want to ensure you have everything you need. This process requires, at minimum, a pair of wire pliers, gloves, and a crimping tool.
Measure It Out
You’ll need to measure out the entire length of your cable. You’ll never know if you need more to work with, so you don’t want to make a mistake and cut it too short. Once you have the length of the cable measured out, measure the end of the wire and prepare it for stripping.
Strip It Down
You will notice a sharp notch on the inside of the wire pliers. This is the notch you’ll use to situate and strip the wire. Start by feeding the wire about two or three inches through the pliers, then grab the wire with the sharp end of the wire cutters and gently twist. Afterward, the end of the wire covering should pop right off to expose the wires.
Organize the Wires
The wires should all be color coded on the inside of the Ethernet cable. If not, they will at least be in line. Organize them according to color or place and make sure they are straight. They should all look uniform at this point. Now you will need to prepare to crimp.
Crimp in Place
With your crimping tool in one hand and your Ethernet wire in the other, take your wires and hold them together. Place your crimping tool over the edge of the gathered cables and press down on the crimping device. This process will fasten all the wires together.
Terminate Both Ends
Now that you’ve terminated one cable end, you’ll want to do the same with the opposite end. This will not only make things more uniform, but it will turn the cable into an adapter cable unit for emergency uses. You might even keep a few of these on standby.
Before placing or replacing your cables, you need to understand how to properly terminate an Ethernet cable connection. Terminating direct burial Ethernet cables can improve performance, but certain cables, such as the Cat6A, have unique best practices. Consider the specifications of your specific cable and your connection goals before beginning the termination process.
