To crimp a LAN cable, you prepare the cable, arrange the wires according to a standard, insert them into an RJ45 connector, and then use a crimping tool to secure the connector onto the cable.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to crimp an Ethernet (LAN) cable:
Crimping your own Ethernet cables allows for custom lengths and repairs. It requires a few specific tools and careful attention to detail.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Bulk LAN Cable: Cat5e, Cat6, etc.
- RJ45 Connectors: Ensure they match your cable type (e.g., Cat6 connectors for Cat6 cable).
- Cable Stripper/Cutter: Often built into crimping tools.
- RJ45 Crimping Tool: Essential for securing the connector.
- Cable Tester: Highly recommended to check your work.
The Crimping Process
Follow these steps carefully to crimp an RJ45 connector onto a LAN cable:
Step 1: Prepare the Cable
Use the stripping function on your crimping tool or a dedicated cable stripper to carefully remove about 1 inch (approx. 2.5 cm) of the outer jacket from the end of the LAN cable. Be careful not to cut or nick the wires inside.
Step 2: Untwist and Straighten Wires
Inside the jacket, you'll find four pairs of twisted wires (eight individual wires). Untwist these pairs and straighten each wire so they are parallel and easy to manage.
Step 3: Arrange Wires According to Standard
There are two common wiring standards for Ethernet cables: T568A and T568B. The standard you choose must be the same on both ends of a cable for a "straight-through" connection (e.g., connecting a computer to a router). If you need a "crossover" cable (rarely needed now with modern equipment), you use T568A on one end and T568B on the other.
Here are the color codes from left to right when viewing the connector with the clip facing away from you:
- T568A Standard:
- White/Green
- Green
- White/Orange
- Blue
- White/Blue
- Orange
- White/Brown
- Brown
- T568B Standard:
- White/Orange
- Orange
- White/Green
- Blue
- White/Blue
- Green
- White/Brown
- Brown
Align your straightened wires according to the chosen standard.
Step 4: Trim the Wire Ends
Once the wires are arranged in the correct order, hold them tightly together to maintain the sequence. Cut the wire ends to maintain even length. This ensures all wires reach the end of the connector. Aim for about 1/2 inch (approx. 1.2 cm) of exposed wire from the jacket end.
Step 5: Insert Wires into the Connector
Now, while still holding the wires tight in your fingers, take an RJ45 connector. Ensure the clip is facing away from you and the pin side is up. Carefully push the aligned wires straight into the connector. Push firmly until the cable jacket enters the connector body slightly, and each wire reaches the end of its corresponding pin channel at the front of the connector. Visually verify that all eight wires are in the correct order and reach the front.
Step 6: Crimp the Connector
This is Step 4: crimp the connector as mentioned in the reference. With the connector properly seated on the cable end, insert the connector into the RJ45 slot on your crimping tool. Squeeze the handles of the crimping tool firmly and completely. This action pushes the pins down, piercing the insulation of each wire and securing the connector to the cable jacket.
Step 7: Test the Cable
After crimping both ends of the cable, use a cable tester to verify continuity and check for any miswired or shorted connections. This is a crucial step to ensure your cable will work correctly.
Important Tips
- Practice on scrap cable first if you're new to crimping.
- Ensure you use connectors that match your cable category (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.). Cat6 connectors have a different internal structure.
- Always double-check your wire order before crimping. Once crimped, you cannot easily reposition the wires.
- Make sure the cable jacket is slightly inside the connector body to provide strain relief.
By following these steps, paying close attention to the wiring standard and ensuring a solid crimp, you can reliably create your own LAN cables.
