How to Properly Terminate Shielded Cat 7 Ethernet Cables

Shielded Cat 7 Ethernet cables are designed to provide reliable and high-speed network connections in demanding environments. To ensure optimal performance and prevent signal loss, it is crucial to terminate these cables correctly. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to properly terminate shielded Cat 7 Ethernet cables.

Tools and Materials Required

– Shielded Cat 7 Ethernet cable

– RJ45 connectors (8-pin)

– Cable stripper

– Crimping tool

– Continuity tester (optional)

Step-by-Step Termination Procedure

1. Prepare the Cable

– Measure and cut the cable to the desired length.

– Strip approximately 1-1.5 inches (25-38 mm) of the outer jacket from the end of the cable.

– Untwist and straighten the four twisted wire pairs.

– Cut the foil shield and drain wire flush with the end of the jacket.

2. Arrange the Wire Pairs

– Follow the EIA/TIA 568B wiring scheme:

– White/Orange (WO)

– Orange (O)

– White/Green (WG)

– Blue (B)

– White/Blue (WB)

– Green (G)

– White/Brown (WBr)

– Brown (Br)

– Arrange the wire pairs in the correct sequence and order.

3. Insert the Wires into the RJ45 Connector

– With the RJ45 connector facing up, insert the wires into the corresponding slots:

– WO into the furthest left pin

– O into the second left pin

– WG into the third left pin

– B into the fourth left pin

– WB into the furthest right pin

– G into the second right pin

– WBr into the third right pin

– Br into the furthest right pin

4. Trim and Crimp the Cable

– Trim any excess wire that extends beyond the RJ45 connector.

– Place the connector into the crimping tool and squeeze firmly to crimp the wires onto the connector pins.

5. Test the Termination

– Use a continuity tester to verify that all eight pins are connected correctly.

– The tester should indicate a continuous connection between each pin and the corresponding wire.

Tips for Successful Termination

– Use high-quality tools and materials.

– Follow the correct wiring scheme carefully.

– Trim the wires to the proper length to ensure a secure fit in the connector.

– Crimp the connector firmly to create a strong connection.

– Test the termination to ensure reliability.