Punching down 4-pair cable on 66 block

Summary

In this video, Steve demonstrates how to terminate station cabling onto a 66 block, commonly used for phone systems. He walks through the process step-by-step, explaining the proper handling of four-pair copper wire and the importance of color coding. Steve also covers tools needed for the job, such as the 66 blade punch tool, and explains key concepts like 'station cabling' and the distinction between phone and computer wiring. He emphasizes careful handling of the wires to avoid damaging them and shares tips for fanning out the wires and making clean, accurate connections.

Takeaways

• 😀 Station cabling typically consists of four twisted pairs: blue, orange, green, and brown, used primarily for phone systems.
• 😀 66 blocks are used for terminating station cabling for phone systems, not for Ethernet cabling, which uses patch panels.
• 😀 Before stripping the cable, avoid cutting too close to the wire to prevent damaging the internal copper strands.
• 😀 To remove the cable sheath, use a method involving a small nick and pulling the dental floss string to avoid damaging the internal wires.
• 😀 A 66 punch tool with a blade is necessary for terminating station cabling, distinguishing it from the 110 punch tool, which is not compatible with 66 blocks.
• 😀 Proper wire arrangement is essential: the color sequence for station cabling is blue, orange, green, and brown.
• 😀 Each twisted pair in the station cabling follows a specific color code: white-blue/blue, white-orange/orange, white-green/green, and white-brown/brown.
• 😀 When terminating wires, fan them out and insert them into the 66 block, ensuring they align with the correct pins to maintain the color code sequence.
• 😀 The punch tool should be used with the knife blade facing down to ensure it slices through the wire and trims excess material.
• 😀 After termination, the wires should be checked to ensure proper contact and secure connections before being used in a phone system setup.

Q & A

What is station cabling and how is it different from Ethernet cabling?

Station cabling typically refers to the wiring used for phone systems, whereas Ethernet cabling is used for networking purposes. Station cabling often uses a four-pair twisted copper wire to connect phones, while Ethernet cables are typically used for data transmission in computer networks.

Why should you avoid stripping the cable jacket too close to the wires?

Stripping the cable jacket too close to the wires could cause you to accidentally nick the thin copper wires inside, which would damage the connection and could affect the performance of the cable.

What is the 'dental floss' inside most cabling and what is its purpose?

The 'dental floss' inside the cable is a small string that helps tear the outer jacket of the cable smoothly. It's used to prevent the need to use scissors or cutting instruments directly on the copper wires, avoiding damage to the delicate wire insulation.

What is the difference between a 66 block and a 110 block?

A 66 block is typically used for terminating telephone station cabling, while a 110 block is used for Ethernet or data cabling. Both blocks are used for connecting cables to a central system, but they differ in the type of cables they are designed to terminate.

What are the two types of punch blades mentioned in the video, and which one is used for station cabling?

The two types of punch blades mentioned are the 66 blade and the 110 blade. For station cabling, the 66 blade is used, as it is specifically designed for terminating phone system wiring on a 66 block.

What are the four color-coded wire pairs in station cabling?

The four color-coded wire pairs in station cabling are blue, orange, green, and brown. Each pair consists of a solid wire and a striped wire (e.g., blue and blue-striped). These are used in a specific order for proper termination on a 66 block.

What is the correct way to fan out the wires before terminating them on a 66 block?

Before terminating the wires, fan them out in the correct order: blue (solid and striped), orange (solid and striped), green (solid and striped), and brown (solid and striped). This ensures the wires are in the correct sequence for proper connection.

Why is it important to check the wire color code before punching the wires into the 66 block?

It's important to check the wire color code to ensure that each wire is placed in the correct slot on the 66 block. Misplacing the wires could lead to improper connections and issues with the phone system’s functionality.

What does the punch tool do, and why is it essential for terminating the cables?

The punch tool pushes the wires into the 66 block and cuts off the excess wire. It is essential because it ensures a secure connection by inserting the wire into the block’s pins and trimming any unnecessary wire, preventing damage or disconnection.

Can a single station cable be used for multiple phone jacks, and how would this be done?

Yes, a single station cable can be used for multiple phone jacks by cross-connecting the wires from the phone system’s ports to different pairs in the station cable. For example, one pair could connect to Station 1, another to Station 2, and so on, allowing multiple jacks to use the same cable.