How to Set Up a Residential Telephone Jack

Determine the placement for the new phone jack. Consider the route for running phone wires from the existing jack to the chosen spot.

• Evaluate the room layout to devise the most efficient path for the phone wires. If you intend to place a new jack on the opposite side of the room, plan the wire routing along the baseboards for a tidy finish.
• For wall-mounted phones, opt for a location a few feet above the current jack to avoid unsightly wire arrangements across the room.

Determine the required length of new wire. Measure the distance from the current jack to the intended location of the new one, accounting for the entire path the telephone wire will follow: from the old jack to the baseboard, around the room's perimeter, and from the baseboard to the new jack. Purchase the necessary amount of wire from a hardware store. If the new jack will be several feet away from the old one, also acquire appropriate fasteners designed to secure the wire along walls and baseboards.

Select a suitable jack for the new location. Opt for baseboard jacks or wall jacks that encase the phone wires in a small box rather than inside the wall. These types of jacks are easily installed by affixing them to the baseboard or wall, with minimal drilling required.

Mount the new jack in your chosen location. After disconnecting your phone line at the NID outside, proceed with installing the new jack. Some jacks come with adhesive backing and simple mounting instructions, while others may require screwing into the wall. Use a level to ensure the jack is installed straight, marking the screw or drill hole locations beforehand.

Connect the telephone wire to the existing jack. Access the old jack by opening the casing or removing the plating. Loosen the screws holding the red, green, yellow, and black wires, and prepare the wires by trimming any damage and stripping insulation. Twist the corresponding wires from the new cable with those of the old cable (red to red, green to green, etc.), and secure them under the screws. Thread the new wire through the jack casing and reattach it to the wall.

Route the wire from the old jack to the new one. Follow the planned route to run the wire from the old jack to the new location. If running along baseboards or walls, use the purchased fasteners to secure the wire neatly in place.

Connect the telephone wire to the newly installed jack. Once you've routed the wire from the old jack to the new one, trim any excess wire for easier handling. Strip the insulation from the tips of the four wires, then secure them into their respective color-coded slots on the back of the new jack. Tighten the screws to ensure a secure connection.

Complete the installation of the new jack. If you're using an external jack, there should be ample space inside to neatly coil any remaining wire. Attach the cover to the jack and secure it with screws.

Reestablish the phone line connection and test your setup. Head back to the NID box and reconnect your phone line. Inside, plug in your phone or DSL cable and test for a dial tone and internet connectivity. If both are working, your installation is successful.

Select the appropriate jack for your needs. Phone jacks typically range from $3.00 to $5.00 and can be found at hardware stores. Consider the style that best suits your requirements, whether it's a flush plate, wall mount, or baseboard jack. Choose a jack that complements your room's décor.

• For replacing old jacks, opt for ones with similar size and shape to avoid additional wall modifications.
• Choose a wall mount jack if you plan to attach your telephone to the wall, or a baseboard jack for a more discreet option.
• If you require both DSL and phone line connections, opt for a duplex jack with two openings.

Locate your home’s Network Interface Device (NID) and disconnect the phone line. The NID, typically a gray box mounted outside your house, connects your home’s electrical wiring to the telephone network. Before installing the new jack, it’s crucial to disconnect the phone line to avoid any risk of electric shock. Open the customer side of the NID and unplug the test jack to disconnect the line from the network. For older interface boxes without a test jack, detach the wires, ensuring you remember their placements for reconnection later.

Remove the old jack from the wall. Unscrew the old jack using a screwdriver, whether it’s wall-mounted or flush. Carefully detach the casing from the wall to reveal the four differently colored wires (red, green, yellow, and black) secured behind screws. Loosen the screws with a screwdriver, disconnect the wires, and remove the old jack from the wall. If the jack is a rectangular box attached to a wall plate, use a flathead screwdriver to pop off the top part of the case, then proceed with removing the wires and wall plate.

Prepare the wires for the new jack. If replacing an old jack, the wires may require trimming and stripping. Use a wire cutter to trim any damaged portions, keeping it to about ½” to ¾” (1.25 to 2 cm). Gently strip the insulation from the wire tips using a wire cutter or utility knife, ensuring they are ready for connection to the new jack.

Connect the telephone wires to the new jack. Flip the new jack over and loosen the four screws on the back. Attach each wire to its designated spot marked by color—red, green, yellow, and black. Secure the wires by tightening the screws.

Install the jack. Insert the wires into the wall and position the jack over the hole. Align the jack's screw holes with those of the old jack. Use a screwdriver to secure the new jack to the wall using the provided screws. Some jacks may include a cover case that needs to be attached to complete the installation. Adhesive backing may also be used in addition to screws, although it's optional.

Reestablish the phone line connection. Go back to the NID outside your house. Reinsert the test jack into the box. If there's no test plug, reconnect the wires you disconnected earlier, ensuring they are securely screwed in.

Test your connection. Plug your telephone or DSL cable into the newly installed jack. You should hear a dial tone on your phone and your internet connection should be functional (assuming your computer is properly configured for DSL). If the phone line isn't working, double-check the wire connections at the jack and ensure they're properly secured. If further electrical work is needed, disconnect the phone line at the NID before proceeding.

• If you prefer not to run wires along baseboards or walls, consider routing them through your walls instead.

• A typical residential phone line carries minimal voltage, but when the phone rings during wire work, the voltage can spike, posing a risk. Prioritize safety by disconnecting the phone line before electrical tasks.

Handling exposed wiring as described in this guide is illegal in Australia without an Australian Communication and Media wiring License. This involves adherence to regulations set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). While the wiring process itself is straightforward, improper connections can lead to data loss or speed issues. Ensure you understand the legal implications and have a plan in case of errors. Installing filters and connecting cords, such as RJ12 or RJ45 plugs, is permissible for anyone.

• A telephone jack
• A reliable set of wire cutters (snips or diagonal pliers)
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• New telephone wiring
• Wire fasteners
• A drill