Joining erthernet cables

Midwest · May 30, 2019

Following on from my other thread
IP rated switchcover - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/ip-rated-switchcover.173742/

I’ve decide to try and relocate the control panel. After a bit of a faff, managed to get to the other side of the old control panel. So my intention is to extend the two existing erthernet or network cables to the new position.

Having never worked with the stuff, what is the best method and product to use to join them? I’ve seen some vids of just twisting the cores, but that seems a bit of a bodge.

I’ve also seen coupler boxes, which look just like telephone line boxes. Is just as simple as that?

bill01803 · May 30, 2019

Fit a socket on each cable and patch between them

davesparks · May 30, 2019

The punch down type joint boxes are fine as far as I know, especially if it's not high speed data traffic.
Solder and heatshrink works well as you can maintain the twisted pairs through the joint.

Midwest · May 30, 2019

bill01803 said:
Fit a socket on each cable and patch between them

You'll have to explain a bit more, if you don't mind.

Midwest · May 30, 2019

davesparks said:
The punch down type joint boxes are fine as far as I know, especially if it's not high speed data traffic.
Solder and heatshrink works well as you can maintain the twisted pairs through the joint.

Not really sure what this panel uses. Ex-Or say the control panel can be hot swapped, but I'm gonna wait for the commissioning bod to turn before doing so. Might need to shutdown the main panel, so want something quick & simple to use.

Charlie_ · May 30, 2019

Easiest way would be to use keystone jacks and rj45 plugs

Spoon · May 30, 2019

Just remember, when connecting the cable to any connection box, keep the cables twisted for as long as possible.

brains-lans · May 30, 2019

rj45 connector on the end of the existing cable and on the end of the new cable. rj45 coupler. thats the right way to do it.

RJ45 Cat6 Coupler - White - Data Comms Direct - https://www.dcdi.co.uk/shop/rj45-cat6-coupler-white

Charlie_ · May 30, 2019

brains-lans said:
rj45 connector on the end of the existing cable and on the end of the new cable. rj45 coupler. thats the right way to do it.

RJ45 Cat6 Coupler - White - Data Comms Direct - https://www.dcdi.co.uk/shop/rj45-cat6-coupler-white

Too many connections for my liking

brains-lans · May 30, 2019

Charlie_ said:
Too many connections for my liking

Thats how to do it correctly, .cant do hot works etc in datacentres etc... they are usually in a 1u panel full of them inside a cabinet, but essentially thats it. that way you dont damage the signals by using out of spec materials such as solder or the infamous BT jelly crimps.

That or run a new cable, which is ofcourse the preference.

Charlie_ · May 30, 2019

1 socket 1 plug.
Half the connections of an in-line plug to plug socket

[ElectriciansForums.net] Joining erthernet cables

LeeH · May 30, 2019

The cheap 1 pound inline couplers seem to work fine. Plus you keep untwisted pairs as short as possible.

James · May 30, 2019

brains-lans said:
rj45 connector on the end of the existing cable and on the end of the new cable. rj45 coupler. thats the right way to do it.

RJ45 Cat6 Coupler - White - Data Comms Direct - https://www.dcdi.co.uk/shop/rj45-cat6-coupler-white

I prefer a twin faceplate, 1 cable in and one cable out. Short patch lead. Job done.
It’s easier to fix to the wall and is a better job.
IMHO