How to make a category 5E Patch Cable

How to make a category 5E Patch Cable

Introduction:

Due to an overwhelming response to our category 5E tutorial, and many requests for information and wiring diagrams
of "straight through" and "crossover" (cross-pinned) patch cords, I have made this informational page. On this page,
we will cover making patch cords, and other technical and non-technical issues relating to category 5 (and beyond)
patching and connectivity from device to device. Below, you will find the diagrams for 568A, 568B, and crossover
patch cables. I suggest that you read on, past the diagrams for some very useful and important information.

As always, there continues to be Controversies over standards and practices regarding the use and making of patch
cords, and UTP cable in general. Please see our section below titled: "Controversies and Caveats : Category 5, 5E, and
Cat 6 Patch Cables". I hope that you will find it interesting and informative.

Shane

568-B Wiring 568-A Wiring

Pair # Wire Pin #

White/ Pin
5 Pair # Wire
1 - White/ Blue #
Blue Blue/
4
White 1 - White/ White/Blue 5
White/ Blue Blue/White 4
1
2 - White/ Orange
2 - White/ White/Green 1
Orange Orange
White
2 Green Green/White 2
White/ White/
3 3
3 - White/ Green 3 - White/ Orange
Green Green/ Orange Orange/
6 6
White White
White/
7 4 - White/ White/Brown 7
4 - White/ Brown Brown Brown/White 8
Brown Brown/
8
White
<< 568-A Diagram

<< 568-B Diagram

Notes for wiring diagrams above:

1. For patch cables, 568-B wiring is by far, the most common method.
2. There is no difference in connectivity between 568B and 568A cables. Either wiring should work fine on any system*. (*see
notes below)
3. For a straight through cable, wire both ends identical.
4. For a crossover cable, wire one end 568A and the other end 568B.
5. Do not confuse pair numbers with pin numbers. A pair number is used for reference only (eg: 10BaseT Ethernet uses pairs 2 &
3). The pin numbers indicate actual physical locations on the plug and jack.

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How to make a category 5E Patch Cable

Patch Cable Assembly Instructions

1) Skin off the cable jacket
approximately 1" or slightly more.
2) Un-twist each pair, and
straighten each wire between the
fingers.
3) Place the wires in the order of
8) Insert the wires
one of the two diagrams shown
into the connector
above (568B or 568A). Bring all of
(pins facing up).
the wires together, until they touch.
4) At this point, recheck the wiring
sequence with the diagram.
5) Optional: Make a mark on the
wires at 1/2" from the end of the
cable jacket.
6) Hold the grouped (and sorted) 9) Push
wires together tightly, between the moderately hard to
thumb, and the forefinger. assure that all of
7) Cut all of the wires at a perfect the wires have
90 degree angle from the cable at reached the end of
1/2" from the end of the cable the connector. Be
jacket. This is a very critical step. If sure that the cable
the wires are not cut straight, they jacket goes into
may not all make contact. We the back of the
suggest using a pair of scissors for connector by about
this purpose. 3/16".

9) Place the
connector into a
7B) Conductors should be at a
crimp tool, and
straight 90 degree angle, and be
squeeze hard so
1/2" long, prior to insertion into the
that the handle
connector.
reaches it's full
swing.

10) Repeat the process on the other end. For a straight through cable, use the same wiring. For a "crossover" cable, wire one
end 568A, and the other end 568B.
11) Use a cable tester to test for proper continuity.

Notes Regarding Making Category 5 Patch Cable

The RJ-45 plugs are normally made for either solid conductors or stranded conductors. It is very important to be sure that the
plug that you use matches the conductor type. It is extremely difficult to tell the difference between the two by looking at
1)
them. When you buy these plugs, be sure to categorize, and store them carefully. Using the wrong type can cause
intermittent problems. The RJ-45, 8 Conductor Plugs that we sell are rated for both Solid and Stranded cable.

Ordinarily, it would be taboo to untwist the pairs of any category 5 cable. The one exception to this rule is when crimping on
RJ-45 plugs. It would be impossible to insert the wires into the channels without first untwisting and straightening them. Be
2)
sure not to extend the un-twisting, past the skin point. If you do it properly, you will wind up with no more than 1/2" of
untwisted conductors (up to 1/2" of untwist meets the cat 5 specification)
If the completed assembly does not pass continuity, you may have a problem in one, or both ends. First try giving each end
another crimp. If that does not work, then carefully examine each end. Are the wires in the proper order? Do all of the wires
3) fully extend to the end of the connector? Are all of the pins pushed down fully. Cut off the suspected bad connector, and re-
terminate it. If you still have a problem, then repeat the process, this time giving more scrutiny to the end that was not
replaced.

It is good to be prepared to make your own patch cables. There may be many instances where you may fall short on supply,
and making a cable will surely get you out of a jam. However, there comes a point where the practicality curve will lead you
4)
to factory made cables. Making several cables can be very labor intense. Factory made cables typically have better tolerances,
and consequently have better quality than field made cables.

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How to make a category 5E Patch Cable

Controversies and Caveats : Category 5, 5E, and Cat 6 Patch Cables

For patch cables, 568-B wiring is by far, the most common wiring method. Virtually all pre-assembled patch cables are
wired to the B standard. There is no difference in connectivity between 568B and 568A cables. Therefore, a 568B patch
cable should work fine on a 568A cabling system, and visa-versa. To my knowledge, there has never been an issue with
networks of up to 100 megabits. However, with the advent of Gigabit over copper cabling, it may very well become a
568B vs.
factor at some point. We have conferred with several cable manufacturers, and many other technical resources, on this
568A
subject. The consensus is that mixing of the standards on patch cables should not cause a problem. Since Gigabit
networks over copper cabling are in their infancy, and no one can say for sure, we would advise our customers to take
the safe approach on all future patch cable orders. We now offer our custom cat 5E and category 6 cables in both 568A
and 568B wiring schemes for this reason.
We have seen this happen time and time again. Perfectly good patch cables that have been working fine for years, get
removed from their installation, and re-installed on the same, or different network. The result can be a nightmare. What
Re-use happens is that the cable, over time, adapts to the way that it is bent in it's original installation. When these cables are
of old removed and re-installed, they can either completely loose their connection, or develop intermittent problems. This is
cables due to stresses that may be opposite to what they were originally subject to. If the integrity of your network is more
valuable than the price of new patch cables, then we strongly suggest that you use brand new cables for all closet
cleanups, network moves, etc.
Almost all patch cables that are made have stranded wire. Stranded wire is normally specified for use in patch cables
Stranded
due to it's superior flexibility. There has been some talk recently, in the technical sector of the structured wiring
vs. Solid
community, regarding the possible use of solid conductors for patch cables. The reason for the spotlight on solid wire is
wire
that it is supposedly more stable, under a variety of conditions.

We also carry an impressive

dickinson.com.au sells all of the very best tools, testers and
line of Fiber Optic Test
toolkits for installing and troubleshooting UTP copper cabling.
Instruments.

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Network Splitter (Pair) , Network Splitter Kit (Includes Cables)
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to make your own cable.

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How to make a category 5E Patch Cable

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