phone testing devices
#1
02-10-05, 02:12 PM
phone testing devices
hi, I do remodeling and am frequently asked to tap into existing phone line and run a new jack. My question is: is there a probe or inductive type device that will tell me which cable has an active line and which pair is the active pair ( as frequently, it is found that four wire and multi wire cat5 and up get mixed up and you can't tell which is the correct color pair just by looking at the main terminal box). If there is not such a device, what do you guys do to find an active pair?
#2
02-10-05, 04:17 PM
The perfect tool is a butt set with the type of clip on the ends that will pierce the insulation on the wire without trashing it ("bed of nails"). That's about 50 to 100 dollars depending on features and where you shop.
The ABS unit made by Ideal isn't a bad alternative. The little gadgets that just give you an LED aren't always helpful, as there are instances where there is voltage on a phone line, but no dialtone.
When all else fails, an regular telephone and a phone jack tricked out with alligator clip leads will get you a surprisingly long way.
The ABS unit made by Ideal isn't a bad alternative. The little gadgets that just give you an LED aren't always helpful, as there are instances where there is voltage on a phone line, but no dialtone.
When all else fails, an regular telephone and a phone jack tricked out with alligator clip leads will get you a surprisingly long way.
