An Overview on RJ11 Connectors
Phone jacks are more correctly known as Registered Jacks. Registered Jacks are approved and authorized by the Federal Communications Commission or FCC. The naming convention that is implemented for Registered Jacks is RJ-xx, where xx will be represented by a two digit number. The two digit number will specify the type of physical interface and the area where it will be used. This may be exemplified by considering the RJ11, RJ14, and RJ25 which are all used for terminating phone lines, whereas the RJ45 is specifically used in computer networking. The RJ11 is the most widely used phone jack in operation today. RJ11 connectors are characteristically used to terminate phone lines, and are generally used in conjunction with single line POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) telephone jacks.
- The RJ-11 connector has a total number of six connector positions for use, will normally use no more than 4 at any given time. The RJ-11 connector wiring will come in two standard types: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and untwisted (flat-satin cable).
- RJ11 is the most popular of the registered jacks, because most or all single line (POTS) telephone jacks in homes and offices in the United States and Canada use this connector type. It may also be seen in quite a few other countries.
- There are other Registered Jacks which will include RJ14 (used for two line telephone jack), RJ25 (used for three line jack), and RJ61 (used for four line telephone jack), all of which will use 6-position modular connectors.
- The RJ11 jack customarily implements two out of the six positions, therefore may be wired with a 6P2C modular jack ( six position, two conductor). However, these classes of jacks are very uncommon. Usually, an RJ11 jack is a 6P4C jack (six position, four conductor), with two of the four wires connected to the junction box being unused.
- Additional wires employed in various different applications which may include: being used as a ground for selective ringers, powering an L.E.D ring-indicator operating via the ringer signal and preventing a pulse-dial telephone from ringing the extension phone bells (an ‘anti-tinkle’ circuit) among other uses.
- In the powered on state, Pins #5 (yellow- old color code/orange- new color code) and #2 (black- old color code/white with orange stripe- new color code) may maintain low voltage AC or DC power, from a central transformer that is plugged nearby a jack. This will supply power to all of the jacks that are currently being utilized in the particular dwelling.
- Fortunately, in the majority of instances, the telephone line will directly supply adequate power to most of the phone terminals.
- The older models of telephone terminals contain incandescent lights (i.e. the old Western Electric Princess phone and Trimline phone) and consequently need more energy than the actual telephone line is able to supply. This as the result of the energy needs of their dial lights which is approximately 6.3 volts which is fairly more than the transformer output of 5 volts.
- The colour coding on the wire will depend on the specific old or new colour convention it utilizes. It is advisable to read left to right, while holding the jack in front of you with the contacts pointing upward. The positive and negative terminals are listed below:
- Pin #3- Negative terminal (red- old color code/blue- new color code)
- Pin #4- Positive terminal (green- old color code/white with blue stripe- new color code)
Some Websites That Offer RJ11 Connectors Online
Globalsources.com
- This site offers a variety of phone jacks among other electrical components.
- It gives you access to information from research reports.
- It also has a user rating system on the product that you may chose to buy.
B2bfreezone.com
- Is a wholesaler and exporter of many electronic devices including the RJ11 Jacks.
- It allows you to sign up with their site so that you may be able to receive newsletters on deals and specials.
Connectworld.net
- Offers RJ11 jacks and other network connectors.
- They also offer competitive pricing and great deals on shipping.