How do I Wire a Telephone Cable?

by Alice Godfrey, Demand Media

A phone that doesn't have a modular jack can still be connected to a telephone line.

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A landline telephone that doesn't have a modular plug on its end, such as a rotary phone, can be wired directly to the telephone line. Wiring the telephone's cable requires tools that most households have on hand. No special equipment is needed and the procedure will not harm the phone or telephone line. The telephone cable can be removed at any time if you want to do so.

Step 1

Cut the end of the landline telephone's cable with the blade of a utility knife. Slit 3 inches along the outer insulation, using the knife.

Step 2

Peel the insulation away from the wires inside, using your fingers. Pull the red and green wires out from inside the insulation.

Step 3

Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the red and green wires, using a wire stripper.

Step 4

Remove the screw from the telephone wall plate using a flat-edged screwdriver; if a modular telephone jack is plugged into the modular socket on the plate, remove the jack first.

Step 5

Insert the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver beneath the plate on the left side. Run the tip up and down the plate to loosen it from the wall. Repeat this procedure on the right side of the plate.

Step 6

Pull off the plate with your fingers. Place the plate and the screw on the floor next to you.

Step 7

Loosen the two top screws on the connector block that are inside the compartment that the wall plate was covering, using a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 8

Wind the end of the red wire around the screw that already has a red wire wrapped around it. Tighten the screw. Repeat this procedure with the green wire and the other screw.

Step 9

Cut a notch in the lower left corner of the compartment, using the knife. Run the telephone cord against the notch and out of the compartment.

Step 10

Place the wall plate back on the compartment and reattach the screw. Insert the modular telephone jack, if there was one, back into the modular socket on the plate.

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References

  • Wire-Your-Phone: Doing Your Own Telephone Wiring

Resources

  • Telephony Museum: Telephone History

About the Author

Alice Godfrey is a marketing analyst with more than 15 years of experience in her field. She holds a Ph.D. in social and personality psychology. Past positions include market research analyst at various advertising agencies and corporations. Her articles on a wide variety of issues relating to entertainment have appeared in numerous trade publications.

Photo Credits

  • PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images