Installing your own IP security camera system is a rewarding DIY project, but one crucial step often trips people up: terminating the Ethernet cables. Proper cable termination is essential for a reliable connection, and getting the wire order right is key.

Here’s a breakdown of how to terminate your Cat6 cable with an RJ45 connector, and why calling in the experts from Jim’s Security might be your best bet!

Most modern IP cameras connect using an RJ45 female connector. To plug into this, your Cat6 cable needs an RJ45 male connector on the end, wired in the correct order.

1. Strip the Cable Jacket

Carefully strip back a section of the outer Cat6 cable jacket to expose the four twisted pairs of wires. You only need about an inch or so. Be gentle to avoid nicking the insulation of the inner wires.

2. Unravel and Straighten the Wires

• Unravel the eight individual wires from their twisted pairs.
• Smooth out the kinks to make them nice and straight. This is crucial for correctly aligning them inside the connector. You can do this by running them between your fingers or using a suitable tool. Preparation is everything!

3. Arrange Wires in the Correct Order

The wires must be arranged according to a specific standard. The video references the T-568A Australian standard. Get this order wrong, and your connection won’t work.

The T-568A color code order from pin 1 to pin 8 is:

1. White/Green
2. Green
3. White/Orange
4. Blue
5. White/Blue
6. Orange
7. White/Brown
8. Brown

Make sure the wires are perfectly straight and flush together once they’re in order.

4. Trim the Wires

Using a sharp pair of pliers or a dedicated wire cutter, trim the ends of the arranged wires so they are all the same length and cut straight across. They should be just long enough to reach the end of the RJ45 connector.

5. Insert into the RJ45 Connector

• Carefully slide the wires into the RJ45 connector, ensuring they maintain the correct T-568A order.
• The cable sheath (outer jacket) should pass slightly under the clamp or strain relief inside the connector for a secure fit.
• The wires should be visible right at the end of the connector to ensure a good connection.

6. Crimp the Connector

• Place the RJ45 connector into a proper RJ45 crimping tool.
• Squeeze the tool firmly. This pushes the tiny pins in the connector down, piercing the wire insulation and making electrical contact. This is the termination step.
• If using pass-through connectors, a specific crimping tool will also trim the excess wires from the end as you crimp.

7. Final Touches and Connection

• If your camera installation requires it, slide a dust cover or waterproof cover over the newly terminated connector.
• Clip the finished cable into the camera’s RJ45 female port, and you’re connected!

Why Jim’s Security Will Help with Your Installation

While the steps are simple when you know them, one mistake in the colour order can mean your camera doesn’t work.

Here’s what you gain:

• Stress-Free Installation: Eliminate the frustration of troubleshooting technical issues. Professionals ensure a neat, reliable, and functional security system from day one.
• Guaranteed Correct Connection: Jim’s Security experts use professional tools and experience to perfectly execute every connection, meeting all necessary standards.
• Proper Tools and Equipment: They arrive equipped with all necessary gear, from quality cables to specialty crimping tools, saving you the cost and hassle of buying them yourself.

If you’re unsure about terminating the cables or want the peace of mind of a professional installation, call Jim’s Security at 131 546 or click here for a free quote. We will ensure your CCTV system is set up and working perfectly.