Field installable RJ45 plugs instead of wall outlets

 

In today’s commercial cabling applications, one of the key challenges facing installations is flexibility when cabling to fixed IP devices.

Many applications that were once delivered on isolated networks are now delivered over an Integrated cabling network of either copper or optic fibre or a combination of both.

For example, CCTV camera’s which were generally RF based and communicated over coax cable have now become IP based and connected via copper twisted pair or fibre optic cable. The copper twisted pair cable provides the added benefit of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) so that the IP cameras can be powered via the same LAN cable and this eliminates the need for a power outlet at the device.

In a standard installation or structured cabling application, a backbone cable is usually run from the patch panel in the Comms room through to an outlet in the work or device area. A patch cord is then connected from the outlet to the device, ensuring that the device is connected to the network. This works well for many data installations.

However, in certain applications there is simply not enough space for an outlet, or it is just not wanted for aesthetic reasons. In these instances, the preferred option may be to cable directly from the patch panel to the device.

There are many applications where this may be applicable including CCTV cameras, electronic display boards and intercom systems.

Looking beyond traditional data cabling requirements, applications and devices such as IP CCTV cameras, Intercom’s, Interactive display signage and Multimedia and Audio / Visual (A / V) devices may be better suited to having a RJ45 CAT6A plug directly connected in certain scenarios. The important factor is to not compromise the link integrity and performance which requires using a high quality solution.

 

Obtaining flexibility in cabling applications

In order to provide greater flexibility in cabling installations and to ensure data rates of up to 10Gbps are supported, a CAT6A field terminate connector can be utilised.

Using this type of field terminate plug, the horizontal cable can be connected directly to any stationary IP device without the need for outlets and patch cords. CAT6A RJ45 plugs are generally available in shielded or unshielded variations.

Many Audio / Visual (A / V) and CCTV applications can be improved with the additional benefit of a shielded solution and therefore a shielded RJ45 plug may be more suitable to use with either F/UTP, U/FTP or S/FTP shielded cable. A shielded CAT6A RJ45 plug may provide supreme reliability from external noise or interference created by other devices or nearby high voltage electrical cables.

Where the requirement is to install a device discretely and minimise cabling and outlets, an  RJ45 field terminate plug solves this problem elegantly, because it can be simply attached directly to the horizontal cable. Thus the IP device can be connected to the horizontal cable without the need for outlets and patch cords. This offers a lot of benefits for a huge variety of applications: IP cameras, time recording terminals and sensors on a building’s facade can be connected safely and reliably to the network.

The same also applies for touch screens, cameras and wireless LAN access points blending into contemporary lobbies in hotels and company headquarters. As an additional safety feature, direct connections make sure that devices don’t get unplugged by unauthorized people in shops, banks or public buildings.

UFP8 installaton for CCTV network

In addition micro switches in cable raceways and LED lighting in office buildings can be connected cost-effectively to the network, omitting the need for outlets and patch cords

The CAT6A field terminate plugs are also suitable and widely used for cabling in office buildings, Data Centres, home networks and for Defence and Military applications

 

Reliable and world leading performance

Warren and Brown’s CAT6A RJ45 field terminate plugs are designed to support data rates up to 10Gbps, which make it the ideal solution for many of today’s applications and ensuring that cabling networks are future proofed to support these high data rates. Shielded (MFP8) and unshielded (UFP8) versions are both available in either T568A or T568B configurations. Its performance specifications exceed the ISO/IEC 11801:2010 for Cat 6A and support any current copper Ethernet from 10 Mbps up to 10 Gbps. It also supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at PoE+ which imposingly demonstrates the high quality of the components.

In PoE+ applications, up to 600 mA can run over the small contacts of an RJ45 plug.

When unplugged, with the application still running, these contacts can be seriously damaged. The special design of the MFP and UFP8 CAT6A RJ45 plugs ensures that the disconnection spark occurs in a part of the connector which is not used for data transmission.

With its standardized plug interface according to EN 60603-7-41, the CAT6A MFP8 and UFP8 plugs can be used for any IP device with an RJ45 jack and is suitable for use with solid as well as stranded wires.

–       MFP8 suits wire gauge size AWG 24/1-22/1 and AWG 27/7-22/7

–       The UFP8 comes in to two variations depending on the size wire gauge and external diameter of the cable being used.

Both the MFP8 and UFP8 CAT6A field terminate plugs are available in either T568A or T568B configurations.

The four-chamber wire manager ensures a quick and trouble-free wire separation. When ordering, please choose between termination method T568A or T568B, as they need different wire managers. If anything were to go wrong during installation when connecting the wires, the MFP8 and UFP8 wire manager can be reconnected up to four times. In addition, wire managers can be purchased as replacements.

With the either the MFP8 shielded CAT6A plug or the UFP8 unshielded CAT6A plug you get a robust, field-installable RJ45 connector which can be directly attached on the horizontal cable quickly and simply without the need for special tools.

 

Ease and Speed of Installation

As good as a product may seem at first, one of the key factors for determining it’s usability is the ease of installation. Time and labour are critical factors in efficient and successful installations.

The UFP8 and MFP8 plugs are both quick and easy to install. Installation of the plugs can be performed in 60 seconds without any special tools.

In addition to the ease and speed of installation of the CAT6A plug, time is also saved by not needing to install an outlet or wall plate and terminating the cable onto the wall plate. Therefore, this saves on material costs as well as additional labour.

The installation process involves the following:

1. Preparation of cable – remove outer sheath, separate and pre-sort pairs
2. Untwist and insert wire pairs into wire holders
3. Press/crimp down in wire holder from below and above. Use parallel pressing tool not pliers to ensure an even connection.
4. Trim off excess wire
5. Insert wire manager into CAT6A plug housing and use parallel pressing tool to finish off installation

 

Benefits of using UFP8 and MFP8 Field Terminate Plugs

• Exceeds ISO11801:2010 for CAT6A
• Suitable for solid and stranded wire
• Supplied with pre-assembled protection cap
• Variations available to suit various Conductor diameters
• Adjustable strain relief
• Outer cable diameter 5.5 to 8.5 mm
• Supports data rates from 10 Mbps to10 Gbps
• Suitable for Power over Ethernet (PoE and PoE+)
• Backwards compatible with existing RJ45 jacks
• Optional IP68 housing
• No need for special tools
• No need for special training
• Easy retrofit with existing equipment and cabling

 

Conclusion

The UFP8 and MFP8 field terminate CAT6A RJ45 plugs are an excellent alternative, providing outstanding flexibility when it comes to cabling applications. In most cabling applications the standard structured cabling approach of a backbone cable between the patchpanel and wall outlet will still apply and is still one that should be followed.

However, in situations where it is not possible to install an outlet due to space, aesthetics or security constraints, utilising a field terminate connector is a most viable option to plug directly into the device.

The UFP8 and MFP8 plugs provide excellent performance which exceeds ISO11801:2010 for CAT6A and is a proven solution when connecting to devices such as IP cameras.