[Q] Can I make my own CAT 5e patch cables and CAT
5e crossover cables?
[A] With the proper training and practice, yes.
It
is important to remember that you must have the proper tools
and test equipment in order to do this, however. There are some
information resources available that state that you can make
your own CAT 5e patch and Cat 5e crossover cables without the
use of a proper crimper or test meter. One source even referred
to using a screwdriver blade to press the contacts into the
wire. This is bad advice and should not be followed.
The
reason you use that "fancy" crimper, is that you have to be
certain that the contacts are crimped securely in place. If
it is not crimped correctly, you can and will damage whatever
you attempt to plug the improperly crimped cable into.
The notion of not using a test meter is also a bad idea, as
you have no way to verify that there are no wiring errors in
the completed cable, or that there are no damaged wires within
the bulk cable. This is rare, but it does happen.
Bottom
line, if you make your own cable, get the proper tools. Use
a decent quality ratchet-action crimper, and get a decent test
meter that has a wire map function. A good quality stripper,
and electrical scissors will also be needed.
CAT
5 Cable Company does not provide instruction on how to make
cable. We recommend only experienced personnel make their own
cable.
Keywords: make CAT 5e patch and crossover cable, CAT 5 wiring, make
CAT 5 cable
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