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Problem with Cat 5e cable inside walls

Problem with Cat 5e cable inside walls

M
MavrosGR
Senior Member
579
08-23-2025, 08:15 PM
#1
I recently moved into a new rental property equipped with Cat 5e wiring. Most of the connections are functioning properly, except for one (the one near my TV and HTPC, the most important one!). Since I don’t have any testing tools, I captured some photos in hopes of identifying the issue. In the upstairs closet there’s an RJ45 connector, and downstairs by the TV is a wall box. There are two cables upstairs that might be involved, so I’ve included pictures of both.
M
MavrosGR
08-23-2025, 08:15 PM #1

I recently moved into a new rental property equipped with Cat 5e wiring. Most of the connections are functioning properly, except for one (the one near my TV and HTPC, the most important one!). Since I don’t have any testing tools, I captured some photos in hopes of identifying the issue. In the upstairs closet there’s an RJ45 connector, and downstairs by the TV is a wall box. There are two cables upstairs that might be involved, so I’ve included pictures of both.

A
Aaron_1128
Junior Member
43
08-29-2025, 08:59 PM
#2
This appears to be correct. You can connect it to the industry standard if needed, and it will also confirm proper punching and connection. Have you ever punched down or connected wires before?
A
Aaron_1128
08-29-2025, 08:59 PM #2

This appears to be correct. You can connect it to the industry standard if needed, and it will also confirm proper punching and connection. Have you ever punched down or connected wires before?

A
ArchangelZ21
Member
209
08-30-2025, 01:44 PM
#3
Looking for beginner resources and purchasing options? There are several helpful guides available, and you can find quality tools at reputable stores.
A
ArchangelZ21
08-30-2025, 01:44 PM #3

Looking for beginner resources and purchasing options? There are several helpful guides available, and you can find quality tools at reputable stores.

E
Extosia
Member
191
09-01-2025, 04:25 PM
#4
They installed it properly but opted for Type A instead of Type B. I think a budget RJ45 tester would help verify there are no breaks in the line.
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Extosia
09-01-2025, 04:25 PM #4

They installed it properly but opted for Type A instead of Type B. I think a budget RJ45 tester would help verify there are no breaks in the line.

H
huityweb
Member
157
09-02-2025, 10:53 AM
#5
Yep seems like both ends connect at "A." The white and blue cables appear to have a torn appearance in the photo, near the yellow wire sheath and the punch-down block... I’m curious if that could be contributing to the issue. Also, could the wires be too tightly twisted?
H
huityweb
09-02-2025, 10:53 AM #5

Yep seems like both ends connect at "A." The white and blue cables appear to have a torn appearance in the photo, near the yellow wire sheath and the punch-down block... I’m curious if that could be contributing to the issue. Also, could the wires be too tightly twisted?

D
diegoiav
Member
101
09-02-2025, 06:32 PM
#6
It should still work (though not perfect). The connection needs to be tight. I used to avoid punchdowns too.
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diegoiav
09-02-2025, 06:32 PM #6

It should still work (though not perfect). The connection needs to be tight. I used to avoid punchdowns too.

H
haterhunter32
Junior Member
4
09-06-2025, 03:24 PM
#7
I checked the cable and found it had no signal at all, which was confusing. Luckily, a different Cat 5e was installed at the same spot but set up for phone use. Since I don’t have a landline, I replaced the original cable with one suitable for phone.
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haterhunter32
09-06-2025, 03:24 PM #7

I checked the cable and found it had no signal at all, which was confusing. Luckily, a different Cat 5e was installed at the same spot but set up for phone use. Since I don’t have a landline, I replaced the original cable with one suitable for phone.