Diagram of wires in a telephone socket. How to connect or disconnect a Rostelecom home phone. All ways. Old and modern device standards

For more than a century, people have been communicating at a distance using phones, the designs of which are constantly being improved and modified.

Modern models differ from their predecessors in ease of use, aesthetic appearance, and reliability.

However, the operating principles laid down in the first designs remained the same:

  • mandatory presence of a valid communication line from the telephone exchange;
  • electrical connection to a landline telephone.

Telephone socket functions

The socket and plug are in a modern way connecting the telephone to the communication network. Their task boils down to reliable and quick creation of a fixed connection.

The electrical contact sockets of any outlet are always under line voltage. To protect against accidental short circuits, they are recessed into the housing. The plug contacts are exposed and isolated from the environment only after installation.

Design features

The common elements of any telephone socket are 3 parts:

  1. housing made of dielectric material based on plastics;
  2. terminals for connecting communication wires;
  3. spring-loaded brass contacts that create an electrical circuit.

Telephone sockets and plugs operate in low-current circuits and are manufactured taking into account the voltage operating in them up to 120 volts. They can be used:

  • hidden inside the wall with a closed method of laying a telephone line;
  • openly - in an overhead way.

The type of installation affects the room design and service conditions. It is taken into account when connecting the phone specific model.

Telephone Jack Standards

As phones have improved, the way they connect to a communications network has undergone several technical developments.

Old standards

In the first telephone sets, sockets were not used at all to connect them to the line, and the wires were simply twisted together or connected by other available methods. For the phone to operate, it is enough to create a closed current loop, which is formed by only two conductors - current-carrying cores.

This method works quite reliably for any model. The plug and socket can simply be cut off, and the wires twisted and insulated. Communication will be ensured.


In the eighties of the last century, the RTShK-4 standard for telephone sockets and plugs began to be introduced in the USSR. To connect to the PBX line, a two-wire copper wire, called “noodles” in signalmen’s jargon for its appearance.

This method reliably provides a quick disconnect to your phone.

The abbreviation RTShK-4 stands for a telephone socket with four plug-type contacts and an additional capacitor. In order to exclude incorrect installation plugs into the socket, an additional plastic connection is created on their bodies - a security key.

Socket connection diagram

The RTShK-4 includes two pairs of contacts, rather than one, which is quite sufficient for the operation of a regular telephone.


The second pair allows you to connect an additional communication line with one more subscriber according to the principle of communication between the director and the secretary, when one telephone number is used on two devices.

In order for the phone to work, it is necessary to connect the wires to the socket in such a way that the telephone exchange current passes through its contacts with the plug to the telephone set. Older models did not require polarity.

A 1 µF capacitance was used to conduct network tests by telecom operators and generate a busy signal. It was installed only on the terminal device when they were connected in series.

Now they have abandoned the use of a capacitor in an outlet. This does not affect the quality of communication.

Telephone sockets of the RTShK-4 series take up a lot of space. They are morally outdated, although they are successfully operated and are improving their resource.

Modern standards

As a result of the rapid development of microprocessor technologies and the creation of standardized equipment for them, plug and socket housings for low-current circuits, marked with RJ symbols, were put into operation. They allow you to connect up to four pairs of working contacts into the circuit and are produced according to the standards described in Table No. 1.

Table No. 1. Standards for Low Current Circuits

Brief descriptions of connectors

RJ-11 connector

Modern buildings landlines connected by sockets and plugs with one pair of contacts. They are mounted inside a plastic module of a single design of the RJ series and are designated RJ-11.


The brass contacts, as seen in the photo, are located in the center of the plastic module called the manipulator. The remaining places on it are free. Through these contacts on the plug and socket, an electrical circuit is formed between the PBX station and the telephone.

Using the RJ-11 interface, you can connect not one device to the network, but several. To do this, it is enough to assemble the sockets sequentially into blocks, as shown in the photo below.

Combined connector RJ-11 and RTShK-4

The telephone connection method is based on the use of an adapter that combines the capabilities of connecting plugs of old and new standards with lines equipped with modern technologies. This module is convenient to use when an exclusive old phone needs to be connected to new telephone wiring and fit into the interior design.

Connectors with two and three pairs of contacts RJ-14, RJ-25

This standard of manipulators for communications means can be used to operate a telephone. You just need to use the two middle contacts that are already used in the telephone socket of the device.


At the manipulators different manufacturers There are different types of plastic locks. In this case, you cannot insert the plug into the socket: you can destroy the fragile case.

RJ-45 connector

It has four pairs of contacts, designed for computer systems and devices, complex communication devices.


The RJ-45 connector interface allows it to be used for a telephone set. Electric circuit again it is required to create through middle contacts. But at the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the compliance of the plastic keys.

Methods for marking low-current sockets

The position of each contact in the connector must be taken into account and marked for convenient installation and repair. For this purpose, markings are created:

  1. numbers next to the contact or designation of its position on the installation diagram or factory drawing;
  2. coloring the wire insulation in strictly designated colors.

Manufacturers of telephones and pointing devices produce products labeled in several ways. They are summarized in tables No. 2, 3 and 4.

Table No. 2. Color coding of twisted pair wires for low-current sockets
Table No. 3. Old color coding of wires for low-current sockets
Table No. 4. German color marking of wires for low-current sockets

Methods for connecting modern telephones

All the tables above show that the phone is connected to the network according to the old principle: through two contacts. It’s just that modern manipulators use middle contacts, and the rest are not used.


For design and ease of use telephone sockets It is customary not to place it separately on the wall, but to combine it with other electrical units and low-current circuits.


They can be built inside elements of wall furniture or covered with paintings or technical devices: monitors, televisions.

Hidden dangers of the telephone network

For low-current communication devices, a lower voltage is used compared to home wiring. But its usual value of 60 volts can still create a current through human hands and cause a lot of trouble. When a call passes over a telephone line, it is generated by a signal alternating current with an amplitude of about 120 volts.

This is enough to cause pain through the dry skin of the fingers, and if the body is slightly sweaty, the muscle reactions will be unpredictable.

Work in an existing telephone circuit must be carried out wearing protective gloves and the developed technical measures and safety rules must be followed.

Installation of telephone sockets

A prerequisite for the operation of the telephone is the reliable passage of current from the telephone exchange line through it. When installing circuits, it is necessary to avoid wire breaks and incorrect connections. To do this, the assembled circuit must be connected before connecting.

General principles The placement of telephone and electrical sockets on the building structures of the rooms is practically no different. They are described separately. First you will need to choose a method for placing telephone wiring: hidden or open, and then perform it.

Protection of exposed wires can be done by placing them in plastic decorative cable channels, which are equipped with many accessories, including telephone ones.

The material in the article is successfully complemented by a video by the author of Revastroy, which shows techniques for installing a computer socket from Viko. Watch and comment on him and the article.

To some extent, many phone users are familiar with its design. Almost everyone today has a cell phone, but the era of landline phones has not yet passed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to connect it without installing an outlet. Any owner can install it independently, and at the same time it will be useful to look at the instructions for installing a telephone socket with your own hands.

Design of telephone sockets

Without taking into account some design features and connection options, the telephone socket includes the following:

  • body - made of dialectical materials, for example, ceramics or plastic;
  • contacts made of brass with a springy shape, thanks to which electric current easily passes through this circuit;
  • terminals or special clamps - used to connect contacts.

All contact sockets are located inside the housing for safety in case of short circuit. There are models with one or more connectors, respectively, to connect the required number of devices. You can view the models using the photos of telephone sockets presented.


What is the difference between one outlet and another?

The main classification of structures depends on the installation method: external and internal devices. Further, both types are distinguished by the number of connectors: single-connector and multi-connector models.

Several years ago there was not a wide variety of types of telephone sockets, since only one was used - RTShK-4. Today they are being replaced by European common options - RJ-11 and RJ-12.

The first option is suitable for residential buildings or apartments and has 2 contacts. The second type includes 4 wires, which is convenient, for example, for an office where it is necessary large quantity channels. If you are going to install an outlet at home, RJ-11 will be a good solution.

There are other models - RJ-14 also has 4 contacts and conductors, it is considered a universal device, suitable for many devices. RJ-25 has 3 pairs of contacts. It's quite difficult to install on your own. RJ-9 is another type of connection, responsible for connecting the telephone handset and the device itself.

The choice of the best telephone socket is determined depending on the application, whether it is a private home, an apartment or a telephone line intended for a large company (office). All these nuances should be taken into account when choosing.

Detailed instructions for installing a telephone socket

Let's look at the basic schemes for correct connection common sockets:

  • The design has a pair of small contacts - 2 or 4. In the middle there is a hole for the power cable.
  • The telephone device connects to two contacts in the center.


Installation, according to the rules, is usually carried out using a special cross-cutting knife. But if your activity is not related to the systematic repair and installation of these devices and you do not have one, you can use an ordinary sharp knife. It can be used for deepening cores to ensure contact after cutting the insulation layer.

If you use internal wiring, experts advise choosing a KSPV cable, since it consists of copper wiring coated with plastic. white. The TRP cable acts as a distributor.

To connect the wires to the telephone socket, use the following instructions:

  • Just as during the installation of any outlet, you should turn off the power supply in the panel room. To be safe, use protective gloves because voltage is still present.
  • Next, the outer layers of the contacts are cleaned; you can leave no more than 4 cm. When these manipulations are completed, straighten the wires.
  • Use a tester to determine the polarity of the contacts.
  • Connect the contacts to the conductors. It is convenient to distinguish them by color. The green wire is responsible for positive polarity, red for negative. It is not necessary to focus on polarity, but there is a possibility that the phone may experience slight interruptions in the future.
  • After connecting the cables, secure them using the screws provided.
  • In case of installation of a 2-4 contact type socket, 2 central contacts are connected.
  • The socket is mounted to the wall using double-sided tape or self-tapping screws. The latter method will provide more effective method fixation.
  • To complete the installation process, close the cover of the telephone socket.

A hidden socket is connected according to a similar principle, but there are a number of features. Select a location and mark it for further installation. You will need a recess for the socket box, so use a hammer drill and screws for fastening. The working part is fixed in the socket box with screws.


Pinout of telephone sockets

Let's look at the pinout diagram for the contacts on the RJ-11 and RJ-45 connectors. As mentioned earlier, the power in the telephone jack has 2-4 pins and is focused on the two middle connectors. According to the standard, the telephone cable is connected to the red and green cables in the socket, and a yellow and black wire is also included. Green and black wire means positive, red and yellow means negative.

As for the socket for computer communication, it is somewhat different from the telephone socket, although they are similar in appearance. The Internet cable consists of 8 wires, twisted in twos. The output is 4 twisted pairs, which differ in color.

There are single, double, triple, internal and external. Single RJ-45 is the simplest of the types, but double RJ-45 is considered universal. The cable is installed both in the wall and in the baseboard.

Switching does not require much effort or knowledge. All terminals are distinguished by color, each of them is connected to the corresponding color of the cores. When pinouting RJ-45, it is important to follow the color scheme. It is enough just to combine them with each other. It is suitable for connecting a computer, TV, router.

Pinouts should be done carefully without damaging the wires. The first thing to do is cut off the winding, leaving about 5 cm of exposed cable. We unwind the twisted pairs and connect them according to their color, then we insert the wires into the connectors. We insert the wires into the socket body, each into its own channel.

Important! Make sure the wires touch the copper plates on the connector. While holding the wire, press the wires one by one and secure them together.

Photos of telephone sockets

Connecting a telephone socket to the communication system is simple; installation is carried out without the involvement of specialists. In order to install and connect the wires correctly, you need to know:

  • mains voltage;
  • cable color markings;
  • type of connector and connection order.

Overhead telephone socket

Mains voltage

In idle mode, 40-60 volts DC flows through the lines.

When a call is received, this indicator reaches 120 volts, and when the handset is picked up, it drops to 6-12 V. This voltage does not pose a danger to human life and health.

It is impossible to cause damage to the line and the device due to the low current values. Even if there is a short circuit in the network, the automatic telephone exchange (automatic telephone exchange) will automatically turn off the voltage.

Before starting work, the readiness of the network is checked. To do this, you need to check the power to the incoming cable.

The test is performed using a multimeter in DC voltage measurement mode.

If there is no connected telephone or the parallel device is on-hook, the device will display values ​​in the range of 40-60 volts.

A correctly connected home telephone connects to the PBX through a plug.

Three types of connectors are used in operation:

  • Soviet-style overhead socket RTShK (telephone socket with capacitor);
  • with a connector for an RJ-11 Euro socket;
  • universal - allow the connection of new and old style plugs.

RTShK connection

This type is equipped with 4 separate contacts with bolted wire fastening.

Required tools: knife and screwdriver.

Work order

  1. The lid is unscrewed.
  2. To connect the cable, use the right terminals. In order to check the line for a break, a capacitor is used (in the absence of a call, current flows through it), which is connected to the upper right contact and the lower left.
  3. Attached to the wall.

Installing a plug involves connecting two wires to terminals.

For correct operation, the main thing is that the wire coming from the network matches the telephone terminal in the connector.

Installation diagram for RTShK socket

Connecting a surface socket

The universal overhead socket is a symbiosis of the standard RTShK socket, common since the times of the Soviet Union, and RJ-11 connectors for modern phones or Internet providers.

Required tools: knife and screwdriver.

Work order

  1. The cover is removed.
  2. The operability of the line is checked using a multimeter.
  3. The wires of a suitable cable are stripped and connected to the right contacts of the connector (top and bottom). Polarity doesn't matter.
  4. Attaches to the wall and closes with a lid.

Installation of the RJ-11 model

This type of modern connectors has a lot of advantages over their counterparts:

  • Possibility of use for several devices simultaneously;
  • small dimensions;
  • large selection of colors.

There are these types of it:

  • invoice;
  • built-in;
  • combined for several types of communication - allows you to simultaneously connect an Internet cable and a telephone cable.

Installation tools: screwdriver, multimeter and knife.

Work order

  1. Check the presence of power on the incoming line using a multimeter. The device is set to DC voltage measurement mode.
  2. The body is removed. Inside there are four contact terminals with different colors.
  3. The network cable is stripped to create contact.
  4. The line is connected to the green and red wire. In this case, polarity is not required.
  5. The case closes. The surface-mounted socket is ready for use.

You can switch the line with the device by crimping a suitable network cable in the RJ-11 connector.

The wire will need to be stripped and inserted into terminals numbered 2, 3, polarity does not matter. A crimper is used to crimp the cable securely in the plug. The factory wire is disconnected, the line with a crimped tip is connected directly to the device.

It is easier to connect a telephone socket with your own hands than an electrical one. And most importantly, it is safer, because the outlet contains a voltage that is safe for humans. But at the same time, keep in mind that when calling a subscriber, 120 Volts are supplied to the line - and this takes a toll on your hands.

Used to connect a telephone line only 2 wires of small cross-section. There is absolutely no difficulty in connecting a phone with your own hands. You will learn how to do this or connect several telephone sockets later in this article. If, after proper connection, the phone does not work, which is unlikely, then you need to swap the wires.

You can install any number of telephone sockets in your house or apartment- they are all connected to the line in parallel, i.e. one wire is connected to the first contact and from there goes to the first contact of the subsequent socket. The second wire comes to another contact of the socket and leaves from it the same way, but only to the second contact of the next one.

The overhead telephone socket is quite easy to disassemble— unscrew the bolt or pry the latches with a screwdriver in specially marked places. The internal socket is installed in a mounting box or block in the same way as an electrical outlet.

Telephone socket connection diagram

If you have an old telephone, then buy a universal telephone socket, which has both a modern connector and an old 4-pin connector with a fifth plastic tab. The old-style socket is connected very simply - 2 wires are connected to the right contacts relative to the plastic tab, which will be located at the bottom. But at the same time, you need to make sure that the wires in the plug from the telephone are connected in a mirror to the same contacts as in the socket.

Today there are 3 modern types of telephone connectors in use and, accordingly, 3 types of telephone sockets:

In any type of outlet A telephone cable with any type of RJ11, RJ14 or RJ25 connector can be connected. They are the same size and differ only in the number of contacts.

Consider, that according to the generally accepted color marking scheme, to connect one line in a surface-mounted socket, those contacts are used from which red and green wires extend to the connector.

To connect a telephone socket A two-wire wire is used in a house or apartment. The telephone socket in offices can be connected either with a six-, four- or two-core flat telephone cable, or with a twisted pair cable (for a computer network).

Features of connecting a Legrand telephone socket

When installing a Legrand telephone socket, there is no need to strip the wires, thanks to the built-in self-stripping mechanism. The cable is connected by turning the contact mechanism a quarter turn, as shown in the figure.

Apartment renovations are rarely complete without replacing elements such as electrical, television and telephone sockets. From the point of view of connection complexity, a telephone socket is a simpler element than an electrical one.

At the same time, installation work is much safer, since there is no life-threatening voltage in this device. Of course, this does not mean that you should not follow the rules of basic electrical safety, because in standby mode the voltage between the wires of the telephone line is about 60 V. You should also take into account the fact that disconnecting the telephone line is much more difficult than part of the power wiring. Another unpleasant moment is the appearance of 120 V voltage in the circuit at the moment a call arrives on the installed phone from any subscriber.

To understand how to connect a telephone socket, you should carefully consider its internal structure and the procedure for installing this device.

Installation of a telephone socket

Installing a telephone socket involves performing the following sequence of actions:

  1. Disassemble the body. To do this, use a screwdriver to unscrew the bolt that secures the cover to the body.
  2. If this product is intended for indoor installation, please install a mounting box for it first. To do this, a hole is drilled in the wall using a special bit attached to a drill. Next, a cable is connected to this hole (it is better to give preference to a four-core cable), which extends about 15 cm from the mounting box. For rigid fastening of the socket box in a concrete or brick wall, alabaster is used, and when installing the socket on a plasterboard wall, special fasteners are mounted on the socket itself. box. It is also worth mentioning that the correct installation of the telephone wire should be carried out in the wall under a layer of plaster, while its intersection or location near power wiring cables is not allowed.
  3. How to properly connect a telephone cable to a socket? Remove the insulation 5 mm from the edges of the telephone line wire. For this, a special tool or an ordinary knife can be used. If the installation of the socket is carried out by professionals, then they crimp the end of each core and install a special terminal on it.
  4. The telephone cable is connected to those terminals of the telephone socket to which the red and green conductors are connected. The connection diagram may differ depending on the type of connector used in this device. However, color coding is observed in most cases. In this case, the red color of the conductor insulation means that a minus must be connected to it, and the green color means that a plus must be connected. To determine which of the line wires is positive and which is negative, you can use an ordinary tester. As a rule, when connecting modern telephone sets polarity is not important. However, when installing a socket, the trial and error method is usually used: if the phone does not work, then you need to change the polarity.
  5. Assemble the socket housing.
  6. Check the functionality of the phone.

If this simple sequence of actions was performed correctly, then connecting the telephone socket is not difficult at all.

Wire selection

To wire the line according to the layout of telephone sets in the apartment, use TRP 2×0.4 or 2×0.4 wire, which has two separate copper cores covered with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation. A special feature of this cable, popularly called “noodles,” is the presence of a dividing strip between its cores. It is very convenient to drive small nails into this strip to secure the wire to the surface.

Types of telephone sockets

Despite the widespread unification of plug connectors used to connect telephones, there are still several types of telephone sockets.

  • Soviet-style socket (RTShK-4).

Currently, such models are becoming less and less common, but they are still in use. These devices are used in conjunction with older phone models. They are a socket with 4 blade-type contacts and a plastic tongue (key).

  • This is a single or double socket (RJ11). It is one of the most common types of these devices. Uses a two-wire connection. It can be used to connect home or office phones. In this case, to connect this socket to the linear wires of the telephone line, contacts marked with numbers 2 and 3 (green and red) are used.
  • 6P2C connector. (RJ12 standard). Can be produced in single or double version. Most often, these sockets are used to connect mini-PBXs in offices.
  • (RJ14 standard). This product can be used to connect two telephone lines or four-wire telephone sets. However, since in most apartments there is only one line, its wires are connected to the middle terminals (numbers 2 and 3) of such an outlet.
  • 6Р6С (RJ25). Has three pairs of contacts. Its purchase is impractical for installation in a private apartment that has only one line with a two-wire telephone. If you still have to install such a device, then the wires are connected to the upper terminals (numbers 3 and 4).
  • 8P8C (RJ45). An eight-wire connector used to build local area networks.

Since the listed connectors can be used in sockets of different standards (the main thing is that the number of wires in the connection matches), there is significant confusion in the names of connectors and socket models.

To install several telephones connected to each other, you can use a parallel connection scheme for sockets. To do this, in each connection that is present in one device, you should connect the wire of the same name from the neighboring one.