Network jack - plastic release tab position?

[Kevin Gibbons]

Hello all,

This is going to sound like a very dumb question to many... but when
wiring a new phone or network jack into a wall plate, what is the
suggested placement of the plastic release tab? Top of the jack, or
bottom of the jack?

[John Morley]

Hi,

I wire mine so that the tab is "up". That allows me to see it better
when I'm unplugging cables, and it allows me to look into the outlet
with the cable unplugged and see the condition of the contacts.

John



Kevin Gibbons
> Hello all,
>
> This is going to sound like a very dumb question to many... but when
> wiring a new phone or network jack into a wall plate, what is the
> suggested placement of the plastic release tab? Top of the jack, or
> bottom of the jack?
>

[ABLE1]

Hi,

I always put the tab down so that the connection points are up. This way
when the jack is sitting empty dirt and junk don't collect on the spring
leafs causing bad connections at a later date.

As long as you don't get some eager code official spouting off his
preference I think it would be installers choice.

Les


> Hi,
>
> I wire mine so that the tab is "up". That allows me to see it better
> when I'm unplugging cables, and it allows me to look into the outlet
> with the cable unplugged and see the condition of the contacts.
>
> John
>
>
>
> Kevin Gibbons
> > Hello all,
> >
> > This is going to sound like a very dumb question to many... but when
> > wiring a new phone or network jack into a wall plate, what is the
> > suggested placement of the plastic release tab? Top of the jack, or
> > bottom of the jack?
> >
>

[BruceR]

Western Electric, the inventor of the modular jack, intended for the tab
to be on the bottom. However, it makes no real difference so do whatever
you find best. There is something to be said for keeping the contacts on
top (tab down) to reduce dirt accumulation on the contacts. Building
inspectors don't care since there is no life safety issue involved.

> Hello all,
>
> This is going to sound like a very dumb question to many... but when
> wiring a new phone or network jack into a wall plate, what is the
> suggested placement of the plastic release tab? Top of the jack, or
> bottom of the jack?