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drtbk4ever · 08-13-2009, 12:00 PM

Hey gang,

We are going to be moving a small wall and I think the phone line runs through it.

Is it a problem to cut the phone wire and then splice it back together in the new wall?

mpoulton · 08-13-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drtbk4ever

Hey gang,

We are going to be moving a small wall and I think the phone line runs through it.

Is it a problem to cut the phone wire and then splice it back together in the new wall?

Go for it. Phone lines are easy to work with and have no real special requirements. There is insufficient power available to pose a danger, except while ringing. It would be smart to disconnect the phone service before doing it though, since cutting the ringing voltage is about 90VAC and will make you quite unhappy if someone happens to call while you are holding the wires.

**thekctermite** · 08-13-2009, 12:46 PM

I've done that a couple times in my house with no problems at all. I used those little connectors with dielectric grease in them and had absolutely no loss of signal (two of the individual wires go into each of them and they're crushed with pliers to make the connection). I've honestly never used them in a concealed location though, for that I pull new wire. You could probably do it with a punchdown connector as well but I'd be a bit more concerned about dirtying up the connection.

Phone wire's cheap...Can't pull new?

drtbk4ever · 08-13-2009, 12:50 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I was worried we weren't allowed to cut and splice the line and I would have to run a new line.

Whew.

Now would a splice impact the data transmission on our DSL line?

Yoyizit · 08-13-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drtbk4ever

Now would a splice impact the data transmission on our DSL line?

The spliced wire, and the splice, should have the same "characteristic impedance" as the rest of the wire. I doubt it will be a problem, though.

J. V. · 08-13-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drtbk4ever

Now would a splice impact the data transmission on our DSL line?

I hope not. I have splices I'm sure, and DSL as well. You will be fine.

mpoulton · 08-13-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drtbk4ever

Now would a splice impact the data transmission on our DSL line?

It may, but probably not. DSL is a fairly tolerant protocol as far as impedance mismatches are concerned - I have heard of people using DSL modems to send data for miles over fence wire. However, try to make your splice as neat as possible, keeping the conductors directly against each other and in a straight line. This will minimize any potential problems.

drtbk4ever · 08-13-2009, 03:14 PM

Cool,

thanks guys.

vsheetz · 08-13-2009, 05:11 PM

Only problem I have with spicing the wires inside the wall. Can make future troubleshooting of an issue a real pain. Wires seldom go bad - but connections go bad. If you can add a piece of wire and have the spices land in a attic or basement area, it would be getter.

drtbk4ever · 08-13-2009, 05:47 PM

OK Vsheetz, good info. I will remember that.

Yoyizit · 08-13-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpoulton

send data for miles over fence wire.

But at a very low transmission rate? I'm thinking way less than 3 kHz with a terrible S/N ratio.

mpoulton · 08-13-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoyizit

But at a very low transmission rate? I'm thinking way less than 3 kHz with a terrible S/N ratio.

Nope, normal DSL speeds. One Motorola DSL modem at each end. The trick is that it's a differential signaling system, and parallel fence wires are actually a decent balanced transmission line.

Yoyizit · 08-13-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpoulton

Nope, normal DSL speeds. One Motorola DSL modem at each end. The trick is that it's a differential signaling system, and parallel fence wires are actually a decent balanced transmission line.

I keep thinking they will exceed Shannon's theoretical limits for channel capacity. Maybe they already have.

n0c7 · 08-14-2009, 02:28 AM

I would install a blank wall plate at the location of the splice so that someone in the future including yourself can gain access if need be. Would even prefer to see it inside a box behind the blank wall plate.