UTP Cat-5 wiring): Why are the RJ45 plugs I crimped on failing?
There are two varieties of category 5 wire that should be used: one has solid conductors and is generally used for permanent wiring; the other has stranded conductors and is generally used for making flexible patch cords. Some RJ-45 plugs are designed for solid wire (their contacts straddle each conductor), others are designed for stranded wire (and pierce through between of the strands). Using the wrong type of plug for a given type of cable will make a poor connection that may fail intermittently. There is a third variety of RJ-45 plug that will work with either solid or stranded wire. Another cause of bad crimp connections is using the wrong crimping tool for a given brand of connector. In particular, many AMP brand connectors have the strain reliefs located in a different position than most. Using a standard tool with these plugs will damage the plug. Ensure that the wires when cut are of equal length and pushed all the way up into the plug so the copper is flush at the top. — Add
