ANSI/TIA -568-C Wiring Schemes T568A and T568B

ANSI/TIA-568-C does not sanction the use of the USOC scheme. Instead, two wiring schemes are specified, both of which are suitable for either voice or high-speed LAN operation. These are designated as T568A and T568B wiring schemes.

Both T568A and T568B are universal in that all LAN systems and most voice systems can utilize either wiring sequence without system errors. After all, the electrical signal really doesn't care if it is running on pair 2 or pair 3, as long as a wire is connected to the pin it needs to use. The TIA/EIA standard specifies eight-position, eight-contact jacks and plugs and four-pair cables, fully terminated, to facilitate this universality.

The T568B wiring configuration was at one time the most commonly used scheme, especially for commercial installations; it is shown in Figure 1. The TIA/EIA adopted the T568B wiring scheme from the AT&T 258A wiring scheme.

 
Figure 1: The T568B wiring pattern

The T568A scheme (shown in Figure 10.9) is well suited to upgrades and new installations in residences because the wire-termination pattern for pairs 1 and 2 is the same as for USOC. Unless a waiver is granted, the U.S. government requires all government cabling installations to use the T568A wiring pattern. The current recommendation according to the standard is for all new installations to be wired with the T568A scheme.

 
Figure 2: The T568A wiring pattern

The wire colors and the associated pin assignments for the T568B wiring scheme look like this:

Pin	Wire Color
1	White/orange
2	Orange
3	White/green
4	Blue
5	White/blue
6	Green
7	White/brown
8	Brown

The pin assignments for the T568A wiring schemes are identical to the assignments for the T568B pattern except that wire pairs 2 and 3 are reversed. The T568A pattern looks like this:

Pin	Wire Color
1	White/green
2	Green
3	White/orange
4	Blue
5	White/blue
6	Orange
7	White/brown
8	Brown

Note that when you buy eight-position modular jacks, you may need to specify whether you want a T568A or T568B scheme because the jacks often have IDC connections on the back where you punch the pairs down in sequence from 1 to 4. The jacks have an internal PC board that takes care of all the pair splitting and proper alignment of the cable conductors with the pins in the jack. Most manufacturers now provide color-coded panels on the jacks that let you punch down either pinout scheme, eliminating the need for you to specify (and for them to stock) different jacks depending on which pinout you use.

Tip

Whichever scheme you use, T568A or T568B, you must also use that same scheme for your patch panels and follow it in any cross-connect blocks you install. Consistency is the key to a successful installation.

Be aware that modular jacks pretty much look alike even though their performance may differ dramatically. Be sure you also specify the performance level (e.g., Category 3, Category 5e, Category 6, Category 6A, etc.) when you purchase your jacks.

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Tips for Terminating UTP Connectors

Keep the following points in mind when terminating UTP connectors:

• When connecting to jacks and plugs, do not untwist UTP more than 0.5″ for Category 5e and not more than 0.375″ for Category 6.
• Always use connectors, wall plates, and patch panels that are compatible (same rating or higher) with the grade of cable used.
• To "future-proof" your installation, terminate all four pairs, even if the application requires only two of the pairs.
• Remember that the T568A wiring scheme is compatible with USOC wiring schemes that use pairs 1 and 2.
• When terminating ScTP cables, always terminate the drain wire on both ends of the connection.

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When working with ScTP wiring, the drain wire makes contact with the cable shield along its entire length; this provides a ground path for EMI energy that is collected by the foil shield. When terminating ScTP, the drain wire within the cable is connected to a metal shield on the jack. This must be done at both ends of the cable. If left floating or if connected only on one end, instead of providing a barrier to EMI the cable shield becomes a very effective antenna for both emitting and receiving stray signals.

In a cable installation that utilizes ScTP, the plugs, patch cords, and patch panels must be shielded as well.