Google Top Quality Store · Rated Exceptional
View as

RJ45 Connectors

RJ45 is the eight-position modular connector used on Ethernet cable. This page has crimp plugs for making up patch leads, including pass-through types, strain relief boots, inline couplers that join two leads, and Cat5e and Cat6 outlet modules and wall outlets with IDC terminals for finishing a run at the wall, with an RJ12 plug and a USB-C Ethernet adaptor alongside.

Choosing RJ45 Connectors

Work out whether the cable ends in a plug, a join or a wall outlet, then match the part to the cable category.

Crimp plugs

Standard 8P8C crimp plugs include the AV:Link 779.224UK, in a pack of 100, and the Haydon Cat5/Cat5e crimp plugs in a pack of 10. Pass-through plugs let the pair order be checked before crimping: the Haydon HAY-RJ45CAT6-10RAP has gold-plated contacts, and the HAY-RJ45CAT6-T100RAP is a tub of 100. The AV:Link 779.222UK is an RJ12 6P6C plug.

Boots and couplers

A strain relief boot protects the joint: the AV:Link 113.120UK suits Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a cable, and the Haydon RJ45 strain relief boot is a grey one for Cat5. Female-to-female couplers such as the AV:Link 779.232UK and the Haydon HAY-RJ45COUPLER join two terminated patch leads, and the HAY-RJ45COUPLERSH is fully shielded for STP or FTP leads. The AV:Link 779.231UK joins two solid cables and is supplied with cable ties.

Outlets and modules

At the wall, the Knightsbridge NETCAT5WH and NETCAT5BK are Cat5e RJ45 modules and the NETCAT6GY a Cat6 module, sized 25 x 50mm for euro-module faceplates. The SFRJ45MW and SFRJ45MB are screwless Cat5e outlets certified to BS 5733, and the MRJ45 is a metal-clad Cat5e outlet with IDC terminals and a back box.

NeedExamplesDetail
Crimp plugAV:Link 779.224UK, Haydon Cat5/Cat5e crimp plugs8P8C
Pass-through plugHaydon HAY-RJ45CAT6-10RAP, HAY-RJ45CAT6-T100RAPCat6
BootAV:Link 113.120UK, Haydon grey Cat5 bootStrain relief
In-line couplerKnightsbridge NETRJC5, NETRJC6, AV:Link 779.231UKCat5e, Cat6
Shielded couplerHaydon HAY-RJ45COUPLERSHSTP or FTP leads
Outlet moduleKnightsbridge NETCAT5WH, NETCAT6GY25 x 50mm, IDC
Wall outletKnightsbridge SFRJ45MW, MRJ45Cat5e, IDC
USB-C adaptorAV:Link 500.104UK10/100/1000Mbps

Cat5e or Cat6

Cat6 parts include the Haydon pass-through plugs, the NETCAT6GY module and the 779.231UK and NETRJC6 couplers, while the NETCAT5 modules, the NETRJC5 coupler and the SFRJ45 outlets are Cat5e. Crimp plugs need a matching crimper from our wire strippers and crimpers.

Brands we stock in RJ45 Connectors

AV:Link, Haydon and Knightsbridge.

Knightsbridge makes the wall outlets and outlet modules here, Haydon and AV:Link supply the plugs and boots, and in-line couplers come from Knightsbridge, Haydon and AV:Link.

Related categories

Terminate Ethernet cables, fit data modules and faceplates, land runs at patch panels, test with cable testers, or see the wider data and communication range.

Frequently asked questions

What is a three-piece RJ45 plug?

A three-piece RJ45 plug comes as separate parts that fit together: the plug body, a load bar or wire guide, and a rear boot or strain relief piece. The conductors are threaded through the load bar in the right order first, which holds them straight and level. The bar then slides into the plug body ready for crimping, which suits thicker Cat6 conductors.

What is an RJ45 modular plug?

An RJ45 modular plug is the eight-contact connector crimped onto the end of a twisted-pair network cable. It clicks into an RJ45 socket on a switch, router, wall outlet or device, and its locking tab holds it in place until pressed. The range here includes standard crimp plugs and pass-through plugs, which let installers see the wire order before crimping.

What is the wiring diagram for an RJ45 connector?

An RJ45 connector is usually wired to one of two colour codes, known as A and B, which swap the orange and green pairs. Looking at the contacts with the locking tab underneath, the B order reads left to right as orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, brown. Use the same order at the far end for a standard straight-through lead.

How do I wire an RJ45 connector?

Strip the outer sheath, untwist the pairs and straighten the conductors, then lay them in the chosen colour order. Trim them level, push them firmly into the plug until the conductors reach the front, and crimp with a matching RJ45 crimp tool. A pass-through plug lets the wires poke out of the front so the order can be checked, and a cable tester confirms the result.

What is the difference between Cat5 and Cat6 RJ45 connectors?

Cat6 RJ45 plugs are usually made for the thicker conductors of Cat6 cable and often add a load bar to keep the pairs neat. Cat5 and Cat5e plugs may not seat Cat6 conductors properly. Cat6A cable is thicker again, so check that the plug, boot and coupler match the cable category before terminating.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

You may also like

  • Fast shipping

    On every UK Order

  • Special Trade Discount

    Regular sales and discounts

  • WME Guarantee

    We provide warranty

  • Full Support

    Talk to a real person