atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Allentel AT55-16 jacks

Just completed an install of 60 data locations using Allen Tel 55-16 jacks ( new re-designed ) and had sevral failures. Most of the wires break off at the termination point or V where the wire makes contact with the metal part of the jack. Anyone else hgad this problem? I've used 4 diffrent 110 punch tools, new blades, even a blade I ground down to modify in hopes of stopping the punch blade from breaking the wire. No luck. Allentel says I'm the only one complaining. I've boxed up the bad jacks with the 3" tail of cut terminated wire still connected and sent them off to there engineering department. will wait to here from them. Any one else having problems with these jacks?

Why are you using a punch down tool? Shouldn't just the caps and figertip pressure be sufficient?

Most brands only make them 110 "compatible", but this does not mean that a 110 tool is required to terminate upon them. This also means that using the full impact mode of the tool is enough to cause the problem you are experiencing.

I know that Sprint/North Supply had a bit too much of a transition between the throat of the clip and where the copper is actually forced down with their 66 blocks. This sharp edge was enough to break the conductor. I don't know the outcome of that.

Something similar came up with their IDC jack modules. It was determined that impact termination was not required and such rapid termination caused this edge to be enough to sever the wire.

Most supply house brands don't manufacture their own products; they just use a regular off-shore manufacturer that private-brands them for them.

You weren't using CAT6 cable with 5E or lower modules, were you? Remember that CAT6 is larger than 24AWG (23.5AWG) and if so, this might be the problem.

Ed, by the looks of those jacks, they are similar to ICC's jacks. I have used a punchdown tool on those and never had a problem. Truth be told, I use Leviton jacks unless I have to match what the customer has. The alarm supply places sell ICC so that's what the 'beanie boys' put in, and consequently I get to clean up

Ive used a lot of both the allentel and Icc I usually use punch tool and have had very few failures

how are you supporting the jack when you punch down ?

I always use one of these

Use Leviton and the Harris/Fluke Jack Rapid press and you won't have to worry about it.

-Hal

I'm still debating on whether to buy a JackRapid. I saw them on clearance at Home Depot not too long ago.

I have the Jack Rapid tool for the Systimax MGS400 jacks. Works awesome. Just picked up a new Leviton Jack Rapid tool on ebay for $39. There is another one on there right now.

I would be careful about buying things at HD and Lowes. Lots of things are de-spec'd- from windows and doors, paint, paint brushes, plumbing faucets, locksets, and especially tools. They may be brand name but they ain't the same! That's how they can sell so cheep. Do you really want the same tools as a DIY or Joe Jackleg?

-Hal

True...but I have bought Klein tools there many times and never had a problem. Of course since I work at a hardware store I shouldn't be going to HD or Lowes...

We purchased one a bout a year ago for the Cat 5E.
We are using it for the school jobs we have going. We have the Cat 6 die and it is working great. leviton had a deal at Electric Supply, if you purchased more than 100 cat 6 jacks you got the tool and the die for free. We are doing approx 1500 so I split the order and got 2.

Good Luck

Cosmo