Punch Down Blocks Key Terms

Review punch down blocks key terms

Punch down blocks are the telecommunications standard for voice cabling. If your business requires many lines for your telephone, the central location for all that cabling is the punch down panel. This is where the phone line makes its connection and becomes live. Punchdown blocks, like most items in the telecommunications industry, have unique terms and jargon associated with it. Review the key terms below to find the punch down block that meets your business communication needs.

 

Punch down block

A punch down block is a system that contains a large group of telecommunication wires. It's also called a terminating block, a connecting blocks or a cross-connect block.
Try: Read a definition of punch down block on Webopedia. Visit PCMag.com for a definition of punch blocks.

66 blocks/66 block wiring

One common type of punch down block is 66 blocks, also known as 66 block wiring. With 50 rows of four slots, 66 block wiring will handle 25 pair of wires.
Try: HomeTech Solutions details the different types of connecting blocks, including 66 blocks. Tech-FAQ also provides information about 66 block wiring.

110 wiring block

A 110 wiring block is another common type of punch down system. It allows connections between patch panels and outlets in the work area.
Try: Read about the installation process of a 110 wiring block at the CableOrganizer website.

Ethernet cabling

Ethernet cables commonly used in punch down blocks carry data, voice, audio and video signals from one source to the other. There are different categories of Ethernet cables, ranging from Cat 3 to Cat 7. The higher the Cat number is, the higher the quality of the Ethernet cable. However, anything over Cat 5 is typically not compatible with punch down blocks.
Try: Petri IT Knowledgebase details the different types of Ethernet cables and their uses.

Color code

Telecommunications wires are color coded depending on the type of wire it is. There is a color-coding standard among industry professionals so anyone in the telecommunications business can repair or replace the wiring. Color code is especially important in punch down blocks because of the large number of wires confined in the small area.
Try: Read about telecommunications color coding standards for wire on the Telecommunications Tidbits website.

Punch down tool

Like most wiring projects, you get the job done right when you have the right tool. A punch down tool is designed specifically to terminate the phone connection inside the punch down block to make the line active.
Try: Read about punch down tools at Phone Man's Home Phone Wiring Advice Page.

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