Master Your NTE5 Telephone Socket

How It Can Help With Telephone Extension Wiring
& Solving Broadband Speed  / Connection Problems

The NTE5 telephone master socket was introduced in 1986, it is used for single analogue telephone line installations on the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). One of its most important tangible functions, is to serve as a demarcation point, this is the point at which responsibility for any technical problems or faults that may effect line services. This is achieved with a two part face plate configuration, all customer owned wiring is attached to the lower detachable half of the NTE5 master socket face plate main body.

The main body of the NTE5 telephone master socket faceplate houses its own special telephone socket, this socket serves as a test port once the lower detachable half has been removed. When directly connected to your telephone line via the test socket you are able to quite easily start a simple analysis of any service related problems.

Providing that no additional wiring has been added to the line before the NTE5 telephone master socket connection, then the test socket will serve as an excellent simple point of testing. Using the test socket allows you clearly identify the origin of any problems / faults. Should the problem persist whilst your device plugged directly into the test socket, the fault will in most cases be the responsibility of your service provider and any repair costs will be covered by your line rental charges.

One popular reason for being interested in the NTE5 telephone master socket & associated wiring is to ensure that you are able to have the best possible broadband speed available to you. As such there are some additional factors that maybe worth knowing about.

THE METHOD USED TO CONNECT THE WIRES IN THE NTE5

The connection method used for the wires inside the socket can be either screw  or Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) terminals. The IDC method is the preferred choice of professional installers mainly because of speed & the highly reliable gas-tight connection created. Subject to using the correct method of installation & tools the IDC method will actually create a effective mechanical weld that fulfils the required standards of line quality for services such as broadband internet connections.

(Note IDC connector modules are designed to have an optimum capacity of two wires per connection point, although it is possible to connect a third wire this action will often degrade the mechanical characteristics of the connection. Installing a third wire will often have a negative effect on both voice and broadband internet services)

THE BELL WIRE IN THE NTE5

This can cause interference, however it can be removed as it is generally not required on a broadband enabled line. Many new NTE5 telephone master sockets now come with a bell wire filter fitted to reduce this type of interference. 

THE POLE TELEPHONE LINE SUPPLY

Weather conditions such as wind & rain can compound the effects of a degraded joint, the same effect can also be experienced by tree branches touching the line. Even birds perched on the line can sometimes make things worse.

THE UNDERGROUND TELEPHONE LINE SUPPLY

Weather conditions such as heavy rain & very low temperatures can compound the effects of a degraded joint, similar compounding effects can sometimes be caused by tree roots or burrowing animals. Another source of potential problems are ground works being carried out for building or new pathways.

JOINT BOXES

Some external joint boxes attached to customer premises have connecting wires pass through a screw terminal joint. This can be the source of corrosion & high resistance type faults. Both of which can have a negative effect on the line & some enabled services. Special sealed joints can solve this problem.

THE EXTERNAL NTE

Contains a set of master socket components, putting another set of master socket components on the network will often create a fault after a period of time.

TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS

When installing extension sockets always use the correct type, i.e. secondary sockets.

Do not connect your modem/router using poor quality extension cable.

Poor quality extension cables are one of the most common one causes of broadband speed & connection problems. Extension cables can massively increase interference on your line and cause broadband speeds to be lowered.

In the event that you choose not to have a telephone extension professionally fitted, you may want to consider locating your router in your master socket and use a long cat5e / ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router.

USING THE CORRECT TYPE OF CABLE

Internal grade telephone cable should always have a minimum standard of CW1308, internal grade cable should not be used outside as its life span will be significantly reduced.

External grade cable should always have a minimum standard of CW1128 standard, this type of cable is graded to last tens of years & in many cases this type of cable will be trouble free for 50 years or more.

NEW DOORS, WINDOWS & FLOORING

When fitting new doors & windows or flooring always check to see how your existing wiring may be effected, you may need to have cables re-routed to ensure continued trouble free line services

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR YOUR MASTER TELEPHONE SOCKET & EXTENSIONS 

Ensure that your master & extension sockets are not located in areas of dampness or high moisture levels.

Remember its your communications gateway, so look after it & it will serve you well

CALL BURYTEC

INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE ENGINEER SERVICE MANCHESTER

0161 797 4335

01204 224 248

07989 380 551

PETER LLOYD