Why Make Your Own Ethernet Cables?
While pre-made Ethernet cables are convenient, they often come in fixed lengths that might not be a perfect fit for your specific CCTV camera setup.
For Australian DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike, creating your own cables is the smart way to go. It offers several key advantages:
Custom Lengths: You can make each cable the exact length you need, eliminating messy cable coils and ensuring a clean, professional-looking installation.
Cost-Effective: Buying a bulk spool of Ethernet cable and RJ45 connectors is generally more affordable than purchasing multiple pre-made cables.
Superior Performance: A well-made custom cable can ensure a reliable, high-speed connection for your security cameras, which is crucial for clear video feeds and remote access.
This guide will walk you through the process, based on the T568A wiring standard used in Australia, helping you create a perfect Ethernet cable every time.
The 5-Step DIY Process
Step 1: Prepare and Strip the Cable
First, you'll need a network cable stripper (also known as a crimping tool).
Use it to carefully remove about 2-3 cm of the outer jacket from the end of your Ethernet cable. Be careful not to cut too deep and damage the eight smaller wires inside. These wires are the heart of your cable, and any nicks can affect its performance.
Step 2: Remove the Divider
After stripping the jacket, you'll see a divider or plastic spline running down the center of the cable.
This helps maintain the cable's structure. Cut and remove this divider with your stripping tool. This makes it much easier to work with the individual wires in the next steps.
Step 3: Untwist and Straighten the Wires
Gently untwist the four pairs of wires, then straighten each of the eight individual wires.
Take your time with this step—it's important to make them as straight and parallel as possible to ensure they fit correctly into the connector.
Step 4: Order the Wires (T568A Standard)
This is the most critical step for an Australian connection. You must arrange the wires in the correct order according to the T568A standard from left to right:
Once the wires are in the correct order, trim the ends to a length of about half an inch (1.25 cm), making sure they are perfectly straight and even.
Step 5: Insert the RJ45 Connector and Crimp
Carefully push the arranged wires all the way into the RJ45 connector.
You should see the tip of each wire at the end of its respective channel. Make sure the cable's outer jacket is seated firmly inside the connector to provide strain relief.
Finally, use your crimping tool to crimp the connector firmly onto the cable. This action secures the wires and locks the connector in place, creating a new Ethernet plug.
For a visual demonstration of these steps, you can watch our detailed video tutorial here:
Need High-Quality CCTV and Networking Equipment?
At S-Market, we provide everything you need for your security system, from high-quality cables and connectors to top-tier security cameras and NVRs. Our products are designed to meet Australian standards, and our local support team is always here to help.
Ready to build a more secure and reliable home or business? Start with the right products from S-Market.
Have a question about this guide or a different DIY project?
Let us know in the comments below!