Issue with Monoprice cable and RJ45 plugs

W

windy89

n3wb
Jan 23, 2023
5
1
USA
I have this Monoprice cable (Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Bulk Cable - Solid, 550MHz, U/FTP, CM, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 23AWG, 500ft), and a bag of Monoprice standard RJ45 plugs (PID 7266, MP-MP6U8P8C Cat6 Plug Solid W/Insert 50U)
I was under the impression that they were compatible, but although I have in the past terminated a number of Ethernet cables without any issue, with these two specific items, I am totally unable to fit the conductors through the insert. Basically, the inserts seem too small for the size of the conductors. which are 23AWG.
So, is there anyone with experience with this cable who could advise what connector would fit better.
I keep watching these youtube videos showing how easy it is to insert those conductors, so I must have the wrong plugs.
Thanks for any sugggestion
 
windy89 said:
I have this Monoprice cable (Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Bulk Cable - Solid, 550MHz, U/FTP, CM, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 23AWG, 500ft), and a bag of Monoprice standard RJ45 plugs (PID 7266, MP-MP6U8P8C Cat6 Plug Solid W/Insert 50U)
I was under the impression that they were compatible, but although I have in the past terminated a number of Ethernet cables without any issue, with these two specific items, I am totally unable to fit the conductors through the insert. Basically, the inserts seem too small for the size of the conductors. which are 23AWG.
So, is there anyone with experience with this cable who could advise what connector would fit better.
I keep watching these youtube videos showing how easy it is to insert those conductors, so I must have the wrong plugs.
Thanks for any sugggestion
Click to expand...

I was able to get my connectors RJ45 and Cat6 cable from monoprice to work out.
( not certain of the model / sku on those )

Please share pictures of the issues you are having
 
Are the holes staggered on the inserts? If they're straight line you might have mistakenly got the cat5e inserts. Oh, and don't be like me sometimes trying to insert the wires into the wrong end of the insert.
 
Here is a picture. It shows I was only able to partially insert some of the conductors into the insert, and I pushed as hard as I could while rocking them a little. That insert really looks too small.
And yes, the holes are staggered, and I am pretty sure I was pushing the wires on the right side, it is slightly more open.
 

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The insulation/ jacket on the wires might be too fat for that connector.
Not sure how they can sell Cat6 wire and Cat6 terminations that dont fit together.
Try another RJ45 connector rated for Cat6 23awg.
you might have been sent Cat5e 24awg terminations.
 
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windy89 said:
Here is a picture.
Click to expand...
I don't see that you're doing anything wrong. I've used these connectors with at least 10 different rolls of monoprice cat6 and never run into the problem you're having, BUT, I see you have shielded cat6 cable. I'm wondering if the shielded cable might have fatter insulation on the conductors? I wouldn't know, having used only UTP. I don't want to open another can of worms here, you're putting an unshielded connector on a shielded cable, so you won't be bonding the shield on that end. Will you be bonding it on the other end via a shielded connector? If you leave it floating it could cause problems.
 
Are you sure the CAT-6 cable you have is NOT CAT-6A? All the ones on Monoprice's site that say "Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Bulk Cable - Solid, 550MHz, U/FTP, CM, Pure Bare Copper Wire, 23AWG, 500ft" as in your OP are CAT-6 A (Augmented) and have a thicker jacket. Of course, I could be overlooking something.
 
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Thanks tigerwillow1, you were right on both counts. After a chat session with Monoprice this morning, they confirmed I did'nt have the right connectors, and actually recommended a shielded connector Apparently, it accepts thicker wires, so I am good now.
Some people say I should use a special crimping tool for shielded connectors. I don't know if they just want to sell something and if I can use my regular tool.
 
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The "U/FTP" in your first post means that each pair is shielded with foil so each conductor is VERY thick. Also, if those RJ-45 connectors in your post #9 that were recently suggested by Monoprice are staggered and have no insert like your first ones you're likely to have a VERY tough time getting them properly inserted and lined up before crimping....just saying. :cool:

I like Monoprice and I buy from them all the time but too many of their staff that answers the phone or chat give out info even wehn they don't know what they are talking about. Instead of saying "...I'm not sure but let me find out so I can give you the right answer" they say something inaccurate instead. MOF, too many CS agents everywhere do this.

I still think you may have a mis-match between cable and connector...but it would not bother me one bit to be mistaken. :cool:
 
@TonyR: No insert, and I have read the reviews, many insist it's feasible when you get used to it, but very hard. So I am looking for other options. Since pretty much no supplier indicate the acceptable wire diameter, I have to assume that shielded connectors hopefully take the larger size into account. Not sure about that either. I think I will try the recommended monoprice and suffer through the process.
 
The web page for those connectors leaves me scratching my head a bit with these statements:

Solid/Stranded Cable
Sheilded RJ45 connectors for Cat6 Stranded cables.
For Stranded wire cables.
And on the product photo it says "Cat6 Shielded Stranded"

Is your wire by any chance stranded? If so, then these connectors should be ok. If it's solid wire the contradictory statements may or may not indicate a possible problem. If the wire is stranded that would explain why it's too fat for the inserts because with any given wire gauge, a stranded conductor will be physically fatter.

Those blunt end no insert connectors are difficult. When I first used them a bit over 30 years ago, that's all that was available. I've had to use them maybe once or twice a year over the past few years and hate it every time. The combination of old eyes, shaky hands, and short attention span make it an "interesting" job.
 
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@tigerwillow1: the conductor is solid. I agree with you, their web page is confusing, and I share with you the same 'interesting' aspect of the job.
@looney2ns: thanks for the suggestion. I never had any problem with the few products I purchased from Monoprice in the past, but I am having issues finding consistent recommendations from Monoprice this time.
I will check Truecable.
 
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