6 Factors to Consider When Buying RJ45 Plugs for Large Cables

We take many factors into account when selecting the right plugs for UFTP, FUTP, SFTP solid and stranded cables: connector types, assembly types, cable OD, assembly time, assembly difficulty, and current carrying capacity for PoE Ethernet, and MPTL implementations.

Cable OD and insulation OD are relatively more crucial when we help you choose the most suitable plugs for your thick RJ45 cables. So, before we go into more details about the plugs, please be sure to know the cable OD (the outer diameter of the entire cable, including the cable jacket) and the insulation OD (each outer diameter of the 8 individual wires). Other than the plugs, we offer large OD solutions, including connectors, patch cords, and patch panels. Send us your specific needs, and we will suggest the most suitable plug for your needs.

How to Choose STP RJ45 Plugs for Thick Cables

The RJ45 STP plugs have some key designs that affect the price, and here are our recommendations: toolless plugs for the best performance, closed end plugs for the best value, pass through plugs for the easiest termination. Each type of these plugs has specific structure designs for different applications. Depended on your requirements, each plug has its own pros and cons. Kindly inform us of your specific needs, and we would be pleased to assist you in identifying the most suitable plug.

Best Performance STP RJ45 Plug for Thick Cables

The STP field termination plugs are best for crosstalk reduction, on-site terminations without use of crimping tool, re-terminations (up to 20 times), great sealing for contact pin oxidation. These plugs provide a quicker and cleaner on-site termination without the need for a crimping tool, which is required for the terminations of both types of modular plugs. The field termination plugs can be re-terminate up to 20 times, making them a great choice for remote or temporary installations. Unlike the field termination plugs, for every termination with modular plugs, the installer needs new plugs and a crimping tool.

4PPoE Field Termination Plugs for Carrying Data and Power

Both STP large OD modular plugs and the field termination plugs support 4PPoE in a MPTL link, but the PCB and IDC designs in the STP field termination plugs allow a relatively less crosstalk, more stable data transmission, and more efficient power wattage delivery between PoE switches, making the field termination plugs a more high-end choice. Because of its 4PPoE performance (from high to low capacity: 4PPoE = PoE++ > PoE+ > PoE), flexibility and convenience, the field termination plugs are highly advantageous, as they allow for customized cable creation in the field, without the need for crimping tools. So, they are great for cabling installations of IP surveillance camera, lighting systems, PoE switches, and industrial automation.

Field Termination Plugs for MPTL Implementations

Not only in horizontal and vertical wiring, the field termination plugs with the excellent PoE feature in MPTL applications represent the evolution of networking infrastructure, catering to modern needs for speed, flexibility, and efficiency. Technicians can quickly terminate cables without heading back to a workstation or requiring additional tools, speeding up the installation process. In a MPTL link, the field termination plugs are attached directly to the end of a horizontal cable on-site, allowing for immediate device connections without requiring extra patch cords. So, by reducing the need for additional components like outlets and equipment cords, MPTL presents a potential decrease in material costs.

Toolless Plug Myth: What Makes a RJ45 Plug “Toolless”

All RJ45 plugs require some tools (cable strippers and flush cutters) for assembly, but toolless plugs does not require a crimping tool, unlike modular plugs that still need a large and heavy crimping tool for termination. In other words, for the assembly of toolless plugs, you only need two lightweight and handy tools (and no crimping tool). However, if you want to terminate many field termination plugs one after another, we strongly recommend that you use our crimping plier (3H000036) for fatigue relief. The crimping plier allows you to use less hand strength while providing consistent and good sealing of the plug housing.

Things You Need To Know About Closed End Plugs

The STP closed end plugs are the cheaper option for applications where we wanted to ensure no moisture, dust, or other foreign particles entering and oxidizing the conductors. But, those less acquainted with the assembly process might find assembling closed end plugs more challenging than pass through plugs and toolless plugs. For example, it might take longer time for those who are not familiar with assembly process to measure the precise length of the wires before sliding the wires into a closed end plug. Also, checking the wires’ sequence inside a closed end plug is another difficulty.

Easiest and Quickest STP RJ45 Plugs for Bulky Cables

In terms of the easiest and quickest assembly within budget, STP pass through plugs are the best choice. The pass through plugs allow someone less familiar with the assembly process to use relatively much less time. These plugs allow wires to pass through for a quick and easy check on the wire sequence and the proper contacts between the wires and the gold plated contact pins inside the plug while still offering some level of sealing. Please keep in mind that, while the pass though plugs are easy to add, change, or terminate with cables in the future, they are also more susceptible to oxidation than toolless plugs and closed end plugs because the conductors inside each of the 8 wires are exposed at the tip of the pass through plugs.

The Time Factor: Assembly Durations for Different Plug Types

Generally, toolless plugs and pass through modular plugs take less time than closed end modular plugs. However, the assembly time for these types of plugs can vary based on the specific design of the plug, the tool used, the skill and experience of the installation technician, cable flexibility, and the cable structure. We will focus more on the specific plug design and the useful tool for terminating the plugs with large cables.

STP Plug Designs for Thick Cables

Different plug designs enable great strain relief and more rooms for thick cables: the 5 angle plug boots (toolless plugs) and tail clips (modular plugs). The 5 angle plug boots of the toolless plugs allow flexibility in the management of the bulky cables for neater and more organized setup. As for modular plugs, they have the strain relief holes removed and replaced with tail clips for strain relief. So, the tail clip allows a larger space for cables inside the plug housing.

Recommended Crimping Tool for RJ45 Modular Plugs

The RJ45 Multi-Function Crimper is specially designed to provide great convenience for terminations of all common types of UTP and STP pass through and closed end modular plugs. Moreover, plugs with strain relief or without stain relief can all be terminated by this Multi-Function Crimper. Last but not least, there is a special design on the body of this RJ45 multi-function crimper, which can be used to bend modular plug’s tail clip and fasten the cables, ensuring a great network connection. This all-in-one design makes the RJ45 Multi-Function Crimper the best termination tool for the most widely-used RJ45 modular plugs.