atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring PBX & 66 block & amphenol connectors

Hi folks. Forgive me if these are obvious questions; I'm a software engineer trying to install a PBX in a test lab.

I've got a Nortel 6x16 PBX and some phones, and no way to connect them. From searching the internet, it seems that I'll need a amp cable and a 66 block.

This is a lab setting, and the phones will be right next to the PBX. I've never dealt with a punchdown block before, and I'd like to keep it that way.

I'd like a 66 block that has an amp connector AND modular jacks that I could plug the phones into. I've seen blocks advertised that have either/or, but not both.

Does such a thing exist? Where could I buy one? Is there an easier solution?

Thanks!

Siemon Company makes them, as do several other manufacturers. They are located in Watertown, CT. If you Google them, I am sure that they can point you in the direction of a distributor in your area.

Thank you Ed!

I found what I need on the Siemon site. One more question - do I need 2 pair modular jacks for connecting phones? I assume so - 2 pair equals 4 wires of the RJ14 connectors?

The type of phone will determine how many pair of wires you will need. With the Nortel digital should be one pair per phone.

Norstar phones require one pair. Siemon makes a block that has a 25 pair connector that comes out to 24 one-pair jacks. You'll also need to get the appropriate 25 pair cable with proper gender connectors and possibly bridging clips.

Yup, you guys are right. I realized it had to be 2 or 3 wires per phone after I posted my question (50 contacts for 16 extensions).

Can you explain what a bridging clip is, and why I'd need it?

Thanks for the help!

The 66 block is split down the middle. The right-hand clips connect to the 25 pair connector. The left-hand clips connect to the modular jacks. In order for them to be connected through to each other, a pair of briding clips must be placed across the center-most 66 block clips. I your case, you would need 32 bridging clips to activate the 16 telephone extensions.

Ah, I get it.

Thanks for your help Ed!

Fey, How many phones ya gonna hook up?

Sounds like he needs a breakout box.

Just googled for the Leviton model I have.

https://www.twacomm.com/catalog/dept_id_315.htm?sid=CDE41EEFBF21B93E770FBE221AFC0622

Either "surface mount patch panels" or a "harmonica" sound right up his alley.