How to reuse keystone jacks and field termination plugs?

Practical Guide to Reusing Keystone Jacks and Field Termination Plugs

I. Determining Reusability

▸Keystone Jacks Resurrection Conditions:

Intact Contacts: Copper contacts are free of oxidation (uniform gold color, no black spots)
Intact Clips: Plastic springs are not broken (they spring back when pressed)
Undamaged Cable Trays: IDC blades are not bent (no deformation when viewed against the light)

▸Terminal Applicability:

No Cracks in the Plug Shell: Especially at the base of the latch
Insulation Plate in Place: The transparent separator inside the RJ45 connector is not detached
No Worn Plating: Contact points still reflect light

II. Core Disassembly Techniques

▸Safely Disassembling Keystone Jacks:

Tools: Small flathead screwdriver
Steps:
Press the screwdriver tip against the bottom recess of the panel slot.
Gently pry while simultaneously pushing the module out with your thumb.
Caution: Do not pull the cable forcefully!

▸Non-destructive connector disconnection:

Tools: Pin ejection hole on the tail of a network cable crimper
Steps: Place the pin ejection hole on the front of the RJ45 connector with the crimper.
Rotate while pulling back (preserving the original wiring sequence)

III. Four-step refurbishment method

▸Deep cleaning:

Keystone contacts → Gently wipe with anhydrous alcohol wipes.
Contact interior → Dust removal from compressed air canister

▸ Wiring reordering:

 Cut off 3cm of old wire ends (remove creased sections)
Reorder according to T568B (orange-white/orange/green-white/blue/blue-white/green/brown-white/brown)

▸ Critical component testing:

Keystone: Test continuity after crimping with scrap network cable
Terminal connector: Temporarily crimp to a short wire for testing

▸ Protection upgrade:

Apply lubricating oil to Keystone clips (extend lifespan)
Apply insulating silicone grease to terminal connector plug/plug ports

IV. Situations where reuse is absolutely prohibited

▸ Immediately scrap if these occur:

Keystone Jacks has been shielded (grounding plate deformed)
Terminal connector has been used for PoE++ power supply (contacts yellowed and carbonized)
Any component has been submerged in water (internal corrosion not visible)
Repeated use more than 3 times (metal fatigue leading to loose connections)

V. Reuse case study

▸ Scenario 1: Temporary office expansion

Old module: Cat5e salvaged from a discarded telephone panel Keystone Operation: Wipe contacts with alcohol. Connect new cable according to the original color code. Connect to the switch and test speed; if it meets the requirements, it's ready to use.

▸Scenario 2: Surveillance Camera Repair

Old connector: Cut off the waterproof connector from the faulty camera.
Operation: Remove pins, keeping the connector shell. Insert new cable into the original waterproof plug. Crim the connector and then put it back into the shell.