Telephone Network Interface Device (NID)

The telephone network interface device typically refers to the junction box mounted by your telephone service provider on a wall just outside your home. Here are some basic information about your telephone network interface device:

• It is the point where the telephone company terminates their responsibility.
• You are responsible for installing the wires starting from the NID to each telephone jack inside your home.
• To locate the box, simply trace the line that runs from the utility pole into your home.
• The NID is made of hard plastic and is weatherproof.
• Unplugging the short cable inside the NID from its jack will disconnect power and signals from the telephone company.
• Plugging a working telephone into a jack inside the NID will allow you to know if there is power and signals running from the telephone company into your household wiring.
• The NID is maintained by the telephone company.
• The red and the green wires running from the telephone jack inside your home connects to similar colored terminals inside the jack.

          Reference: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin: Testing, Repairing and Installing Home telephone Wiring - Locating the Demarcation Point

How To Wire Your Own Telephone Line

The telephone company terminates their line in a small plastic box mounted on a wall just outside your home. It can cost you a bit to pay a technician to lay the wiring from the box to a telephone outlet inside your home. Wiring a single-line telephone is not a difficult task and doing it yourself can save you some cash. 

1. Trace the telephone cable that runs from the utility pole closest to your home to a small plastic box that the lineman mounted on a wall just outside your home. The box is known as a network interface device (NID).

Cat5e Cable Specifications

A network cable is the physical link that connects two or more computers. A network cable allows data to be transmitted at high-speed between computers around the globe. A Cat5e network cable is the upgraded version of the Cat5 data cable. It is the same as Cat5, except that it is designed to comply with more stringent standards. Knowing the cable specifications of a Cat5e cable can help you differentiate it from other cables. 

Data Transmission Speed

The speed by which data passes through a network cable to get from one computer to another is referred to as transmission speed. The type of cable can affect the speed of data transmission. A Cat5e network cable is capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gigabit per second).

Specified Frequency Range   

Frequency refers to the number of oscillations (vibrations) in one second, and is measured in Hertz (Hz), which is the same as "oscillations per second" or "cycles per second." Cat5e network cables are tested across a specified frequency range of 1 to100 MHz bandwidth range, and a cable rated Cat5e is capable of Gigabit Ethernet. 

UTP 

UTP, or unshielded twisted pair network cable, is a four-pair, 100-ohm cable that has four inner wires surrounded by an outer jacket. Each pair is twisted together to cancel out noise that can interfere with the signal. UTP cabling systems are used primarily for data transmission in local area networks (LANs). 

Method of Termination 

Cable terminators, or connectors, are used to plug a network cable into a compatible port. A Cat5e UTP data cable is terminated using the RJ45 jack, which is an eight-conductor, compact, modular jack engineered to maintain specific Category 5, 5e, 6, or 6A performance.

Bend Radius 

Bend radius cable specification refers to the smallest radius a cable can be bent without damaging it, shortening its life or causing transmission failures. The smallest acceptable bend radius for Category 5, 5e, and 6 cable is approximately 1 inch, or four times the diameter of the cable.  

Return Loss 

Return loss, or reflection loss, is the reflection of signal power resulting from the insertion of a device in a transmission line. It is determined by the difference between the power of a transmitted signal and the power of the signal reflections caused by variations in link and channel impedance. Return loss is expressed as a ratio in dB relative to the transmitted signal power. 

Delay Skew

Delay Skew refers to the variance in time between the fastest and slowest arrival of a data signal on a UTP. Signals sent over the transmission cable are divided over multiple pairs, and should reach the other end within a certain amount of time to be re-combined correctly.  

Attenuation

Attenuation refers to signal loss over the length of a cable due to the resistance of the wire plus other resistance-causing electrical factors such as impedance and capacitance. Attenuation can be caused by factors such as poor connections, long cable length, bad insulation and a high level of crosstalk. The TIA-568B standard specifies the maximum amount of attenuation that is acceptable in a Cat5e network link to be 24 dB.

How to Test a 220 Volt Outlet

A 220-volt outlet, or double pole outlet is typically used for heavy duty appliances such as air-conditioners, stoves and dryers. Double pole outlets have two power wires that run from the outlet to a 220-volt circuit breaker inside the electrical panel. Electrical outlets can last many years, but wear and tear can cause an outlet to break down sooner or later.Testing a 220-volt outlet is a simple task that can be done with a multimeter, but the task should be done with utmost care. 

Step 1

Turn off the multimeter switch, and plug the probes of the multimeter into into their corresponding slots. The red probe typically goes into the positive slot and the black probe plugs into the negative slot on the multimeter.

Step 2 

Set the dial of your multimeter to the 220-volt AC range. You can set the multimeter voltage range a little bit higher than the 220-volt range, but never set the dial lower than the voltage you are trying to test. Turn on the multimeter and hold one probe in each hand.

Step 3

Insert the metal tip of one probe into one of the vertical slots on the outlet. Insert the tip of the second probe into the other slot lying parallel and opposite to the first slot. The two vertical slots on a 220-volt AC outlet each have 110 volts of electricity. The U-shaped opening lying below the two slots contains the grounding wire. Do not allow any metal part of the probes to come in contact with your body or with each other.

Step 4

View the multimeter reading. A 220-volt outlet will generate a reading of approximately 220 volts, plus or minus a few volts depending on how far your home is from the electric transformer mounted by your utility company on a nearby utility pole. Pull the multimeter probes carefully out of the each slot.


WARNING:

Working with electricity is dangerous, call a licensed electrician if you do not have the necessary experience and training. 
Never touch the metal tips of the prongs because they are live.

Switch Wiring Diagram

Light Switch Diagram

How Your Telephone is Wired

Did you know that it only takes two wires to connect your landline telephone? The telephone company runs their telephone cable from the utility pole to a gray plastic box mounted on a wall just outside your home. This box is typically called the network interface device (NID) and it is the point where the telephone company's responsibility ends and yours begins. 

Two wires, colored red and green, are all it takes to hear a dial tone. The telephone wires are hooked to their matching color-coded terminals inside the NID. From the NID, the wires are routed to the telephone jack where they are simply connected to similar color-coded terminals.

If you ever decide to install your own telephone wiring rather than pay someone to do it for you, then take note of the following steps:

1. Look for the telephone cable running from the utility pole into your home. Follow the cable until you find the small plastic box, called NID, mounted on a wall just outside your home. 
2. Open the NID cover and look for a very short telephone cable plugged into a jack on its panel board. Unplug the cable to discontinue power and signals from the telephone company and prevent any low-voltage shock.
3. Slip a telephone cable through an opening at the base of the NID and pull the cable up by around six inches.
4. Remove two inches of cable sheathing with diagonal pliers to expose the inner wires. Strip off half an inch of insulation from the end of each wire with a wire stripper or utility knife.
5. Hook the red and green wires clockwise around their matching red and green terminal screws inside the NID, and then tighten both screws.
6. Screw a surface-mount telephone jack (RJ-14) onto the wall, using screws that came with the jack. Open the jack cover and loosen the red and green terminal screws. 
7. Run the telephone cable from the NID to the telephone jack. Route the cable neatly through walls, ceilings or baseboards. Use cable staples to attach the cable onto surfaces. Cut the cable once it reaches the telephone jack, but leave six inches of extra cable length.
8. Remove four inches of cable sheathing from the tip of the cable, and then strip off half an inch of insulation from the tip of the red and green wires. 
9. Hook the red wire clockwise around the red terminal screw on the jack, and then hook the green wire around the green terminal screw. Tighten all connections and tug on the wires lightly to make sure they are not loose.
10. Go to the NID and plug the short cable back into its jack. Plug a landline telephone into the newly installed telephone jack inside your home. Call a friend to test the line. 

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Knowing Your Electrical Panel

The metal box which you open to view the fuses, or circuit breakers controlling each circuit inside your home is called an electrical panel. Every homeowner is familiar with the sight of an electrical panel, but a lot of homeowners do not know the function of this device and how it protects their homes.

   

Electrical panels refer to the metal box housing the circuit breakers/fuses inside your home. The electrical cable from the utility pole outside your house runs into the electric meter mounted on your wall. From the electric meter, the electrical cable goes directly into the electrical panel where circuit breakers are located. Circuit breakers are switches that automatically turn off whenever an electrical problem is detected. From the circuit breaker, wires run to the various outlets inside your home.

Regular circuit breakers protect your home against electrical short circuits and circuit overloading. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) protect you from electrocution when you touch water that has come in contact with a live wire. An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a type of circuit breaker designed to avoid fires by detecting dangerous electrical arc in electrical circuits. An AFCI breaker disconnects the power before the arc starts a fire.

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Protect Your Home from Intruders

You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your family and property. Knowing the basics of home security can add to your peace of mind.

• Immediately replace locks that don’t work properly. A faulty lock is both a security and safety hazard.
• When you leave your home for a long period, be sure to create the illusion that someone is home. You can put your lights on timers, leave a television on, or have a friend or family member stay at your home while you are away.
• Check the person at the other side of the door before opening the door. Install a peephole in your front door in case you don't have one.
• Don't leave extra keys or garage door openers in conspicuous places such as under doormats, in mailboxes, or on top of the door frame. You can leave the extra key with a close friend, or trusted neighbor instead.
• Keep garage doors and window shut at all times if you are away.
• Install drapes or blinds that you can use to keep items inside your home from being conspicuous. Expensive items or appliances seen by passersby are a temptation that most thieves can’t resist.
• Do not let anybody know that you are keeping cash or expensive jewelry inside your home. Secrets spread around fast, and thieves always pay attention to this type of information.
• Leaving a note on the door when you are away from home is a clear signal that no one is home.
• Uncollected mail, newspapers, and any deliveries is a clear indicator that no one is home. Ask a neighbor or family member to collect these items when you are away for extended periods.

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How to Avoid Electrical Accidents Inside Your Home

Home is where you live, and it’s where your family, pets and possessions are. Keep it safe and free from accidents that will harm you or your loved ones. Knowing the basics of electrical safety will help you avoid electrical accidents inside your home.

• Remove immediately any appliance with a frayed, cracked, or damaged electrical cord. Another person might hold the cord and get electrocuted.

• Never place an electrical device near water. The device can get wet, or fall into the water and kill any one in contact with the water.

• Cover electrical outlets especially if you have children inside the house. A curious child might poke the outlet and get shocked.

• Repair a damaged faceplate or outlet cover immediately. Exposed wiring is a shock hazard to anyone.

• Unplug all bathroom and kitchen counter-top appliances when not in use. Plugged appliances that are unattended can create an unnecessary risk of fire.

• Make sure that all outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers to avoid moisture and rain water from getting inside the outlet. Moisture or water inside an outlet can cause a malfunction or become a potential shock hazard.

• Do not leave any appliance plugged into an outdoor outlet when the appliance is not in use. A weatherproof outlet is not designed to protect the outlet when an appliance is plugged into the outlet. Moisture and rain water can easily seep into the open outlet especially on a windy day.

• Do not plug too many appliances into one outlet without knowing the wattage rating of the outlet.  Plugging appliances that have a total wattage higher than the wattage of the circuit can cause a fire.

• Do not force a plug into the outlet if the prongs do not match the outlet slots. Male electrical outlet plugs are designed to fit a matching female outlet according to voltage, wattage, and ampere rating. A mismatched plug and outlet is a fire hazard.

• Check the electrical rating on appliances if you are using extension cords to make sure that the voltage and wattage of the appliance is not more than the voltage and wattage of the extension cord. As a rule of thumb, 16 AWG handles 1,375 watts of electricity.

• Don’t put any type of electrical cord in a traffic path where it will be stepped on. Cords can be damaged when they are stepped on. Any heavy object can damage a cord by crushing the insulation or breaking wire strands.

• Never use a corded power tool near a swimming pool. The corded tool can accidentally fall into the pool and kill anyone inside the pool. Have GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter outlets installed around areas near the pool.

Remembering these basic electrical safety tips and applying them in your home will keep you and your family safe.

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