The local phone company charges $75 for the visit and $40 dollars per hour to install an additional phone line. When I found out how expensive it was, I decided I could do it myself and save a bundle. I found the installation was relatively easy to complete and learned a few things along the way. Anyone wishing to do the installation themselves can complete this job in under an hour in most cases.
The price charged by the professionals would indicate the process was lengthy and drawn out. In reality, it is quite easy. Before you begin your installation be sure that you have all the necessary tools. A wall or baseboard jack, depending on your preferences. A baseboard jack is recommended simply because there is no need to “fish” the wire inside the wall to prevent unsightly wires from running from the jack. Purchase the correct wiring to run from the jack to your NIB (Network Interface Box).
Keep in mind when choosing your location, that you will likely have to crawl under your house or enter your crawlspace in order to run the wires. If your crawlspace is very small, you may have difficulty maneuvering underneath your house. With new technology and wireless phones, a jack does not have to be placed in the most convenient place in order to be functional.
If you are unsure how to wire the jack itself, simply remove the cover from an existing jack. Take note of the color or wires that are wired into the jack and then do the same for the new jack. Place the jack in the position you wish to secure it to the wall. Using a screwdriver or low powered drill place the screw into the center hole and attach it firmly. Do not over tighten the screw as the housing is made of plastic and will crack.
If you have carpeting, you may need to pull back a small section in order to drill a hole to run the wire through the flooring into the crawlspace of your home. It is sometimes possible to drill through the carpet, however naps like Berber tend to ravel, so it is not recommended. The hole you drill needs to penetrate the flooring and any sub floor material. Once you have drilled the hole you can fish the wire into the hole.
It is now time to enter your crawlspace. Be sure to have a good flashlight and take your tools with you. Once you have entered the crawlspace, located the wire coming from the floor. Then pull the wire toward the point on the outside of the home wher the NIB (network interface box) is located. If there are existing jacks, you can follow the path these wires take. If there are no existing jacks, you may be required to drill another hole to run the wire outside of the crawlspace.
Once this is done, you can then connect your wiring to your interface box. The easiest way to do this is to open the box and take note of the colors of wire that are currently attached. You may need wire strippers to strip the plastic away from the wire so that there is enough wire exposed to place the wires into the slots.
Use your thumb to push the slots open and insert the wires. Close the tabs to secure the wires. Be sure to insert the wires on the level of your phone line. Most NIB’s have the ability to carry more than one line. Our local phone company writes the number on the level in which the line is active.
After you have secure the line, plug a phone into the jack and check for a dial tone. Your installtion is now complete.
