A Guide to Telephone Wiring (Tip & Ring, Modes)
Before connecting telephones or related equipment, it's essential to understand the foundational concepts of landline wiring. This guide covers the "Tip & Ring" nomenclature for the physical wires and the common "Wiring Modes" used to connect auxiliary equipment like alarm systems, especially in modern NBN/VoIP setups.
Tip & Ring: The Foundation of Telephone Wiring
The names for the two wires of a telephone line were derived from the electrical contacts on the original 1/4 inch telephone plug, which is similar in appearance to a standard 6.5mm phono plug.
One electrical contact is at the tip of the plug (used for Line +) and the other is a ring just behind it (used for Line -). This terminology is still the standard for identifying the polarity of a phone line.
Conventional Nomenclature
| Term | Also Known As | Polarity | Legacy Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIP | A-wire | Line (+) positive | Red |
| RING | B-wire | Line (-) negative | Black |
Wiring Modes for Auxiliary Devices
Wiring modes refer to the configurations used to connect auxiliary equipment like alarm panels, fax machines, or data equipment to a telephone service. Mode 3 is by far the most common configuration, particularly for alarm systems.
Mode 3 Wiring
This configuration allows an alarm panel to seize the phone line to make an outgoing call, overriding any other device on the line. It is the standard method for connecting monitored security alarms.
Notes on Mode 3 Wiring:
- If an earth is required for recall functions, it should be connected to the telephone. If required by the auxiliary equipment, it is connected separately.
- Connection to the switching terminals is only required where the auxiliary equipment incorporates facilities for switching the line to the telephone.
- Where the telephone is connected to a 4-wire extension from a PABX, the fourth wire is terminated on terminal 4 of the 611 socket.
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