SOP-004: Cat6 Cable Termination and Testing (T568B)
Sep 29, 2026 ยท @Lloyd
1. Document Control
| Field |
Value |
| Document ID |
SOP-004 |
| Version |
0.1 (Draft) |
| Owner |
Lloyd Johnson, Johnson Technical Systems LLC |
| Milestone |
Network+ Fundamentals |
| Review cycle |
Every 12 months, or when the cabling standard is revised |
| Classification |
Internal / Portfolio sample |
| Related |
SOP-005 VLAN Creation and Segmentation; SOP-003 Network Troubleshooting Runbook |
2. Purpose and Scope
This SOP standardizes how copper Category 6 UTP cable is terminated, labeled, and tested. The goal is that every horizontal run is consistent, traceable, and verified before it goes into service.
In scope: new or re-terminated Cat6 UTP horizontal cabling, both patch panel to wall outlet and field-made patch cords, installed by internal staff or contractors at a generic small office.
Out of scope: fiber, shielded cable (F/UTP, S/FTP), and cabling installed under a separate certified-installer contract.
3. Reference: T568B Pin Assignment
| Pin |
Color |
| 1 |
White/Orange |
| 2 |
Orange |
| 3 |
White/Green |
| 4 |
Blue |
| 5 |
White/Blue |
| 6 |
Green |
| 7 |
White/Brown |
| 8 |
Brown |
| Limit |
Value |
| Permanent link (panel to outlet) |
90 m maximum |
| Channel (including patch cords) |
100 m maximum |
| Pair untwist at termination |
0.5 in (13 mm) maximum |
| Bend radius (UTP) |
At least 4x cable outside diameter |
4. Procedure A: Termination
- Assign an identifier using the site's TIA-606 labeling scheme, for example
TR1-PP02-14 for telecom room 1, patch panel 2, port 14. Record it in the cable inventory before pulling.
- Confirm the planned run fits within the limits in Section 3.
- Pull the cable without exceeding the manufacturer's maximum pulling tension. Keep it away from fluorescent fixtures, motors, and power lines.
- Strip only as much jacket as the jack or connector needs. Do not nick the conductor insulation. Remove the spline if present.
- Arrange the pairs in T568B order (Section 3). Keep each pair twisted to within 0.5 in of the termination point.
- Punch down to the keystone jack or patch panel with a 110 tool, or crimp an RJ45 plug rated for Cat6. Confirm the jacket sits inside the strain relief.
- Use T568B at both ends. Do not mix T568A and T568B on one run unless a crossover is required and documented.
5. Procedure B: Testing and Labeling
- Run at least a wiremap test (opens, shorts, reversed, crossed, and split pairs) and a length test.
- Where a certification tester is available, certify to Cat6 permanent link limits and save the result.
- Apply the identifier at both ends, within 12 in of the termination.
- Update the cable inventory with the test result, date, and technician.
- Re-terminate and retest any run that fails. Do not put a failed run into service.
6. Verification
7. Responsible Parties
| Role |
Responsibility |
| Network Technician |
Terminates, tests, labels, and records each run |
| IT Manager |
Owns the labeling scheme and inventory; spot-checks test records |
| Contractor (if used) |
Follows this SOP and delivers test results before sign-off |
8. Control Mapping
Verify each reference against the published text before changing status to Reviewed.
| Procedure step |
Standard or control |
Why it applies |
| Pin assignment, length and untwist limits (Sections 3 and 4) |
ANSI/TIA-568 (verify current revision, 568.2-D or later) |
Source of the T568B scheme and Cat6 performance requirements |
| Labeling and records (Procedure B) |
ANSI/TIA-606 (verify current revision) |
Source of the labeling and record-keeping requirements |
| Cable inventory (Procedure B) |
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 CM-8 System Component Inventory |
Network infrastructure components are tracked and documented |
| Documented, labeled runs |
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 PE-4 Access Control for Transmission |
Known cabling makes unauthorized taps or changes easier to detect |
9. Revision History
| Version |
Date |
Change |
| 0.1 |
2026-09-29 |
Initial AI-assisted draft; not yet fact-checked |