Telephone Cable

Telephone cable is multi-pair cable used to carry voice and broadband signals between a master socket, extension sockets and incoming lines. We stock 2 pair and 3 pair internal telephone cable on 100m reels for extension wiring, and 5 pair and 10 pair 0.5mm PJ poly cable, filled for external and underground runs and sold by the metre.

Set up a trade account for trade pricing. Order in-stock cable by 5pm Mon–Fri and we will deliver it the next working day in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

5PAIR0.5PPJP Ships in 3-5 days

5 Pair 0.5 Poly PJ Poly Cable (Price Per Metre) (CW1128)

£0.58 inc. VAT

10PR0.5POLYPJPOLY Ships in 3-5 days

10 Pair 0.5 Poly PJ Poly Cable (Price Per Metre) (CW1128)

£0.95 inc. VAT

TP2 In-Stock

2 Pair Telephone Cable (100 metre reel)

£13.96 inc. VAT

TP3 In-Stock

3 Pair Telephone Cable (100 metre reel)

£12.00 inc. VAT

How to choose the right telephone cable

Telephone cable is made up of twisted pairs of thin copper conductors, each pair colour-coded so it can be identified at both ends. The main choice is between internal cable for extension wiring and filled external cable for runs outside or underground.

Internal vs external cable

2 and 3 pair internal cable – for wiring extension sockets inside a building. Three pair gives spare conductors for future use.
5 and 10 pair PJ poly cable – polyethylene-insulated and sheathed, with petroleum jelly filling to keep water out. Intended for external, duct and underground runs between buildings.

Planning the installation

Work on the customer side of the master socket only; the incoming line and master socket belong to the network provider. Run extension cable in a star or daisy-chain as the socket manufacturer recommends, keep runs tidy, and avoid running parallel and close to mains cables for long distances. Where cables pass through walls, use grommets or sleeving to protect the sheath.

Broadband and data

Telephone cable carries phone and broadband signals, but for local networks, Wi-Fi access points and IP devices you will get far better performance from CAT5e or CAT6 network cable. Many installers now run network cable to every point, then terminate in patch panels and comms cabinets.

Containment

Surface runs look neater in mini trunking, while multi-pair external cables are best protected in duct. Browse our plastic trunking for indoor routes.

Meteor Electrical has been supplying the trade for over 40 years from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. We stock 5,000+ products, offer free delivery over £30 / €35 ex VAT, and dispatch to England, Scotland and Wales within 3–5 working days.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What is PJ poly telephone cable used for?: PJ poly cable is a filled, polyethylene-sheathed multi-pair cable designed for external, duct and underground telephone runs. The petroleum jelly filling stops water travelling along the cable, which protects the conductors over long outdoor distances. It is typically used between buildings or from a pole or pit to a building.
Do I need 2 pair or 3 pair telephone cable?: Two pair cable is enough for most simple extension wiring. Three pair cable is often preferred because it provides spare conductors for different socket wiring arrangements or future changes. Check the socket manufacturer's terminal layout and choose the cable that leaves you a spare pair.
Can I use telephone cable for an ethernet network?: It is not recommended. Standard telephone cable is not built to the twist and performance standards needed for modern ethernet speeds. Use CAT5e or CAT6 network cable for computers, routers, access points and IP cameras, and keep telephone cable for voice and line extension wiring.
How do I terminate telephone cable?: Most telephone sockets use insulation displacement (IDC) terminals. Push each conductor into the correct terminal with an IDC insertion tool, following the colour code printed on the socket or the manufacturer's diagram. Do not strip the conductors first, as the terminal cuts through the insulation itself.
Can internal telephone cable be run outside?: Internal telephone cable is not designed for permanent outdoor exposure or burial. For runs outside or between buildings, use filled external cable such as the PJ poly cable in this range and protect it in duct where required. Seal entry points into the building to prevent water ingress.
Can telephone cable share a route with mains cable?: Telephone and mains cables should be segregated, for safety and to reduce interference. Use separate compartments in trunking, or keep a sensible distance and cross at right angles. Check current wiring regulations for segregation requirements, which apply to cables of different voltage bands.