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Full Compatibility Matrix
The complete reference. Every cable type, the right connector, the right tool.
| Cable Type | Conductor | Best Connector | Part Number | Crimp Tool | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5e UTP (Solid) | 24 AWG | EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e | 100003C | 12520C | Standard pass-through |
| Cat5e UTP (Stranded) | 24 AWG | EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e | 100003C | 12520C | Same connector, both wire types |
| Cat6 UTP (Solid) | 23 AWG | EZ-RJ45 Cat6 | 100010C | 12520C | Larger conductor channels |
| Cat6 UTP (Stranded) | 23 AWG | EZ-RJ45 Cat6 | 100010C | 12520C | Same connector |
| Cat6 STP (Solid) | 23 AWG | Shielded EZ-RJ45 | 106205C | 12520C | Shielded with drain wire |
| Cat6A UTP (Solid) | 23 AWG | ezEX44 Cat6 | 202044J | 100061C | Fits standard Cat6 connector |
| Cat6A UTP (Stranded) | 23 AWG | ezEX44 Cat6 | 202044J | 100061C | Same connector |
| Cat6A STP (Solid) | 23 AWG | ezEX48 Cat6A | 202048J | 100061C | Shielded, 10G rated |
| Cat6A STP (Stranded) | 23 AWG | ezEX48 Cat6A | 202048J | 100061C | Full 10G performance |
| Cat7 STP | 22-23 AWG | Cat6A Shielded Toolless | 106250 | N/A (toolless) | Field-terminable, no crimp |
| Cat8 STP | 22 AWG | Cat8 Shielded Toolless | 106250 | N/A (toolless) | 25/40G rated, field plug |
All connectors listed are the manufacturer-recommended best match. Using a different connector may result in intermittent connections or failed terminations.
Understanding Connector Types
Not all RJ45 connectors are the same. Here is what sets each type apart.
EZ-RJ45 (Pass-Through)
The original pass-through connector. Wires feed through the front, making it easy to verify wire order before crimping. Trim the excess after crimping. Best for Cat5e and Cat6 — the most popular choice for field termination.
ezEX-RJ45 (Extended Pass-Through)
Next-generation pass-through designed for larger Cat6/Cat6A cables. The “EX” (external) design allows oversized conductors to extend through without forcing. Two sizes: ezEX44 (Cat6 unshielded) and ezEX48 (Cat6A shielded).
Standard RJ45
Traditional crimp connector — wires must be cut to exact length before insertion. Harder to verify wire order. Still used in manufacturing and with crimping machines. Not recommended for field termination.
Shielded Connectors
Required for STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables. Include a metal shield that contacts the cable's foil or braid shield, creating a complete Faraday cage. Essential for Cat6A STP and Cat7.
Toolless Field Plugs
No crimp tool needed — wires insert into IDC (insulation displacement) contacts. Used for Cat7 and Cat8 where standard crimping will not work. Also used in data centers for quick termination.
Choosing the Right Crimp Tool
Each connector family requires a specific tool. Using the wrong tool damages the connector and wastes time.
| Connector Family | Required Tool | Part Number | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZ-RJ45 (all) | PTS PRO Universal Crimp Tool | 12520C | $$ |
| ezEX-RJ45 (all) | EzEX Crimp Tool | 100061C | $$ |
| Standard RJ45 | Any RJ45 crimper | Various | $ |
| Shielded EZ-RJ45 | PTS PRO Universal | 12520C | $$ |
| Toolless field plugs | None needed | N/A | — |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the errors we see most often. Each one leads to failed terminations and wasted connectors.
Using Cat5e connectors on Cat6 cable
Cat6 uses 23 AWG conductors, which are larger than the 24 AWG conductors in Cat5e. The wires physically will not seat properly in a Cat5e connector, resulting in intermittent connections or complete failure. Always match the connector to the cable category.
Using unshielded connectors on STP cable
STP cable has a foil or braided shield that must connect to the connector's metal housing to form a complete Faraday cage. An unshielded connector breaks this chain, defeating the entire purpose of using shielded cable. The shield becomes an antenna instead of protection.
Over-untwisting pairs
The twist rate in each pair is precisely engineered to cancel electromagnetic interference. Untwist no more than 0.5 inches for Cat6, and even less for Cat6A. Excessive untwisting degrades crosstalk performance and can cause the cable to fail certification testing.
Wrong crimp tool
EZ-RJ45 and ezEX connectors require a crimp tool with a built-in blade to trim the pass-through wires flush after crimping. A standard RJ45 crimper will not cut the excess conductors, leaving exposed wires that prevent the plug from seating in a jack.
Not testing after termination
Every termination should be tested with at minimum a wiremap tester. A wiremap test verifies all eight conductors are connected, in the correct order, and that there are no shorts or opens. For Cat6A and above, a certification tester is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most from installers and technicians.
Can I use Cat6 connectors on Cat5e cable?
Yes, but it is not ideal. Cat6 connectors have slightly larger conductor channels designed for 23 AWG wire. Cat5e's smaller 24 AWG conductors may not make consistent contact. For reliable terminations, always use connectors rated for your specific cable category. The cost difference is minimal — a few cents per connector — and the reliability difference is significant.
What is the difference between EZ-RJ45 and ezEX?
Both are pass-through connectors, but they are designed for different cable sizes. EZ-RJ45 connectors are sized for Cat5e (24 AWG) and Cat6 (23 AWG) cables. ezEX connectors have a larger pass-through opening designed for the thicker insulation and larger overall diameter of Cat6A cables. The ezEX44 is for Cat6A UTP, and the ezEX48 is for Cat6A STP (shielded). They require different crimp tools: the PTS PRO (12520C) for EZ-RJ45, and the EzEX tool (100061C) for ezEX.
Do I need shielded connectors?
Only if you are using shielded (STP) cable. If your cable jacket says “STP,” “F/UTP,” or “S/FTP,” you need shielded connectors to complete the shield path. If you are using standard UTP cable, unshielded connectors are correct. Mixing shielded connectors with UTP cable is unnecessary and adds cost without benefit. Mixing unshielded connectors with STP cable is a serious error — it breaks the shield and can make interference worse than having no shield at all.
Can I crimp Cat6A with a regular crimper?
No. Cat6A cables are physically larger than Cat5e and Cat6, requiring connectors with wider pass-through channels (ezEX series). These connectors, in turn, require the dedicated EzEX crimp tool (100061C). A standard RJ45 crimper or even the PTS PRO will not properly crimp ezEX connectors. The die geometry is different. Attempting to force it will damage the connector and likely the tool.
How many connectors do I need per cable run?
A minimum of two — one for each end. However, experienced installers budget for a 10-15% waste rate on pass-through connectors, especially when working with Cat6A. For a 24-port patch panel with 24 cable runs, plan for at least 55 connectors (48 needed, plus 7 spare). Buying in bulk (bags of 50 or 100) is more cost-effective and ensures you always have spares on hand.
What about PoE — do I need special connectors?
No special connectors are needed for PoE (Power over Ethernet). Standard RJ45 connectors carry PoE power just fine. What matters more for PoE is the quality of the termination — all eight conductors must make solid contact, since PoE uses all four pairs for power delivery (up to 90W on PoE++/802.3bt). Poor terminations cause heat buildup at the contact points, which can degrade performance over time. Use quality connectors and always test.
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