Everything You Need to Know About Telephone Cables
Aug 18, 2025 | Foliflex
Telephone cable wire products are still relevant in 2025 in rural areas, legacy systems and specialised applications such as intercoms and alarm systems. Its simplicity, durability and affordability makes it indispensable in both residential and industrial settings. In this detailed guide you will get to know everything about telephones cables including how these cables differ from ethernet and fiber, how to install, troubleshoot, and buy the right products. It also informs you about color codes, certifications, and where to buy verified cables online. In addition to this, this blog also tells you about the best Telephone Cables Manufacturer in Delhi like Foliflex Cables. Be it a home owner, electrician, or an IT technician, it is crucial to understand fundamental’s of telephone wires to ensure better decision making and long term reliability for your communication requirements.
What Are Telephone Cables Still Used For in 2025?
Telephone cable wire solutions are still crucial in 2025 and support voice communication, security systems and automation across residential, commercial and industrial setups, despite the rise of telephone wires. Have a glance at common modern day use cases.
- Landline phone systems (POTS): Landline phone systems are still popular in government offices, hospitals and rural regions due to lack of wireless or fiber connectivity.
- Intercom systems: Due to stable signal quality, affordability and easy installation, 2 pair telephone cable solutions are highly preferred for intercoms.
- DSL broadband connections: DSL internet connections are provided using telephone wires in areas where fiber infrastructure lacks.
- Industrial control & automation signals: Telephone wires are also used in factories and industrial setups to transmit low frequency control signals to ensure monitoring systems.
- Alarm and security systems: Uninterrupted signal transmission for alarms are ensured using landline telephone cable solutions to avoid risk associated with wireless network failure.
Are Telephone Cables Still Relevant in the Age of Fiber and Wireless?
- Use in legacy systems: Many old buildings and buildings in rural areas are still dependent on telephone wires.
- VoIP-over-copper in rural/low-infra setups: Regions that do have access to high speed internet usually prefer VoIP ( Voice over internet protocol) using telephone wires to deal with this problem.
- Telephone wires in hybrid systems: Telephone wires also used in hybrid systems that are a mix of telephone and fiber optic cables. This helps balance cost and reliability.
- Role in IoT and alarms: With the help of telephone wires, industrial IoT and alarms are set up to maintain critical security.
Telephone Cable vs Ethernet Cable – What’s the Difference?
Ethernet and telephone cable products are used to enable communication but serve different purposes. Let us understand technical differences.
Technical Differences Between Telephone & Ethernet Cables
- Speed and bandwidth: Telephone wires are primarily built for voice transmission and support limited bandwidth. However, ethernet cables are used to ensure high speed data up to 10 GB.
- Conductor & Wire Gauge: 24 to 26 AWG ( American Wire Gauge) is used by telephone wires and 22 to 24 AWG is used by ethernet to better current handling.
- Shielding and Noise Immunity: Ethernet cables use twisted pairs and shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference, however, due to minimal shielding, telephone wires become more prone to noise.
Color Code and Connector Differences
- RJ 11 Vs. RJ 45: Telephone wires use RJ 11 colour code while RJ 45 is coded in ethernet cables. Telephone wires use 4 to 6 conductors and ethernet cables use 8 conductors.
- Pinout Differences and Pairing: RJ conductors use telephone cable wire, consisting 4 to 6 pins with 2 wire pair support, however, RJ45 connectors are used for ethernet, contains 8 pins and supports 4 pairs for high speed data.
Visual Chart: Telephone vs Ethernet Cable
Let us have a short glance at differences between Telephone and ethernet cables with the help of this table.
| Features | Telephone Cable | Ethernet Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 56 Kbps to 1 Mbps | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Typical Connector | RJ11 | RJ45 |
| Pairs Used | 1 to 5 | 4 |
| Shielding | Minimal | Twisted pairs and shielding |
| Application | Used for voice, alarms and DSL | LAN and internet |
Telephone Cable Color Code Guide
It is crucial to know the color code of telephone wires for accurate connections while installing or repairing.
RJ11 Telephone Wire Color Code (4 and 6 conductor)
4 conductor RJ 11 cables are used in two pairs, pair 1 contains green and red and pair 2 contains black and yellow, and commonly used in landline telephone connections. 6 conductor RJ11 cables contain an additional pair 3 which is white and blue, used for second lines and intercom features.
Downloadable Visual Chart for Installers
Keep a printed or digital chart of wiring standards handy for a quick visual reference.
Buyer’s Checklist for Telephone Cables
In order to buy the right copper flexible cable for telephone systems, it requires careful evaluation. Have a glance at the below stated checklist while looking for telephone wires.
Key Buying Considerations
It is important to know which quality telephone cable wires are better while making a purchase from online and offline market. To buy a telephone cable wire, prefer pure Multi Strand Cables, despite CCA to ensure better conductivity. Also, ensure those wires are FR rated for safety and certified with IS:694, ISO 9001 or RoHS.
Trust Triggers & Authenticity Checks
Do not forget to check for product codes, and batch numbers while buying a telephone cable wire. Ensure GST of sellers, BIS and ISO certifications. Choose suppliers who have ensured transparency, verify business addresses and active customer support to ensure authentic and high quality products.
DIY Telephone Cable Installation Guide
Do ensure that your telephone wires have robust round sheathed cables to withstand mechanical stress and environmental exposure in indoor or semi-industrial usage.
Tools You’ll Need
In order to install telephone wires, you require an RJ11 crimping tool for connectors, a multimeter for testing, a jack cutter for clean cuts and a punch down tool to securely terminate wires.
Step By Step Installation
- Cable preparation: Separate the internal pairs of wires without damaging insulation.
- Connector crimping & RJ11 Pinning: Insert wire pairs into RJ11 plug and ensure crimp using tools.
- Wall jack setup: Mount modular jack on the wall and use a punch down tool to depart each wire.
- Testing: Verify connectivity using a tone tester and check for dial tone or signal drop.
Troubleshooting Common Telephone Cable Problems
Most reputable electrical cable manufacturers in India offer high grade telephone cable wire solutions with FR rated sheathing to prevent fire.
Symptoms and Common Issues
- Dial tone not available
- Cracking sounds while calling
- Cross talk or low background noises
- Frequent internet disconnection
How to Fix Them
- Check loose connections at jacks and panels.
- Replace damaged pairs disrupting communication.
- Check shorts using a multimeter.
- Reduce noise with grounding or shielding.
Best Brands & Where to Buy Telephone Cables Online in India
- Foliflex Cables
- Finolex
- Havells
- KEI
- RR Kabel
Types of Telephone Cables Available
- Dry core indoor applications
- Jelly filled moisture resistant for outdoor use
- Armoured telephone wires for underground use
- Multistrand flexible cables
- Multi pair cables in 2, 5, and 10 pairs
Where to Buy Online
- Amazon – for home and DIY use
- Moglix – best for bulk or industrial use
- IndiaMart – verified vendors for authentic supply
Telephone Cable Certifications and Standards
Indian Certifications
IS:694, BIS, RoHS, ISO 9001
International Standards
ITU–T, ANSI/TIA-568, BS EN 50288, CW 1308
Conclusion
Telephone cable wire solutions are dependable and affordable options for communication systems. Like submersible flat cables, high-quality telephone wires come with national and international certifications. Foliflex Cables offers certified telephone wires at affordable prices. Connect with Foliflex today!
FAQs
- Q1. Can telephone cables carry the internet?
Yes, DSL broadband runs on telephone cables, though slower than fiber. - Q2. What gauge is standard telephone wire?
24–26 AWG for residential use. - Q3. What’s the maximum length for a voice line?
Up to 1000 meters without major signal loss. - Q4. What’s the difference between RJ11 and RJ14?
RJ11 supports one line; RJ14 supports two. - Q5. Can I use telephone wire for DSL modems?
Yes, with proper splitters and filters for better performance.