Best Practices for Wiring RedLion RS485 System with Shielded Twisted Pair and Common Wires

Question:

Hello everyone, I am looking for advice on the best method for connecting shielded twisted pair and common wires to an RJ45 connector for a RedLion RS485 system. I am using a multi-pair cable, specifically the Belden 3106A. Is it recommended to connect the twisted pair, common, and shield wires to terminal blocks first, and then modify an RJ45 cable to connect B+, A-, and Comm to the RedLion unit? Additionally, should the shield wire be connected to the RedLion's GND terminal? Are there any EMC installation guidelines that should be followed? Perhaps using a specialized RJ45 plug that accommodates external shielding and 1.5mm twisted pair cables would be a better option?

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Our conversation focused on the termination of ethernet cables, specifically utilizing an RJ45 jack splitter for 100BASE-TX to connect two network devices to a switch efficiently. When installing two remote ethernet devices in a control panel, it is essential to ensure a neat setup. Typically, a single shielded ethernet cable terminated with a plug is provided by the customer, with each remote device utilizing half of the pairs. In this case, adjustments must be made to reconfigure the pairs for optimal connectivity. While it is possible to strip the wires and connect them to a terminal block, using complete patch cables may be a more convenient option. Ensure to maintain correct polarity, as companies like Red Lion and Schneider Electric may have conflicting assignments for A/B +/- designation. Visit www.plctalk.net for more information and consider products like the patch panel FL PP RJ45 SCC from Phoenix Contact for a seamless installation process.

From my experience, your approach of connecting the twisted pair, common, and shield wires to terminal blocks and then modifying an RJ45 cable to connect B+, A-, and Comm to the RedLion unit seems appropriate. However, remember that it's crucial to maintain the pairing and twisting as close to the termination point as possible to maximize noise immunity. As for the shield wire, yes, it should be connected to the RedLion's GND terminal for optimum EMC performance. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on grounding and shielding. Regarding the use of a specialized RJ45 plug for external shielding, that could indeed offer some additional protection, depending on your exact installation requirements.

Hey there, your setup strategy seems pretty solid for the most part. It's a good idea to connect the twisted pair, common, and shield wires to terminal blocks first before the RJ45 modification as this would reduce interference risks. For the shield wire, while it can work being connected to the RedLion unit's GND terminal, I'd suggest connecting it to an Earth ground instead, if available, to mitigate any potential interference. As for EMC guidelines, it really depends on your location as the rules fluctuate globally, so I'd suggest checking local regulations. The specialized RJ45 plug could potentially provide a cleaner installation, but ensure that it's compatible with the Belden 3106A. Lastly, always keep all connections and terminations as short as practical. Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Should I connect the twisted pair, common, and shield wires to terminal blocks first before modifying an RJ45 cable for a RedLion RS485 system?

Answer: - It is recommended to connect the wires to terminal blocks first to ensure a secure and organized connection before modifying an RJ45 cable for the RedLion unit.

FAQ: 2. Where should the shield wire be connected in a RedLion RS485 system?

Answer: - The shield wire should typically be connected to the GND terminal of the RedLion unit to help with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and reduce interference.

FAQ: 3. Are there any EMC installation guidelines that should be followed when wiring a RedLion RS485 system with shielded twisted pair and common wires?

Answer: - Yes, it is important to follow EMC installation guidelines to ensure proper functioning and minimize electromagnetic interference. This may include grounding the shield wire and using specialized RJ45 plugs that accommodate external shielding and specific cable types.

FAQ: 4. Would using a specialized RJ45 plug that accommodates external shielding and 1.5mm twisted pair cables be a better option for wiring a RedLion RS485 system?

Answer: - Using a specialized RJ45 plug designed for external shielding and compatible with 1.5mm twisted pair cables can help improve the overall performance and reliability of the RS485 system, particularly in terms of EMC considerations.

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