NTE5 master telephone sockets

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THE NTE5 MASTER SOCKET

What is an NTE5? The NTE5 is a type of telephone socket usually fitted as the 'master' point. The picture below shows an Openreach branded version, but yours may be marked with 'BT', the name of your cable company or even be blank. FRONT VIEW NTE5a The socket is a simple piece of equipment designed to terminate the telephone network in a property. NTE stands for network terminating equipment. The '5' relates to the type of termination and the 'A' indicates that the removable faceplate has a socket on it. Another version, the NTE5B has a blank fronted faceplate.	REAR VIEW NTE5a The NTE5 has been designed to make it simple to add your own extensions. This is achieved using easy access terminals on a removable faceplate. This in turn detaches from the main socket assembly. Apart from making it easy to connect extensions, the NTE5 serves to separate the wiring maintianed by the telephone comapny, from the wiring owned by the customer. Removing the faceplate quickly isolates the line from this extension wiring allowing checks to be made in the 'test jack'. This can assist in locating a fault. Pictured to the right are the two current types of faceplate. The top is in common use. The bottom is the new version with a filter fitted for the bell circuit. (more on this later). The difference is subtle and down to just a little cylinder in the lower right under the terminals.	NTE FACE PLATES Older versions may have six terminals or have the terminals laid out differently. A version of the faceplate to adapt the NTE5 for Highway also exists. It usually has 'Digital Access' marked on it and has both blue and green IDC blocks. If this faceplate is left in situ following the removal of the Highway service, there is usually no dialtone unless the IDC connectors have been bridged. Home & Business Highway, an ISDN based service, are now obsolete. REAR OF DIGITAL ACCESS FACEPLATE

Internally the NTE5 is a simple piece of equipment and contains just three components. These are a surge protector device, a 470k 'opt out of service' resistor and a 1.8uF 'ringing' capacitor.	The diagram shows the internal circuit of the NTE5.Terminals 2 & 5 carry the normal telephone call. Terminal 3 provides the ringing. The capacitor blocks the normal DC found in the circuit from reaching the bell terminal but allows the AC ringing current to pass. The protector is designed to arrest sudden surges and spikes on the line. The 'opt out of service' resistor allows the line to be tested if the phone is disconnected. It may appear that polarity is important to the NTE5. In reality it rarely makes any difference as the bell signal is AC and the phone corrects the polarity for itself in most cases, BUT NOT ALWAYS!	The current trend is moving away from a telephone company internal NTE5. Following trials in 2007, a new external NTE will be rolled out from 2008. The telephone company will maintain the line to it and the NTE itself. The wiring from it going into the house will be the responsibility of the householder. Testing is achieved by a yellow removable test plug. This isolates the customer wiring from the network much like the faceplate on the NTE5. The external NTE should clear up confusion as to who owns what and will allow Openreach easy access to the network even if the end user is not at home. This is a step further on from the currently 'Three Metre Rule'. This is where new lines are meant to be installed with the NTE5 located within three mettres of where the network terminates on a property.

The NTE5 replaces a number of earlier hard wired phone sockets & LJU's (Line Jack Units). These were referred to as TWO SLASH ONE, TWO SLASH TWO, THREE SLASH ONE etc. Depending on size and purpose. The 2/3 (below) is the same as the 2/1 (above) but without the ringing capacitor, opt out of service resistor and surge protector. There is also a 2/2 which has the ringing capacitor but not the resistor or surge protector. LJU's are too small to fit into a standard electrical backing boxes. To overcome this a number of standard size LJU's were developed for a range of needs for both single and dual line installations.	Standard size single line master LJU 3/1 LJU 3/x slave Most jacks are fitted with IDC's (Insulation Displacement Connector). These require a special tool. To overcome this a number of sockets have been made with small screw terminals instead of IDC connectors aimed at the DIY market.	Other jacks for dual lines Here a double socket provides two jacks for a single line. This would save using a socket doubler. Below is a similar line jack unit, this one however has two independent jacks for two seperate lines. Note the doubling of components and connectors. A line jack should no longer be installed as a master socket on a line. Many LJU's of various types have found their way into homes for one reason or another over time. They can still be used with PBX systems for 'extensions' but these are not usually found in domestic environments.
The NTE5 was created to fulfill a number requirements: Provide a defined 'demarcation' point where the telephone company's responsibility ends Include the required surge protection, opt out of service resistor and ringing components Provide an easy way to attach extensions without coming into contact with network wiring Provide a means to isolate the companies line from the customers wiring and equipment The NTE5 also improves things for all by: Making use of reliable screw terminals for incoming line Standard size for normal cavity and surface back boxes Can easily accept a master socket NTE2000 broadband filter to pre-filter all extensions New versions from July 2007 have a filtered bell circuit to improve noise for broadband performance		The importance of surge protection A direct lightning hit to a flue at this house destroyed all of the mains wiring blowing sokets out of the wall. The NTE5 was still in place, but the surge protector had blown.

NTE5B - Blank faceplate Most homes are fitted with an NTE5 and it is normally easy to find. Sometimes an NTE5B with a blank faceplate is fitted and this can cause some confusion. Sometimes a builder or electrican wires the telephone sockets in a house running a cable back to a master NTE5. This can be skillfully hidden in a cupboard, utility area or even the loft. When this happens the telephone sockets tend to be 'slave' Line Jacks without any branding on them. Finding the actual NTE5 can be a challange in these circumstances but its positon needs to be known as the telephone company will only work from that point.	Branded BT Line Jack Checking to see if a line jack is a master or slave simply involves looking for the components on the circuit board. Some people who do not understand telephone circuits may well put more than one master line jack, or even NTE5 in a house. In itself this is not a major problem but it can interfere with the operation of broadband.	Sometimes a property is fitted with 'structured wiring' and no common telephone sockets can be found. This is usually done with RJ45 sockets and CAT5 cable. All the points run back to a common location with a patch panel. The telephone line can be patched into certain sockets by using flying patch leads and adaptors. It is quite common in new homes and patch panel are often found in the garage, loft or utility room next to the NTE5.

Old Line Jack (Early PSTN) An early PSTN (Plug & Socket Telephone Network) socket. A masteris shown with the ringing components, protector and 'opt out of service' resistor. It also had screw terminals for extensions and for the network.	The NTE2000 Broadband Faceplate This master filter faceplate can replace the normal socket faceplate on an NTE5. This then provides filtering to all extension sockets in a premises removing the need for a 'dongle' microfilter on each item.	The Test Jack The NTE5 provides a test socket. In the event of a fault the small faceplate should carefully be removed and the function of the line tested at this point with a simple wired telephone that is know to work elsewhere.

All this talk of NTE5's would not be complete without the 'ownership' talk. The telephone company is responsible for the line up to the NTE5 and NO FURTHER. This may be inconvenient to the householder, but it is a stark financial fact. If there is a problem on the line it is tested by the telephone company remotely. This is remarkably accurate in most cases and it is easy to spot if a fault is likely to be with the customers wiring or equipment. Yet, despite this and the warning that a charge of over £100 will be made, people seem to think that the telephone company will come out and repair the fault for a cup of tea. It does not matter if all the wiring was put in by BT, Post Office Telephones or the GPO. If it is after the master socket it is YOUR PROBLEM. Even if you throw in the towel and are prepared to pay the charge don't think the fault will be fixed. Usually the engineer will come out and just disconnect the faulty wiring before you are charged. They do not and usually will not fix your faulty wiring unless it is quick and easy. They may narrow down a fault for you, but they don't have to. You may not be aware that you have been charged as the engineer does not collect any money on the day. It is added to your phone bill. It is a great way to get people to pay up as if you don't clear your bill you could get cut off! Finally if the NTE5 is damaged by the householder or even by damp, or if the wiring before the NTE5 is damaged (DIY, building work, window and door fitting, guttering, hedge cutting, pruning and digging to name but a few) you can bank on a charge. Shaggy dog stories and tall tales don't wash. The engineer has heard it all before. Not knowing you are responsible makes no difference. A wonderful and frequent end user speech is ''I don't know anything about any of this, it was all like it when we moved in''. It may be true but the stark reality is NOBODY CARES! It is now YOUR PROBLEM. The moral of the story, always check your installation before calling out an engineer. Your telephone company will ask you to do this and even point you to the page in your phonebook where instructions are given on how to do it.

Today 'BT' is no longer responsible for the telephone network or your NTE5. That 'honour' now falls to a company called 'Open reach'. Openreach are responsible for the telephone network and work for BT, Sky, Orange, TalkTalk and any other SERVICE PROVIDER that rents lines from them in a wholesale capacity. Whilst BT owns Openreach you cannot call BT and complain about a line fault anymore unless you are a BT customer reporting a fault with a BT service. BT is now just another communications provider, no more or less important than any of the others (TalkTalk, Orange, Sky, Tiscali, etc.,) To further cuffudle things two (or more) separate services can be provided over a single pair of Openreach wires. You may have broadband from and INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER such as Zen and telephone calls from a SERVICE PROVIDER like BT. You may have telephone calls from TalkTalk and broadband from Pipex. You may have an all in one package from Sky. Many problems with customer service have been down to the END USER calling the wrong person. If you have a problem with your voice service you call your voice provider. If you have a problem with your broadband you call your broadband provider. Whatever you do, don't call BT because they own Openreach and you think it may be quicker. The only place it will get you is frustration city, pressing buttons and going around in circles to find yourself being told to call your service provider. Shouts of 'I am a BT customer' because you have voice service with them, but have a fault with broadband from someone else are just as fruitless. BT may well agree to send out an engineer - who will have no training or interest in your non working broadband - he will prove the phone service is good for voice, raise a charge and walk away telling you to call your broadband service provider. Not only is there the cost of this to consider, but also the added delay of getting up and running. The moral of the tale? Call the right company no matter how good or how bad that experience may be. Be prepared to be assertive and not fobbed off. Service providers are careful about calling in Openreach as it can cost money if the fault is with their customers equipment and wiring. To spare the blushes, if you do have a problem work through the basic tests to eliminate issues you are responsible for. Not only could it save you money, but in many cases it will get you up and running again without making lots of calls and waiting for days.

In the case of any fault issue you should always:

Gently remove the NTE5 faceplate and test for dial tone in the test jack with a phone you know works
Check you can break the dial tone and make a test call
Check you can receive a call and that the ringing does not cut off early
Check that the line is clean and crackle free for speech
Make sure you cannot hear any loud hums or overhear any other conversations or loud noises

If a fault is found report it to your VOICE SERVICE PROVIDER

If you are a BT customer the test number 17070 will be of use. Option '2' (Quiet Line Test) allows you to listen to the background noise on the line. Option '1' will give a ringback test, making the phone ring. If 17070 won't work try putting 1470 ahead of it.

If the fault is with broadband check the service by plugging your modem/router in at the test jack of the NTE5. If you need to move your PC to do this, then do so. Do not be tempted to use a telephone extension lead. It is also worth using a new fresh microfilter. It is not uncommon for every filter in the house to fail - especially after a thunder storm that may have been some miles away. My personal preference is to use a BT plug to RJ11 adaptor instead of a filter for the following tests:

The modem/router should have a DSL status indicator. This can be called 'Sync', 'Status', 'DSL', 'Link' etc. When the modem/router is first fired up this will normally flash for up to a minute before becoming steady. If your status indicator fails to 'sync up' or keeps loosing 'sync' every few minutes then there is a problem with either your physical equipment or the line. It is worth trying another modem/router just to check for 'sync'. Modems and routers can die, just like filters and to have both go flat at the same time is not uncommon. The equipment and line is usually GOOD if 'sync' is obtained easily and stays stable. If 'Sync' is good and you still cannot connect to the internet the issue could be:

Problem at ISP's end resulting in failure to authenticate
Not outgoing 'dial up' connection call made [modems normally require a manual 'connect']
Wrong username & password [CaSeSenSiTiVe?]
Software firewall stopping traffic [Zonealarm, Norton Internet Security, etc etc]
Advanced settings incorrect - wrong channel, modulation or protocol . [Usually 38, DMT and PPPoA for the UK, but check]
Advanced network setting wrong [default gateway, IP address, DNS addresses]

If you are unable to get steady 'sync' at the test jack REPORT THE ISSUE TO YOUR ISP not your voice provider - be sure your own equipment and installation is good before you do this.

Faulty modem/router/lead or filter
Fault on Incorrectly wired extension(s) ('star' wired or 'teed in' before master socket)
EU external wiring fault line fault (damaged cable, damp or corroded terminations, faulty NTE5)
Local RF interference knocking service out (faulty PSU's in computers, digital TV boxes etc. Physically UNPLUG them and try)
Fault in Openreach network
Fault in exchange with DSL or PSTN equipment
Line too noisy, too far away from exchange or jumpering in exchange disturbed/ceased or never provided to start with

If you are unable to get steady 'sync' at an extension or with the faceplate plugged in, but can get it in the test jack the problem is with your own wiring and equipment. With the faceplate IN:

Check that micro filters are fitted correctly where they are required - that is on anything that plugs into the phone line
Unplug everything in every room from the phone line and try again
Modify the bell wire circuit by filtering or disconnection
Check for local radio interference. An AM medium wave radio tuned to Five live or thereabouts makes a good RF tester. Chronic interference can easily be heard
Check for damaged extension wiring

If a fault is with your equipment or wiring basic checks will usually unearth it quickly. Normally internal network faults are with equipment, not wiring. The exception to this is a known issue where the bell wire (usually coloured orange with a white band) on terminal 3 induces interference into the line messing up the broadband. The cure is to either fit a new NTE5 with the filtered bell wire face plate, or to remove the orange wire from terminal three at the faceplate first and then the extensions if that fails. Equipment faults usually revolve around a piece of equipment you fail to disconnect. This could be a simple faulty filter, the Sky TV box, an alarm panel that the builder hooked up, that expensive all in one printer/scanner/fax, that tiny caller display box or even that cheap calls 'dongle'. Naughty boys and girls may wish to check that a prison HDC tag box is not plugged into the wrong line or causing the problem. By far one of the biggest culprits as far as fault equipment goes is the old dial up modem once used to surf the net. Often a simple lead remains in place connecting the phone line to the dial-up modem inside the PC. This gets hidden in the mess of spaghetti at the back of the computer desk. One day the modem fails inside the PC but it goes undetected as it is no longer used. It then places a fault across the line stopping the phone and broadband working as intended. Don't miss this one out because If you make the assumption ''It can't be that'' - it will be. Finally if your equipment is fine, you can't find any RF interference and the bell wires are all filtered or missing, you may well have a cable fault. These are normally uncommon but be suspicious if you have:

Had new carpets, flooring, doors, windows or diy/building work done in recent weeks and months
Pets of the welcome or unwelcome kind (puppies, hamsters mice and rats)
Had a flooding/fire/lighting damage or have been burgled
Had cable TV, telephone or Sky TV fitted where telephone wiring may have been tampered with
Had an alarm system fitted that dials out on your phone line

Information provided as is - no responsibility is taken for errors or omissions.