How to Install a Cat6 RJ45 Connector With a Load Bar

Making your own Ethernet patch cables can be frustrating when the wires kink, cross, or slide out of order inside the RJ45 plug. This guide shows how to install a standard Cat6 RJ45 connector with a load bar, which makes wire alignment easier and helps create a cleaner, more reliable termination.

Why Use an RJ45 Connector With a Load Bar?

If you have ever made an Ethernet patch cable, you already know one of the most annoying parts of the job: getting all eight wires into the RJ45 plug correctly. Even when the wires look straight, they can become kinked, misaligned, crossed, or pushed into the connector unevenly.

A load bar helps solve that problem. Instead of trying to slide eight loose wires directly into the RJ45 plug, the wires first pass through the load bar. The load bar holds them in the proper order and helps guide them into the connector as one organized group. This makes the installation cleaner, easier, and less frustrating.

Tools and Materials Needed

For this installation, the cable used is Cat6 riser cable, UTP, which stands for unshielded twisted pair. The cable is 23 AWG, which is commonly used for Cat6 cable runs and custom patch cables.

The connectors used are standard Cat6 RJ45 plugs with load bars. In the video, the load bars come packaged separately from the RJ45 plugs, and the plugs include gold-plated contacts.

Step 1: Strip the Cat6 Cable Jacket

Start by stripping back about one to one and a half inches of the outer cable jacket. A few turns with a wire stripper should be enough. Be careful not to cut too deeply because nicking the internal conductors can weaken the cable or cause test failures later.

If your cable includes a drawstring, pull it down slightly after stripping the jacket. This lets you inspect the cable and confirm that none of the internal wires were nicked during the stripping process. Once everything looks clean, cut off the drawstring.

Step 2: Untwist and Straighten the Wire Pairs

Next, untwist all four wire pairs. This part takes a little patience because the wires need to be as straight and flat as possible before going into the load bar. One helpful trick is to use the piece of cable jacket you removed earlier to help straighten the wires. Slide it across the conductors to flatten them without making your fingers sore.

Do not throw away the stripped jacket piece immediately. It can be useful during the straightening process and may save your fingers if you are making several cables.

Step 3: Arrange the Wires in T568B Order

Once the wires are separated, straight, and flat, arrange them in the T568B wiring standard. This is one of the most common wiring patterns used for Ethernet patch cables.

After the wires are in order, press them together and keep them flat. Before inserting the load bar, it can help to snip the ends straight across. This gives the conductors an even edge and makes it easier for them to slide smoothly through the load bar.

Step 4: Slide the Wires Through the Load Bar

With the wires in the correct T568B order, slide them through the load bar. Make sure the wires stay together and remain in the proper sequence as they pass through. Once the load bar is on, double-check the wire order before moving forward.

After confirming the color order, push the load bar as close to the cable jacket as possible. The goal is to minimize the amount of untwisted wire between the jacket and the connector. The less exposed, untwisted wire you have, the better the termination will be.

Step 5: Trim the Wires and Insert the Connector

Once the load bar is positioned close to the jacket, trim the wire ends flush with the front of the load bar. Use a good pair of electrical scissors or flush cutters to make a clean cut.

Next, insert the load bar and wires into the RJ45 connector. Make sure the connector is facing the correct direction, with the curved part of the load bar going into the back of the plug properly. Push the assembly in firmly so the wires seat correctly against the internal contacts.

Step 6: Crimp the RJ45 Connector

Place the RJ45 connector into a standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet crimper. Push the connector fully into the crimper, then press down firmly to complete the crimp. Once the connector is crimped, remove it and inspect the end.

At this point, the RJ45 connector should be securely attached, the wires should be properly aligned, and the cable jacket should be seated close enough to support the termination.

Step 7: Test the Finished Patch Cable

After crimping, always test your cable. In the video, a basic Klein Tools cable tester is used first. The cable passes, confirming that the wire order and continuity are correct.

The cable is also tested with a NetAlly LinkRunner AT 1500, which is a more professional cable tester. This tool checks the cable and confirms that the pins are lined up properly, the wiring is correct, and there are no miswires. It also displays the cable length, which in this example is three feet.

Five Benefits of Using an RJ45 Connector With a Load Bar

Using RJ45 connectors with load bars provides several advantages, especially when working with Cat6 cable. The load bar is simple, inexpensive, and helps create more consistent results.

Final Thoughts

If you make your own Ethernet patch cables, RJ45 connectors with load bars are worth considering. They make it easier to keep all eight wires in order, reduce the chance of mistakes, and help produce a cleaner crimp. They are especially useful when working with Cat6 cable, where wire alignment and reduced untwisted length can make a difference.

For home networking, custom cable runs, network panels, and patch cable projects, a load bar can save time and frustration. Just remember to follow the correct wiring standard, keep the wires flat, trim them cleanly, crimp firmly, and always test the cable when you are done.