How to Crimp an RJ45 Connector for IP Camera Cable

Crimp an RJ45 for IP camera cable in 6 steps: strip, arrange T568B, seat, crimp, and test before you mount. Tool list included.

Published 2026-08-02

How to Crimp an RJ45 Connector for IP Camera Cable

A clean RJ45 termination is the difference between a camera that works on day one and one that drops frames. Here is the field-tested method.

What you need

A crimper kit (crimp + stripper), RJ45 plugs, and a cable tester. Use solid-core cable such as Cat6.

6 steps

1. Strip ~25mm of jacket without nicking pairs. 2. Untwist and order wires T568B: orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, brown. 3. Trim flat, even across the top. 4. Push fully into the plug (copper tabs visible at the tip). 5. Crimp firmly. 6. Test both ends with the tester — all 8 lights in order.

Before you mount

Test the run in-hand first. A miswired pair shows as a missing light and would otherwise mean a ladder trip later. Add DC plugs if the camera also needs 12V at the same end.

Frequently asked

T568A or T568B for CCTV?

Either works as long as both ends match. T568B is the default for most CCTV and network installs — just be consistent end to end.

Do I need a special crimper for Cat6?

A standard RJ45 crimp tool works for Cat5e and Cat6. For Cat6A you may need a plug designed for the thicker conductor; for normal Cat6 a good crimp tool is fine.

Are SurveilForge accessories compatible with Hikvision, Dahua and Axis cameras?

Yes — they follow open surveillance standards (IEEE 802.3af/at PoE, RJ45, BNC, DC 12V/24V) and work with any brand using those standards, including Hikvision, Dahua and Axis. SurveilForge is an independent brand, not affiliated with any camera OEM.