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110 Block

A 110 block is a type of punch block used to connect wire sets in a structured cabling system. The "110" designation is also used to describe a type of insulation-displacement connector used to terminate twisted pair cables using a similar punch-down tool as the older 66 block. This type of punch block is available in two varieties. The first is called pairwise. Pairwise connections have each row containing two electrically connected terminals (the left two and the right two). The second is called row-wise. Row-wise connections are connections where each row of four terminals all tied together. This option must be specified when ordering.

Usage

110 Block - Telephone Distribution

Early residential telephone systems used simple screw terminals to join cables to sockets in a tree topology. Since about 2000, these screw-terminal blocks have been slowly replaced by connecting blocks and sockets. Modern homes usually have phone service entering the house to a single 110 block. At that point it is distributed by on-premises wiring to outlet boxes throughout the home in series or star topology. At the outlet box, cables are punched down to standard RJ-11 sockets, which fit in special faceplates.

In commercial settings, this style of "home run wiring" was already in use on 66 blocks in telecom closets and switchrooms. The 110 block has been slowly replacing the 66 block, especially for data communications usage.

110 Block - Computer Networks

110 is often used at both ends of Category 5 cable runs through buildings. In switch rooms, these cross-connect blocks are used to connect cables to patch panels using devices called "chips". At the other end, 110 connections may be used with keystone modules that are attached to wall plates. 110 blocks are preferred over 66 blocks in high-speed networks because they introduce less crosstalk. Many are certified for use in Category 5 and Category 6 wiring systems, as well as Category 6a.

 

Advantages

110 style blocks allow a much higher density of terminations in a given space than older style termination blocks (66 style or wire wrap). Some 110 of these blocks meet specifications for higher bandwidth data protocols, such as Category 5 and higher.

Disadvantages

During regular usage, small pieces of wire can become stuck inside the 110 contacts. This renders that given pair unreliable or unusable until the pieces are removed. A tool known as a spudger can be used to remove excess wire pieces.

A new wire inserted over an existing wire remnant will be unable to make reliable contact with the 110 block, which can handle only a single wire per contact. 110 blocks are also less reliable than 66 blocks for keeping cross-connects in place.

For testing, it is more difficult to reliably connect to a working circuit on a 110 block than on older style blocks. The circuit must be broken or insulation displacing contacts may be used on jumper wires. Repeated use of insulation displacing contacts may lead to a difficult to locate broken or intermittent jumper wire.

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