Bonded-Pair Cable Installation
The benefits of using data cables with Belden’s unique Bonded-Pair technology are well known:  they are the only cable in the marketplace that maintains its superior electrical performance even after the stresses of the installation process (They provide Installable Performance®.)

The Belden® Preparation Tool (P/N 1797B) prepares the cables for connector termination in faster and easier way than ever before.  And this handy tool not only separated the bonded, twisted pairs – it can also be used to prepare any unbonded-pair cable for installation.

Instructions
For Belden DataTwist® cables:  Insert cable into the cutting area and rotate the tool at least one complete turn. Remove the jacket end.

For MediaTwist® cables:  Score the printed top and both sides of the cable with scissors or the Cable Preparation Tool. Then snap the cable from side to side to complete jacket separation.

Pair Separation Techniques
Belden’s Cable Preparation Tool allows the installer to choose from either the new “Pick” technique or the traditional “Blade Slot” technique to better facilitate pair untwisting. The Pick technique utilizes a steel awl that is incorporated into the tip of the tool that is surrounded on both sides with guards to assist in pair alignment during the pair separation step. The Pick technique allows for a simple “pick-n-pull” motion to easily separate the conductors of a twisted pair cable. The Blade Slot technique provides the technician an alternate method for separating the conductors quickly and easily. See instructions below.

Choose Either the Pick Method of Blade Slot Method
Pick Method of Pair Preparation: Lay each twisted pair into the tool channel with the pair ends facing toward the pick.  Place your thumb on the thumb notch to stabilize and secure the pair. The tip of the pick should rest in the webbing between the two conductors. While holding the pair in place with your thumb, puncture the pair webbing with the pick.

Hold the cable in one hand and with the hand holding the tool, pull the tool away from you, allowing the pick to separate the conductors of the pair.

Blade Slot Method of Pair Preparation: Refer to the Blade Slot Selection Table to determine which blade slot to use to separate the pairs.

Insert each twisted pair into the appropriate slot. Rotate the tool and/or the pair in the direction opposite of the twist to prevent stripping the conductor insulation. Continue insertion to match the desired length of the untwisted section.

Blade Slot Selection Table

Note:  TIA/EIA-568-B allows a maximum of 0l5 inch of untwisted section after termination.