[nancyip]

How do I convert jack that was used for a second line back to the primary line?

[RickJ]

Typically the wire colors for line one are red and green... but to be sure, just open one of your other primary line jacks to confirm... then wire the one you want to change just like it

[nancyip]

Rickj,

I have already compared the jack I want to change to another one that is wired for the primary line. They both appear to be the same so I am wondering if the solution is in the NI box?

[ScottGem]

Could be. As Rick noted, a phone line actually uses only the Red and Green. A phone jack typically as 4 wires; red, green, yellow and black. A jack wired for 2 lines (RJ 14) as the red and green of line 1 going to the red and green of the jack and the red and green of line 2 going to the yellow and black of the jack. This can be accomplished by running 2 wires into the jack or doing the wiring at the network interface and running one wire.

[RickJ]

Do you know if the jack you want to change has EVER been used as line1?

If not, then it could be that it's wires go straight to line2 in the NI box... or be junctioned to line 2 in a wall somewhere.

If so, then two of the other wires behind that jack will connect you: you can just try other pairs of unused wires behind the jack you want to change (with a phone plugged in) and call your number until you get a ring.

... yes, it's supposed to be simpler than this, but someone has done some inconsistent wiring.

[nancyip]

To Scott: Yes the jack has the four wires but it is impossible for me to tell which wires inside the jack each of the four is connected to. They go into 4 holes--whatever is on the other side is not easily discerned.

To Rick: this is a new home (2002) and this particular jack was installed to handle my data line which was the secondary line. I have never had my primary phone plugged into this jack. If the resolution is at the NI, then I am lost--I looked in there and I would not have a clue as to 1.) what it all means, and 2) how to determine if this is my problem, and 3) how to change it. The phone company told me they would do it for $95--and they did not even flinch!

[ScottGem]

Radio Shack used to have a book on phone wiring for about $15. You might want to try and find that.

Let me get this straight, the only thing that was ever plugged into this line was your computer modem? If so, then either the data line was wired as the primary or its not wired as a multi-line (RJ-14). No standard modem works with an RJ-14. A modem will only pick up what is wired as the primary line.

One way to test if this is a RJ-14 is to plug a multi-line phone in and see if you get a dial-tone on each line.

What type of jack is this? You should be able to open it up and see the wires. What is it you want to do with this jack? Use it with your regular phone line? If it is a 2 line, you should be able to open the jack and connect the yellow wire to the red terminal and the black to the green terminal (leave the red and green wires unconnected). If you do that and don't get a dial tone, its not wired as an RJ-14.

[Phone Guy]

How do I convert jack that was used for a second line back to the primary line?

What color are the wires that are attached to the jack ?