Using existing jacks in an apt complex

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 09, 2006 Posts: 1

Hi
have read the previous posts, but the wiring in apt complex is not marked. no small plugs to unplug, everything just connected to screws. There is no way to identify which line is connected to my apt.
My question is whether I can just cut the wire that enters my apt, this would disconnect it from the telephone box. Would this eliminate any voltage on the lines. Also, would the existing jack system still work?
know it is probably silly question, but was looking for an easy way to maybe use existing jacks.
any insight would be helpful.
thanks in advance.
MIchael

Posts: 4777 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Aug 30, 2005 Posts: 4777

Yes, if you can identify the wires coming into your apartment at the point where they're entering and cut them, this will do what you want. It will disconnect the landline service and leave the jacks so that they will all work when you plug Vonage into one of them.

However, it's very unlikely that your landlord will be very happy about it. Repairing it for the next tenant would be a problem. It would be far better to determine the first jack that the wires are going into. If you can do that and disconnect them there by lifting the incoming wires from the screw terminals, then it will be easy for you to repair it later.

Posts: 36 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: Dec 27, 2006 Posts: 36

Steve is correct but i would test the line at each jack after you disconnect because some apartment buildings dont have linear wireing, especially older ones.

Posts: 1179 · Member of the Week Joined: Feb 28, 2005 Posts: 1179

I've lived in a number of apts and most frequently, the line come into the apt at the kitchen jack. so open that up and see if you can identify which wire to disconnect. You should see several sets of wires. Maybe you can open up the kitchen phone jack and then take a picture so that we can see if we can help.

I definitely agree that you should not cut the wires.