RJ12

RJ12 is a standard for modular connectors and cables used in telecommunications and networking. It is part of the registered jack (RJ) family of connectors, which are commonly found in telephone wiring and network interfaces. The RJ12 connector is a six-position, six-conductor (6P6C) connector. This means it has six physical positions for wires and is designed to accommodate six conductors.

While visually similar to the more common RJ11 connector (which is typically a 6P4C or 4P4C), RJ12 is specifically designed for applications requiring more conductors. It is often used for serial communication ports, such as those found on some industrial equipment, point-of-sale systems, and certain types of networking devices. The additional conductors in an RJ12 cable can be utilized for various purposes, including carrying multiple data streams, control signals, or power.

The physical dimensions of the RJ12 connector are identical to RJ11, allowing them to physically plug into the same modular jacks. However, using an RJ11 cable in an RJ12 application, or vice versa, can lead to miswiring and communication failures if the pinouts do not match the intended application. It is important to ensure that the correct cable type and connector are used for the specific equipment and its intended function. Despite its specific applications, RJ12 is less ubiquitous than RJ11 or RJ45 in consumer electronics.