Split pair (original) (raw)

A split pair is a wiring error where two wires of a twisted pair are instead connected using two wires from different pairs, potentially creating interference. Telecommunications wiring is most commonly configured using the twisted pair technique, and a split pair can cause problems like crosstalk on a phone line or interference with a video signal. These problems can indicate a wiring issue and may prompt a technician to check for signs that pairs could have been split while connecting telecommunications interfaces. Such wiring negates the benefit of using a twisted pair in the first place and is likely to cause errors in high rate data lines and increase interference on voice lines, especially on long lengths of cable.