Installing a second line

Tired of waiting for your teenager to get off the phone? Want to add a second line for a computer? It’s an easy enough task for the ambitious do-it-yourselfer. All it takes is a few basic tools and a box of Band-Aids®. Seriously, it is not that hard.

Here’s what you need to get started: a drill, a pair of pliers, a couple of screwdrivers, a wire stripper and a wire coat hanger.

Getting Started.

1) Take the phone off the hook. This will help you avoid a mild electrical shock. Unless, of course, you like that sort of thing.

2) Pop the cover off the wall jack. Inside you will discover four colorful connections. At this point, say aloud to yourself “Christmas trees and bumble bees.” At this point, your family will think you are slowly losing your mind. They will be wrong. You see, there are red and green jacks (The Christmas ones). Red and green wires go to your current phone line. There are also yellow and black wires. (Bumble bees, get it?)  These are the wires that you can use for an additional home phone line.

3) Call your dPi Teleconnect agent and tell them you are adding a second phone number. They will give you their best deal. Next, tell them you are going to install the new line yourself. They will laugh at you. Don’t be discouraged.

4) A technician will come to your home and check for service at the Network Interface Device (NID) on the side of your house. Once he makes any necessary connections or repairs, the second line will be ready to go.

Pick a room. Add a line.

Okay. The phone wire currently running through your home can handle two lines. Remember? The Christmas trees and bumble bees? The yellow and black wires will now be carrying the second line. If you have a certain room where you want the second line, the switch-over can be simple. Follow these easy steps:

1) In the specified room, find the desired jack for the second line.

2) Unscrew the faceplate from the wall.

3) On the back side of the jack, unscrew the red and green wires and make sure the black and yellow wires are connected.

4) If you need to connect the black and yellow wires, simply strip about 3/4" of insulation off with wire strippers, and connect them to the screw that already has the same colored "jumper" wire on it.

5) Once that is finished, don't screw the plate back on yet. You need to check for a dial tone.

6) Plug in your land line (one that doesn't need to be plugged into an outlet) and listen for a dial tone. If you get one, dial your primary number. If the other line in the home rings, then you're set.

7) Wrap the red and green wires back down the phone cable and tape the ends with black electrical tape.

8) Re-install the faceplate to the wall. And you’re done.