What distance must cable pair twists be maintained for category 3 cables during termination?

For category 3 cables, maintaining the twists of cable pairs is crucial during termination to preserve the performance characteristics of the cable, particularly its ability to reduce crosstalk and maintain signal integrity. The standard specifies that the untwisted length of each pair should not exceed 3 inches at the termination point. This limitation ensures that the electromagnetic properties of the twisted pairs are preserved as much as possible, minimizing interference and ensuring reliable transmission of data.

By keeping the untwisted length to 3 inches, the integrity of the pairs is maintained, allowing the cable to perform optimally in its intended applications. This understanding is vital for anyone involved in the installation and termination of category 3 cabling to adhere to best practices and standards in telecommunications.