Shielded Cat3 RJ45 Jack for Voice-Grade Ethernet and Telecom
It carries a Cat3 rating, meaning it is specified for voice-grade and 10BASE-T Ethernet applications up to 16 MHz — not for 100BASE-TX or gigabit Ethernet, which require Cat5 or higher. The single-port, single-row layout mates with standard 8P8C RJ45 plugs. The shielded shell, combined with board locks and panel stops, anchors the jack against cable strain and vibration in equipment enclosures.
What the Cat3 Rating Means for Your Application
Cat3 certification limits this jack to data rates up to 10 Mbps and a frequency ceiling of 16 MHz. It is a fit for analog telephone lines, RS-232 serial over twisted pair, or legacy 10BASE-T Ethernet. The shielding reduces radiated emissions and external noise coupling, which helps maintain signal integrity in electrically noisy industrial cabinets — but the Cat3 bandwidth cap remains the hard constraint. If your BOM calls for 100 Mbps or PoE, this is not the right jack; step up to a Cat5e or Cat6 shielded variant.
Board Fit and Mounting Details
Through-hole solder tails provide mechanical strength for repeated plug insertions — the board locks pull double duty as solder anchors and shear-force resistance when the cable is yanked. The tab direction is down, which means the latching tab on the mating RJ45 plug faces the PCB side; verify your cable plug orientation against this before layout.
The phosphor bronze base provides good spring retention and fatigue resistance over the connector's service life.