A 66 block is a type of steel punch used in construction work. It has a metal rod attached to two handles and a sharp point on one end. They’re handheld tools that are inexpensive and easy to use.
A 110 punch block has an inch and a five-eighth inch hole size, which corresponds to the width of one-fifth of an inch.
Let’s find out more about these blocks below!
Contents
What is 66 block
The 66 Block has 4 columns with 50 rows (25 pairs). The first 2 columns are connected, and the last 2 columns are not. The idea is one wire is punched in the first column, and the bridge clip bridges that connection.
A 66 block is a type of punch wall that you can use in some constructions. It is a type of metal stud framing with an open-web design, and it is typically used for exterior applications. The 66 block has a height of 66 inches, which is the height of the wall to be framed.
The 66 blocks are called so because it has six panels on each side, with each panel measuring 16 inches wide. The meetings are also called “studs” or “strips.” Also known as open web steel studs or an available framing system.
I brought in the hot air from Denmark and punched it down on the left side. Use the “no-cut” side of the punch tool and loop the wire through several pairs of terminations.
This way, when you are trying to troubleshoot, you can pull the bridging clips to isolate each home run. I also put one jack right next to the 66 blocks for testing.
Although lots are still in use, 66 blocks are pretty much obsolete. Amp 110, BICS, and other more compact systems have been used for years.
What is 110 block
I’ve used the BIX piggyback adapters, and while they’re not as good as those made to piggyback a 110-block, they were better than those made to slip on top of a 110 punchout. A punch block has 10 panels per side, measuring 11 inches wide.
I prefer the 110 blocks – I think they’re easier to use. The BIX is good too, but the way they are configured takes some getting used to it.
BIX is still the best cross-connect system so far. A properly planned backboard or frame with either BIX or 110 can triple the capacity for new blocks, which are 66.
66 blocks is a lot of wall space that you could use for something better. It’s an old habit, but let’s look at the positives: there are test clips for BIX and 88/110.
In its performance, 110 blocks do take up a lot less room. And if you are the only one using them, or you stand confident in your crew, then it would be the way.
While I’ve used them before, BIX Blocks would be my second choice. They take up less space than both 66 and 110. The BIX Tool doesn’t go “dull” or wear down over time as the other two do.
What’s the difference between 66 blocks and 110 blocks?
A 66 and 110 block is how the end of communications cables are terminated. They both work to provide a lot of wires ready to go in a small space.
66 blocks are the most common in the US for phone cables. 110 blocks are used both for voice and 10BASET data.
If you are using all new voice cables in your place, you will probably want to put them on 66 blocks. All your data cables will want to use those blocks.
But if you’re running a few cables, you’ll be fine to just run the audio wires straight to your main splitter.
The best way to get your data running is to take it straight to the hub. If you want, you can use about a hundred different setups that will work– but there are only a few ways that will be right.
The right way is either 66 or 100 blocks for voice and patch panels for data. The only problem with that is that it uses up a lot of floor space under 5 cables channels each.
A 66 block runs about $5.oo domestically, and an 89 bracket is usually around $.89. A larger 110 block with legs ranges from $10 -12 depending on the type, but typically less than $12.
What’s better: 66 blocks or 110 blocks?
I can see that people on both sides of the argument have good points. 110 isn’t idiot-proof, but it’s also not idiot-resistant. 66 blocks are pretty close to being idiot resistant.
Even if I’m not crazy about 66 blocks, I cannot deny the benefits of using them on a project. They’re affordable, reusable, and abundant. Even though there will always be enough 66 blocks to go around, it’s still better to be prepared.
One of the key advantages of these devices is that you can order them in 25×4, 50×2, 25×6, and 50×3 configurations. I know line sharing isn’t popular among vendors, but it does out there in the real world.
66 blocks are less expensive, can be Cat5 compliant, are super for RJ21x type service where you want to bridge and Tunbridge easily. 66 blocks are most efficient for testing and allow easy meter lead placement for testing. Installing BIX with new installations is not the right approach since your cable plant already has the technology in place.
I installed a TV antenna on top of my building a few years ago, even before I knew much about them. The 110 blades are punched between the contacts, and a 66 knife is stuck around the connections. Both blades have the cutting edge shown.
While it’s difficult to compare the two, some people might say that one is better than the other. It all feels down to personal preference. It doesn’t matter what country you’re from because BIX is a Northern Telecom product.
What is BIX?
I have used BIX, 66, and 110 blocks in the past.
BIX connector is reusable, either with 2-pair or 25-pair or jumper wire. The company also makes different BIX’modular’ connectors for 2, 3, or 4 pair jacks. WECO created a wire retaining tool to hold the leads in the 110 index strip when removing the connector. Without it, the charges all fall out.
BIX blocks are like 110 — hidden in plastic, you can’t even touch the contacts. When you short a pair using BIX, it doesn’t have to be 66 on both sides of the trade. You can go with a different number on one side. It will help you better detect the market’s tone and identify whether or not your insights into the equity were correct.
You can go across the BIX field for testing about 3-4 times faster than a 66.
We put new cables into the warehouse on BIX, even if there are already a lot of wires there. It’s also necessary to use up-to-date equipment for the best results possible.
BIX also has line share connectors, and they are Part number QCBIX7A.
According to a couple of vendors, a 66 or 110 blade runs approximately 18 bucks. A BIX blade goes for around 40-50.