Check your phone for dial tone at the NID box (Network Interface Device) on the side of your house. It is a gray box approximately 9” x 7” x 3” (businesses and multi-tenant buildings have a larger interface). This is the point where your inside wiring meets the Madison Telephone Company network. The interface is usually located on an exterior rear or side wall. In some cases, this interface will be located in your basement or within 12” of an outside wall. Unscrew and open the left side of the box. Find the test jack for each of your lines. If there are multiple lines in your home or business, each line should be tested.
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How do I test my inside wiring at the NID?
Unscrew the NID box cover at the customer access point with a screwdriver and open. Disconnect the modular plug from the test jack. If you have more than one line, select the test jack for the line that is causing the problem. This disconnects your inside wiring from the Madison Telephone Company line. Try the phone. If the problem still exists, it is in the phone company’s lines. Contact Madison Telephone Company repair service by dialing 1-800-422-4848. If the problem is gone, you have trouble on your inside wiring, equipment, jacks, or remaining telephone sets. Contact Madison Telephone Company, a contractor or someone else, or make the repairs yourself. Once you have finished your test, disconnect your testing telephone and securely re-insert the original modular plug. Close the cover and screw the fastener down until the cover is snug and tight.
How do I install or replace inside wiring at the NID?
Open the customer access side of the NID box. Disconnect modular plug from the test jack. This disconnects your inside wiring from the Madison Telephone Company lines. Using a pen or pencil, punch a hole through the grommet and pass the wire through the hole in the grommet (punch one hole for each wire.) Pass the wire behind the hinge pin. Loosen the screw posts on the customer wiring bridge one full turn. Strip off 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire and connect them to the color corresponding screw post, wrapping each clockwise between the washers on the screw. Tuck excess wire in wiring trough. Tighten screws securely. Re-insert modular plug into test jack. Close the cover and screw the fastener down until the cover is snug and tight.
What are some common outside wiring problems?
No dial tone on all phones, can’t call in or out on all phones, getting cut off when talking on all phones, and/or static on all phones.
What are some common inside wiring problems?
A phone works in one jack but not in another jack, loose or broken phone jack, worn telephone cords, or buttons stuck on telephone.
What do I do if I can't receive phone calls?
Unplug any phones, computers, fax machine, satellite receivers, caller id boxes, or anything else that may be plugged into the phone line one at a time. After unplugging one, check the next phone for dial tone. If dial tone comes back, the piece of equipment that was unplugged is bad. If this does not resolve the problem, make sure your ringer is turned on. If there is still no change, call Madison Telephone Company.
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