Telephone Cords 101
(Or how to avoid a simple phone problem, easily.)

In this tutorial, we'll talk about handset cords (the "curly" wire that connects your handset to the telephone itself), and "mounting cords" which are the wire that goes between your phone and the wall outlet. Both of these cords are manufactured on the inside with some very fine copper wires that are designed to bend millions of times without breaking. They do a great job and generally last for a long time, with a few exceptions.

Like we said before, the wire inside of these cords are very thin. Because they are so thin, small amounts of electricity will have a harder time getting through these cords, and especially if they are more than 14 feet long. It's similar to trying to make too much water go through too small of a pipe. What actually happens when the cord is too long is this: The cord will develop "hot spots" where electricity is having a hard time getting through.

You can find these spots by running the cord between your thumb and forefinger until you come to a "bump" in the cord. That "bump" is the result of the plastic inside of the cord melting from the heat of the "hot spot". If you find cords that have a "Bump" or Bumps in them, throw them away and get a new cord. Eventually those little bumps will cost you money in the form of a new phone or even worse, a new circuitboard in your system.

It is also a great idea to replace all of the cords on your system once a year. It's cheap maintenance, and will save you money and aggravation later.