If I try to fix my phone jack my self, is there a risk of electrocution?

Question

Hi. The guy from the phone company told my roomate, that the phone jack in my room was working from the outside, and so all he needed to do was replace the inside jack. He never did, and now he's moved out. I was thinking about fixing it myself, but is there a risk I could get electrocuted? What kind of precautions should I take?

Thanks!

Answer 1

There is no risk of electrocution from standard telephone lines.  It typically has -48 Vdc on it, but the current it is capable of delivering is very small and cannot cause harm.

Answer 2

Jeff B is mostly right. The ringing voltage on the line when someone is calling is around 90v 20HZ AC. This can jolt you. Just work on one wire at a time and you will be OK.