Can I use my fax machine with my home phone line? If so, how?

Answer 1

The fax machine simply plugs into your phone line, just like it's a phone. Anyone calling your home phone number will then get your fax machine, assuming you don't have an answering machine on the line.

This could get awkward, as you would be constantly switching cords between the fax and phone, so most phone companies offer a service called "distinctive ring." To use this with a fax machine, you'll need an outboard switchbox that costs around $30 and is available at Staples and other office supply stores. This box plugs into your phone line and it has jacks for your phone and fax. With a distinctive ring service, your phone line will ring a certain way when it's a voice call and another way when you have a fax call.

To make this work, the phone company will issue you a new phone number for your fax service -- your voice number will stay the same. You will not actually get a new phone line -- the system works by using two different rings on your single phone line. The outboard box recognizes one ring as a voice call and the other ring as the fax call.

I had this system several years ago and it worked perfectly. Obviously no one could send me a fax while I talked on the phone but it was completely automatic and foolproof otherwise. At the time, the phone company charged an extra $6 per month for the service, which is pretty steep for what you get. But if you have a home business, it is the right way to do it.

Answer 2

Another solution in my area is called "distinctive ring" an add-on service. Check with your local phone company for availability and cost. Works like this:

--You are given another phone # which you can use for FAXes. It rings at your house with a different pattern so you can tell if it is a phone or FAX.

--The new # you receive is now your FAX #. Your phone # will remain the same (although they will both ring in on the same line)

--Set up FAX with the phone # & config for distinctive ring. When a call comes in, if it is a FAX, it will ring differently (so you know it is a FAX and not to pick up) and then be routed automatically to the FAX. If it is a calll it will NOT go to the FAX and ring as usual.

This is particularly useful if you have a small business and want to create a presence and exhibit the impression of multiple phone lines, or if you just feel like creating the impression of multiple phone lines for no apparent reason, when in reality, you only have one. The cost is a few dollars more per month for such a false luxury.

Answer 3

As the rest of the people have said, Yes.

However, if you hook up the Fax, and set it to autoanswer, it will answer your phone in 3 rings or however number of rings the fax is set to. This means if someone is actually calling you, they will here the fax tone.

There are two solutions to this issue. (Three if you count getting a dedicated fax line.)

1. Set the fax to Manual. (You have to push a button on the fax for it to answer the phone. You have to know when caller is sending a fax.)

2. Get a Fax switch. This is a device that answers the phone, and listens to see if it is a fax. If is isn't a fax, it will tell the phone to continue to ring, and either you will answer it, or it will go to your V-mail or answering machine. Some more advanced faxes have a built in switch. Read your manual to find out.,

Answer 4

Plug the phone line into the fax machine. Plug the other end of the phone line into your phone jack. Plug the power cord of your fax machine into a 120V electrical outlet. Grab a cold drink and wait for the fax to arrive.

Answer 5

When a fax comes in your phone will ring. When you pick up the receiver you hear the fax squeal. Dial 123 and it will switch to fax. In some systems only one or two of the numbers is required but I used all three.

Answer 6

Fax machines are usually meant to be used with PSTN, i.e. home phone line. You will need a connecting cable, which is usually supplied with Fax machine, to connect to the phone line.

Answer 7

Yes, you can use a phone splitter to connect both cords at the same time. Or you can just remove the phone cord from the jack and replace it with the fax cord.

Answer 8

yes no problem