Switched jacks offer 2 or 3 additional switching (normalling) contacts. These TN, RN, SN contacts are closed in unmated condition and open when inserting a plug.
If you use a “mono” (TIP/SLEEVE) plug it might be that you tried to connect an unbalanced line with a balanced line. The signal of a balanced line is split into +U/2 and –U/2. If you connect this balanced line with an unbalanced line you will just get the half voltage (gain) of the signal.
Since the jack always has the smaller cross-sections the rated current always depends on the mated jack and not on the plug.
Yes, it’s possible to transmit digital-data as defined in the AES3-standard. If you use a patch panel in combination with digital signals you have to use plugs for the digital transmission. We recommend our jacks which have gold plated contacts for best contact resistance.
There are different standards for plugs and jacks:
