What is “LINE” on a Fax Machine?

Last Update: August 9th, 2021

Definition

‘LINE’ on a fax machine is a port to connect the fax machine to a landline phone line.

The port found on its own or near an ‘EXT‘ port (used to connect a phone extension).

Image of a fax machine connected to: 1 - an extension telephone (marked "EXT" or "TEL"), 2 - a landline phone jack (marked "EXT"), and 3 - a telephone handset (marked "TEL") — The “LINE” port connects to a landline phone line. The “EXT” and “TEL” ports connect to an extension telephone. If there are three ports, the “TEL” port connects to the fax machine’s telephone handset.

Usage

Fax machines and fax modems have a ‘LINE’ port to connect the fax to a landline phone jack.

A fax machine needs a landline phone line to work.

Plugging the fax machine into the phone line is part of setting up a fax machine.

Some fax machines have line ports numerically labeled (LINE 1, LINE 2, LINE 3). These fax machines have more than one line. Connect the first line to LINE 1, and any extra lines in numerical order.

Similar Terms

Sometimes the “LINE” port is confused with ports labeled “EXT” and “TEL.”

Sources and more resources

Xerox Support Forum – Fax – LINE and EXT – A discussion on the differences between a LINE and EXT port on a Xerox fax machine.
Epson Support – Connecting a Telephone or Answering Machine – Instructions on how to connect a telephone or answering machine to a fax machine using the EXT port.
Canon Fax-B840/B820/B822 User’s Guide – page 7 – a Canon fax machine user manual that describes the use of each phone port.
Epson WF-2750 User’s Guide – page 24 – an Epson fax machine user manual that shows where the “EXT” and “LINE” ports are.
Xerox Work Center 7120 User Guide – page 24 – A Xerox MFP user manual that shows the location of phone ports on the device. Includes a line for “TEL” as well as 3 different “LINE” ports.