Plantronics APC-45 Electronic Hookswitch for Cisco Phones

Plantronics APC-45 – Electronic Hookswitch for Cisco IP Phones

The Plantronics APC-45 is an Electronic Hookswitch (EHS) adapter designed to enable remote call control between your Plantronics wireless headset and compatible Cisco IP desk phones. If you’re tired of manually lifting the handset every time a call comes in, this small adapter lets you answer, end, and mute calls directly from your headset – no bulky mechanical handset lifter required. Designed for a range of Cisco 7800 and 8800 series phones, the APC-45 connects to the phone’s auxiliary port (RJ9 or RJ45) and your Plantronics headset base. Setup is plug‑and‑play: just connect, and you’re ready to enjoy true hands‑free communication.

How It Works

The APC-45 connects to your Cisco phone’s dedicated auxiliary (AUX) port (often labeled for headset use) and to your Plantronics headset base (e.g., CS500 series, Savi 700 series, Voyager Focus UC base) using the included RJ9 cable. Once installed, the adapter translates the phone’s electronic hookswitch signals. When you press the call control button on your headset, the adapter tells the phone to go off‑hook – exactly as if you had lifted the handset. Press again to end the call; the phone will hang up automatically. The adapter also supports mute and volume adjustments from your headset. No external power supply is needed; the APC-45 draws power from the phone’s headset port. For a complete wireless office experience, pair this EHS adapter with a high‑quality wireless headset – browse our selection at FindHeadsets for Plantronics and Poly models that are fully compatible.

Compatibility & Design

The Plantronics APC-45 is designed for Cisco IP phones that have an electronic hookswitch‑capable auxiliary port. Compatible models include:

Cisco 7800 series (7811, 7821, 7841, 7861)

Cisco 8800 series (8811, 8841, 8851, 8861)

Some legacy Cisco IP phones (check your phone’s compatibility)

It works with Plantronics headset bases that feature an EHS port, such as:

Plantronics CS500 series (CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540)

Plantronics Savi 700 series (W710, W720, W730, W740)

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC base

The adapter is small (approx. 2 x 1.5 x 1 inches) and sits discreetly between your phone and headset base. It includes a short RJ9 cable. The unit is black with a small status LED. No drivers or software are required – it’s pure plug‑and‑play.

Why Choose This Product

Without an EHS adapter, using a wireless headset with a Cisco phone forces you to either manually lift the handset or use a mechanical handset lifter. The APC-45 is a much cleaner, more reliable solution. It provides true electronic hookswitch control: answer, end, and mute directly from your headset. It also improves audio quality because the signal stays electronic rather than passing through a mechanical connection. For call center agents, busy executives, or anyone taking many calls daily, the time saved and reduced motion strain add up significantly. Plus, it keeps your desk tidy and professional. This adapter is specifically optimized for Cisco phones, ensuring flawless operation with no additional configuration.