Abstract: A protective cap and method therefor for preventing the build-up of electrostatic charges on network communications cables and also for protecting the cable ends and connectors from physical abuse. The protective cap comprises a socket housing for receiving a connector of a network communications cable that has a plurality of wire mediums, and a shorting electrical conductor to electrically connect together the wire mediums when the connector is received in the socket housing. The build-up of electrostatic charges on the cable wire mediums is prevented by the shorting electrical conductor electrically connecting the wire mediums together. The network communications cable is protected from physical abuse by the socket housing at least partially enclosing the cable connector. A network equipment connector is also disclosed that causes the discharge of electrostatic charges on a network cable as the cable is being mated with the equipment connector.