A controlled-power RJ45 socket includes a housing having a cavity to receive an RJ45 plug. The socket further includes electrical contacts positioned in the cavity and that come in contact with electrical contacts of the RJ45 plug when the RJ45 plug is plugged into the RJ45 socket. A switch is positioned to disconnect the power to the electrical contacts of the RJ45 socket before the electrical contacts of the RJ45 plug are physically detached from the electrical contacts of the RJ45 socket during a de-mating of the RJ45 plug from the RJ45 socket.