A system for optimizing the transmission of power through multiple conductors from a remote power source to a local communications device including: (a) a controller for the power source and for incrementally increasing the output voltage during a transmission resistance detection protocol; (b) a first voltage detection circuit for detecting a predetermined minimum voltage received by the detection circuit and for placing a load across the conductors when that minimum voltage is received; (c) a second voltage detection circuit for detecting a predetermined maximum voltage received by that detection circuit and for removing the load from across the conductors at that time; (d) voltage and current measuring devices to measure the transmission current and the output voltage of the power source when the predetermined maximum voltage is received; and (e) memory for storing the measured voltage, measured current and the predetermined maximum voltage for use by the controller.