How To Connect Coaxial Cable Connectors

Coaxial cable is any cable that has two channels or wires shielded from each other by a dielectric (non-conductive) material. They are all encased in a protective cover. First invented in 1929, and used commercially in 1941, today coaxial cable comes in hundreds of types and is used in thousands of applications. Originally created with copper, today coaxial cable may use a variety of internal metals. Most of us are familiar with how the coaxial cable is used to wire cable and televisions systems. In this wiki, we'll look at how to attach your own connectors to cable TV coaxial cable.

Step 1  

Determine your cable size. Cable terminology can be confusing. Look on the side of your coaxial wire for the size designation. In most homes the two most common sizes of RG-6 and RG-59.  

• RG stands for "Radio Guide" a now obsolete designation set by the military. The numbers of the various versions of RG cable refer to the diameter and internal characteristics of the cable, including the amount of shielding and the cable's attenuation, which refers to how much signal loss there is per length of cable.
• There is no meaning to the numbers used for different cables types; they are arbitrary labels assigned long ago.
• You may also see the term RF used with these cables, which stands for radio frequency.
• Most non-industrial coaxial cable is now RG-6, although the previous thinner lower-quality standard of RG-59 is still used in some applications and older homes. Commercial installers may use a thicker RG cable, like RG-11(which is only used if the distance from the source tap to your point of termination at the home is greater than 200 feet)
• RG cables used in homes for ordinary purposes should be 75 ohm (RG-6 or RG-59).
• Be aware that all cables (and their connectors) come in a variety of qualities. Get the best quality cable you can.

Step 2  

Choose the right connectors.  

• Most connectors for home video installations are made with F-Style connectors, however it is possible your system uses N-type connectors.
• Be aware that there are several types of F-type RG-6 cable available, primarily screw-on and crimp-style connectors.
  • Screw-on connectors are easy to use but are less secure and can leave a small air pocket which some people believe may affect your signal quality.
  • Crimp-style connectors have two parts, a ring (or crimp) and a terminator. They are typically more difficult to install but can attain the greatest lengths and best connections when used correctly.
• Know that to make a connection you will need a male and a female connector of the same type.
  • Male connectors have the center wire sticking out, while female connectors have a space for the center wire to stick into. Be sure to use the opposite gender to the connector you will be making. Most cables end in male connectors.
• Use an SMA (sub-miniature Version A) connector for very small coaxial cable.

Step 3  

Strip the end of the cable. The first step to attaching your own connector is to prepare the end of the coaxial cable.  

1. Cut the cable flush. 
2. Trim the outer cover (usually black rubber) back 1/2 inch. 
   • Be very careful not to cut into the metal braiding directly beneath the outer housing. The braiding may be both "loose" wire and a foil-like metal present in shielded wire.
    
3. Carefully pull back the inner braiding (second channel) outside the outer cover. Check to make sure none of the braided wire gets wrapped around or touches the copper center conductor.
4. Trim back the (usually white; may be clear) dielectric plastic from the inner core cable.
   • Be absolutely sure not to scratch or nick the center conductor. Any damage to this conductor can severely impact your signal.
5. Push the connector down over the cable end so that the copper core of the coaxial cable sticks out.
   • Be sure the dielectric (aluminum foil) is trimmed so that it does not enter into the terminator of the connector.
6. Screw the connector into the end of the cable. The thread will cut into the outer housing and wrap the shielding weave, making a tight fit.

Step 4  

If you use a crimp-style connector.  

1. Place the crimp ring over the cable end.
2. Trim the outer cover back about 1/4".
3. Trim the shielding, wire wrap and dielectric back to the bare inner wire.
4. Leave about 1/8th of an inch of dielectric. 
5. Place the terminator over the end of the wire so the copper core sticks out through the hole.
6. Push the crimp-style connector down into the cable end so that the tube of the connector goes between the foil and the outer housing.  
   • This can be very difficult to do. Try holding the cable end with a pair of pliers, or clamping it in a vice. Try not to twist when pushing down.
    
7. Crimp the ring around the outside of the cable.

Step 5  

Trim any loose wires.

Step 6  

Cut the inner core wire flush with the end of the connector.

Step 7  

Tug on the connector to make sure it is attached.

Tips

• You can buy crimpers, cutters and strippers specially designed for coaxial cable in certain diameters. These tools do take some practice to learn how to use, and you do not have to use special tools to make these connections. Regular strippers will do (just be careful). 
• Do not use the screw-on style F-type connectors. Cable signal will "leak" out of a cheap or poorly terminated connector such as these. This can cause unwanted signal "ingress" to get into the cable line and cause odd distortions such as vertical lines, dash lines moving horizontally across the screen as well as "beats" or little white dots randomly over the entire screen. If you have high speed internet and more than two TV's, make sure you use a high quality RG 6-type connector. On this note, when putting a connector on the cable wire, proper preparation is essential to get a clear picture as well as a good seated connection for the cable modem. Use a compression style connector available at any popular home improvement center. Also, when preparing the end of the wire, be sure not to "score" or nick the copper center conductor as this can cause problems with your internet such as intermittent connectivity and packet loss.

Warnings

• Professionals use compression fittings on coax with a compression tool that is not much more expensive than a crimper. These are used now instead of crimping as it makes a more waterproof seal, and affects the signal less at the joint point.
• Make sure you make a good connector. Do not settle for a less than perfect job. Cable TV signal can leak out of bad connectors and interfere with lots of devices that use RF technology (including airplanes). Not to mention that if too much signal leaks out it can be an FCC violation. If you are unsure leave the job up to the professionals at your cable provider. Most offer relatively cheap rates, especially when compared to electrical contractors.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters
• RG-6 cable strippers
• Channel locking pliers
• RG6 connectors
• Crimper
• Wire Strippers