Installing coaxial cable wiring is comparatively easier than many other networking cables, however, you need to be aware of certain things to avoid complications during and after installation. Below are some tips to help you install coaxial cable wiring in an easier more effective way.
1- Roll Out Coaxial Cable
Handling a spool of cable can get complicated if you lay it on its side and then pull the cable off it. This can cause the cable to twist as it unravels. When you pull on a twisted cable it kinks. The professionals usually rest it on a ladder after sliding a section of conduit through the center of the spool. A scrap piece of wire can be used to secure the conduit.
2- Avoid Sharp Bends with Coaxial Cable
Most coaxial cables are not very flexible and a sharp bend in your wiring map will damage a cable. When a sharp bend is unavoidable, like behind a TV stand, you must use a 90-degree adapter that will establish the connection without an actual bend in the cable. You will need the Hi-Def rated connector when that’s the signal you’re working with are HD.
3- Avoid Coaxial Cable Stingers
After stripping the coaxial cable, peel back the braid completely and leave the foil in place. Make sure that not even a single tiny wire of the braid is touching the center conductor. Professionals refer to it as a “stinger,” and stingers are known for messing up with signal quality.
4- Use a Coaxial Cable Stripping Tool
While you can strip a coaxial cable using a utility knife, it is difficult and time-consuming. A professional stripping tool can give you better results. This tool is a very affordable, fast, and hassle-free solution.
5- Bond Coaxial Cable
A difference in voltage potential can generate strong electrical currents that may jump across two different systems, leading to hazardous circumstances such as devices or wires catching fire or a user getting an electric shock. Therefore, even if your Hi-Def TV is working fine, you must check that the coaxial cable is “bonded” to the house’s grounding system.
To limit the different voltage potential (pressure) and shock hazards that could be present during a lightning strike or other electrical anomaly, electrically bonding various systems together. Bonding means connecting two (or more) systems to ensure electrical continuity and conductivity.
In domestic wiring, the electrical system, communication systems, metal gas piping, metal plumbing pipes, and other metallic systems must be electrically bonded together. to bond your coaxial cable to the rest of the house, run the cables through a grounding block and then run a wire from the block to the grounding electrode (ground rod) or other qualifying grounding connection point. You can also seek the help of a professional electrician for this as improperly grounded cables can cause electrocution, damage electronics, and start house fires.
6- Make a Drip Loop in Coaxial Cable
Never run an exterior coaxial cable sideways or downward and directly into your house, as this can cause rainwater to adhere to the cable and enter your home following the cable. Instead, to shed the water loop the cable before it enters the building, this will also provide extra cable for future work or repairs.
To fish the cable through the wall without damaging it drill a slightly larger hole using a feed-through bushing. Before pushing it into its final resting place, dab silicone caulk behind the bushing. Do not use cable straps or hangers that need nails or staples to avoid risks of any accidental damage while hammering, instead secure the cables with clamps or straps that are held in place with screws.
7- Make Good Coaxial Cable Connections
RG-59, RG-6, and RG-6 Quad all require different connectors so you will need to choose the right size connector depending upon the cable you are using. It is essential to establish a sturdy connection with a connector. For a good connection pushed flush the dielectric portion of the coaxial cable with the connector. If you are finding it difficult to do, you probably have the wrong connector for the type of cable you are using.
