Splicing coaxial cables is a valuable skill when you need to extend your cable TV, internet, or other signal connections.
Coaxial cables consist of a central wire, an insulating layer, a metal shield, and an outer insulating layer.
Splicing coaxial cables means joining two sections of this cable together while maintaining the integrity of the signal. Here’s a detailed guide on how to splice coax cable:
Table of Contents
Cable Splicing Process: From Trimming to Connector Attachment
Trimming the Cables
To get ready for joining the cables, start by cutting the ends off the coaxial cables you want to splice.
You should use small, sharp wire cutters for this job, and make sure you cut them straight across, not at an angle.
Shaping the Cable Ends
After cutting, you might notice that the ends of the cables look a little squeezed or misshapen because of the cutting.
To fix this, gently use your fingers to shape the cable ends back into nice, round cylinders. This helps them fit together properly when you connect them.
Using a Coax Stripper Tool
Let’s learn how to work with cables using a special tool called a coax stripper. You can find these tools at stores that sell things for fixing stuff at home or dealing with electricity.
Putting Cables in the Tool
Take one cable and gently slide it into the coax stripper tool. Then, do the same with the other cable.
While you do this, make sure that the cable’s end is touching the wall or the guide part of the stripping tool.
This helps make sure the cables are the right length after we strip them. It’s like getting them ready for the next step!
Clamp the stripping tool around each cable
Put the stripping tool on each cable and gently turn it around the cable about 4 or 5 times.
Make sure you turn it in the same spot on each cable, and be careful not to pull on the cable covering too hard.
When the strip cut is done, take the coax stripping tool away from each cable
Take off the coax stripping tool once it finishes cutting. The tool cuts in two places at once.
Use your fingers to softly take away the part that’s closest to the end of each cable. This shows the uncovered middle part of each cable.
Removing Outer Insulation and Exposing Foil Layer
Use your fingers to gently take off the outer insulation that’s been loosened on each cable from the second cut made by the stripping tool. This will reveal a layer of foil on each cable.
Uncovering the Metal Mesh Layer
Now, tear away the exposed foil from each cable. This action will reveal a layer of metal mesh on each cable.
Bending the Metal Mesh to Protect Inner Insulation
With your fingers, gently bend back the metal mesh that’s exposed on each cable. Be careful not to rip the layer of foil underneath the metal mesh.
This foil layer is important because it protects the inner insulation. Make sure to bend the mesh all the way back so that it covers the end of the outer insulation on each cable.
Connecting the Cable to an F Connector
To attach each cable to an F connector, press the cable’s end into the back of the connector.
Ensure that you can see the white inner insulation touching the front flange of the connector.
Sometimes, you might need to wiggle and keep pushing the coax and the connector together to make sure they fit properly.
Use straight pressure only; avoid twisting the coax inside the connector.
Crimping the Connections
Now, let’s crimp the connections. Put each F connector into a coax crimping tool, which you can find at hardware and electrical stores.
To do the crimp, firmly squeeze the handle of the crimping tool all the way down.
After that, let go of the handle and open up the crimping tool. Take out the finished crimped connection from the tool.
Finishing the Connection
Now, let’s finish up the splice. Connect the two cables to both ends of a BNC female-to-female coaxial adapter.
You can easily find these adapters at hardware and electrical stores.
Tips and trick
Splicing coaxial cables can be a useful technique to extend cable lengths or create connections between devices.
When done correctly, it shouldn’t significantly degrade the signal quality. Here are some key points to remember when splicing coaxial cables:
Use Quality Connectors
Invest in good-quality coaxial connectors or couplers to ensure a solid and secure connection.
Low-quality connectors can lead to signal loss and interference.
Properly Align Cables
Ensure that the stripped ends of the cables are properly aligned and inserted into the splice connector. Misalignment can result in signal degradation.
Secure the Connection
Tighten the connectors securely, but be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the cables or connectors.
Avoid Sharp Bends
Minimize sharp bends in the cable when making the splice, as excessive bending can impact signal quality.
Check for Signal Loss
After splicing, check the signal quality using appropriate testing equipment.
If you notice a significant drop in signal strength, recheck your connections and ensure they are properly aligned.
Protect the Connection
If the splice is going to be exposed to the elements or potential physical stress, consider using weatherproofing or additional protective measures to safeguard the connection.
FAQS About: How to splice coax cable
Can coaxial cable be spliced together?
Yes, coaxial cables can be spliced together. Splicing is the process of connecting two coaxial cables to extend their length or to create a joint between them.
How do you connect two coaxial cables together?
To connect two coaxial cables together, you can follow these general steps:
- Strip the insulation from the ends of both cables.
- Insert the stripped ends into a coaxial splice connector or coupler.
- Tighten the connector to securely hold the cables together.
- Ensure that the connection is snug and properly aligned to prevent signal loss.
Does splicing coaxial cable degrade signal?
When done correctly, splicing coaxial cables should not significantly degrade the signal quality.
However, poor or improper splicing techniques, such as using low-quality connectors or not properly aligning the cables, can lead to signal loss and interference.
What is a coaxial splicer?
A coaxial splicer, often referred to as a coaxial splice connector or coupler, is a device used to join two coaxial cables together.
It ensures a secure connection while maintaining the integrity of the signal being transmitted through the cables.
Coaxial splicers come in various types, including barrel connectors and adapters, and they are commonly used in networking, telecommunications, and audiovisual setups to extend cable lengths or create connections between different components.
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