Extending a coaxial cable doesn’t require a hell of a lot of mind juice. But if you still don’t know how to extend coaxial cable, here is the perfect guide.
Once in a while, you may like to change the look of your place. However, the task is not as simple as it seems. Imagine rearranging furniture, moving TV, gaming setup if you have any, a tedious task really!
Well, along with the other problems you might face, one hurdle standout. Moving your TV or other cable systems to the other side of the room proves to be a costly task! It requires an overall new coaxial wire usually called coax wire, which suits your needs.
You will for sure feel discouraged as it is not an affordable solution in case you’re on a tight budget. But, if the coaxial wire stops you from enjoying a new view, you must know that your worries are only a trick of your mind.
Extending your coaxial cable is much easier than you think. You only need to install a coaxial cable extender and Voila!
Where buying a new cable can put a dent in your pocket, extending it saves a lot. But then, If you don’t have any idea how to extend a coaxial wire we are here for you.
You Must Know The Types Before You Know How To Extend A Coaxial Wire!
Before starting your do-it-yourself project, you must know what type of cable you have.
You may be working with RG6 or RG59 coaxial cables most common for TV signals (OTA, satellite, cable). You may also come across other types of coaxial cables like RG-11, RG-59, or Formable Coaxial.
The process of extending all the types is almost similar, So you don’t have to worry. Just make sure which cable type you’re extending so you can buy the same type.
The coaxial cable typically ends in a male F-connector, which you’ll connect to the extension adapter. Here is the step-by-step guide to ease you through the process of extending your coaxial wire.
What You’re Going To Need To Extend Coaxial Cable?
There are just a few things you need to complete your project. Here’s the list:
- To check for hot wires, use a multimeter (optional)
- A tape measure: This is used to determine the length of the proposed extension.
- Extra coaxial cable: While this may seem like overkill, be aware of the type of cable you’re extending. This article will explain how to extend RG6 or RG59 coaxial cable, which are the most commonly used types for TV signals (OTA, satellite, cable). In fact, the cable type, such as “RG6,” may be labeled somewhere on the sheath. Coaxial cable usually ends in a male F-connector (metallic), which you’ll connect to the extension adapter (below).
- Coaxial cable threaded F-type extension adapter: Also known as a “barrel adapter,” this is the piece required to connect two coax cables easily (i.e., without impedance issues). The GE RG6 Coaxial Cable Extension Adapter is a common extender.
- Compression fittings for coaxial cables (optional): These are metal fittings that “cap” a coaxial cable, allowing it to be plugged into device connectors. If you need to purchase a set of fittings, I recommend the GoodQbuy Coax Compression Connector, an all-in-one kit that also includes wire stripping and crimping tools.
After completing the list, let’s start the project.
1. Safety First:
Now before starting, you need to check if the cable is unplugged from all the electronic devices. If you miss this point, you may face an electric shock that can be easily avoided. See number one on the list. The multimeter helps you check if there is a hot wire before starting the project.
2. Measure The Length Correctly:
The next step: measure the length you need to extend with great care and keep it as accurate as possible. Just to keep the safe side set the size to a little higher value to avoid any inconvenience.
You can always cut the wire to suit your needs. In case you leave it short, you’ll have to make more than one joint. Imagine the mess it will create.
Additionally, with numerous extensions, you may face signal distortion, ruining the quality of your signal. In short, stay vigilant while measuring.
3. Prepare The Cables For Extension:
The next step is to prepare both the cables, i.e., the extension wire and the existing cable. Remove the outer plastic coating and the inner shielding layers.
Once you get to the central wire, screw the plug, commonly called F-connector, on both cables. Trim the shielding wires poking out of the connector. Also, trim the extra central wire, only leaving it out of the plug a few millimeters.
Check if the connectors are firmly in place by twisting them through fingers or using a pair of pliers. With this done, you are now near the end of the process.
4. The Extension:
Now connect the existing cable you are planning to extend to the adapter. Then attach the extension cable with the adapter too, and you’re done with the extension.
After screwing the connector with both the cables, make sure that the connection is tight to avoid any problems due to heat or moisture.
By following the same steps, you can easily extend your original cable to multiple rooms. You just need more cables, adapters, and connectors.
5. The Last Step:
Wait! There is still one more thing to do. Connect the extended cable to your signal source, such as your antenna.
Now Switch on your TV to check out the quality of your signal and run a channel scan. See if the quality of the audio-video signals is up to the mark. If you’re not satisfied, troubleshoot the connections. Tighten them and try to remove the possible errors.
READ ALSO: How to Check Coax Cable for Signal – Don’t Spin Your Head
Choosing The Best Coaxial Cable Extender
Here are some things to consider when selecting an adapter for your coaxial TV cable.
1. Affordability
A good coaxial cable extension adapter should not be prohibitively expensive. A pack of two to five pieces will typically cost between $5 and $6.
2. Compatibility
Ensure that the extender you purchase is compatible with the majority (if not all) brands of RG59 and RG6 coaxial cables. You can use it to extend a TV, cable box, satellite receiver, off-air HDTV antenna, or any other digital A/V component cable this way.
3. Connectors
It is always preferable to use extenders with gold- or nickel-plated brass connectors for maximum signal transmission. This prevents oxidation of the cable’s center conductor and protects them from corrosion.
4. Weatherproofing
If you intend to use the extender outside, make sure it has a rubber sheath protector to protect it from the elements. Also, ensure that the fittings are tight enough to keep moisture out of the cable.
5. Ease of Installation
You want a coaxial cable extender that is simple to install and detach. Choose one that can be screwed on or off both sides of your coax cable.
Are There Any Other Ways To Extend Coaxial Wire?
Yes. Many jacks of all trades will tell you how to extend wire without the F-type connectors and adapters. You can also find youtube videos on the same subject. The videos show you to connect the central wire of the coaxial cable directly just by twisting them around each other.
Well, the process is not safe at all. Through the twisting process, the impedance may rise, and as a result, the signal distortion will be unbearable. Also, it is prone to moisture and can cause an electric shock.
It’s better to spend a few bucks to keep yourself and your appliances safe. The adapter and connector are readily available in the market and on Amazon for just $5 or $6.
CONCLUSION On Extending Coaxial Cable
Can you imagine living in a world without a single coaxial cable extender? Consider having to purchase a new cable every time you wanted to extend your existing one by a few feet. That would be extremely inconvenient. Not to mention the financial outlay.
Fortunately, this does not have to be your reality. Use the steps in this guide to extend your coaxial cable to any length and to any other room in your home without having to buy a new one every time. What a money-saving idea! If you feel completely out of your depth, hire a professional to assist you.
FAQs About Extending Coaxial Cable
Can I connect two coaxial cables?
The GE RG6 coaxial cable extension adapter connects two coaxial video cables with “F” Type plugs at either end.
Can you daisy chain coax cable?
Yes, you can do it. All you’d need is a splitter at each outlet. However, if you run them all to one central location, you’ll get a better signal, which is what I’d recommend if you ever want to use a digital cable or a cable modem. It aids in the isolation of wiring issues.
Do coaxial splitters weaken the signal?
A splitter is a device that divides a cable signal between two or more devices, supplying two coaxial cables to connect them. A splitter reduces the strength of the signal. This can result in intermittent service outages or, in rare cases, complete service failure.
![What Is RG6 Coaxial Cable? [The Most Detailed Guide]](https://circuitsathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/222000828150_001-768x512.jpg "What Is RG6 Coaxial Cable? [The Most Detailed Guide] 8")
