How to Extend Coaxial Cable – All You Need To Know in 2024

Coaxial cable, which is also known as coax is widely used for computer networks and cable TV connections. This type of wire is sensitive to noise and transfers the electrical signal through it.

A few years back only a single coax cable was enough to meet your cable connection requirement. But with more devices like computers, TVs, etc., being installed in different rooms, you feel the need to extend the coax cable. Not only that, but you may also need to extend your coaxial cable connection when you change the location of your computer or cable TV.

There are different ways of using which you can extend your coax cable. we will discuss three of the most popular methods that are followed by most users. So if you want to extend your coaxial cable, you should give this article a read.

How Can I Extend My Coaxial Cable

Method #1: Using the Cable Splitter

Many people tend to use cable splitters to extend their coaxial connection. Although this method is not recommended, it is still in practice.

For those unversed, cable splitters are a device that helps you introduce internet or cable connections to different locations in your home. In case, if you have just one line running into your house, the cable company is most likely to split the line and run it to different locations in your house. This is usually done during the initial installation process, so you don’t have to worry about any additional setups.

But sometimes people want to change the location of their TV or renovate their home. In that case, you will need to use a cable splitter to change the location of your cable connection.

To save yourself from paying the extra charges to the cable company, many of you would want to install another line or install a splitter yourself. It should be remembered that installing a splitter can reduce signal strength.

The signal refers to the speed at which your TV loads up the shows. If you have two TVs on in different rooms, you will notice that they are not loading at the same time. This happens because the signal strength has reduced. However, in most cases, the differences are not much, so they shouldn’t impact your overall experience.

Having a reasonable number of cable splitters in your home doesn’t impact your devices much. If you are planning to install a cable splitter in your home, go through the details given below. It might help you install the splitter all by yourself.

• Preparing for Installation

When installing a splitter make sure that it is close to the point from where the cable line comes into your space. 

You must also measure the coax cables to determine the right length, so you can cover the distance between the splitter and the devices you want to connect. 

It should be remembered that shorter cables are better than longer ones. This is because they occupy less space and also cause less line noise. Some splitters have two or more outputs. But it is better to buy a splitter with one output to avoid signal problems.

• Installing the Splitter

If you are installing a splitter all by yourself make sure you follow all the steps correctly. In case, you find the steps to be tough, you should call your cable company.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Before starting the process make sure that you disconnect the cable line from all the devices it is attached to.
2. Now disconnect the cable line and plug it into the input end of the splitter. Plug the new coax cable lines into the splitter and to the devices you want to connect. 
3. Make sure that you tighten the cable connections with your hands. You can also use a wrench or pliers if necessary. In that case, you need to be careful so you don’t damage the cable or the splitter in the process.
4. Once you are done with the above steps, it’s time to reboot the devices. This will help you to verify that they are receiving internet and TV signals. If the signals are weak or the connection is slow after installing the splitter, you should contact your cable company for assistance.

Method #2: Using Splice Coaxial Cable

If you want a better alternative than a cable splitter, you should use a splice coaxial cable. This can help you connect two coaxial cables and thus, extend the coaxial cable. But this is a long process, so you need to be patient with the steps.

Before you start make sure you have the following requirements:

• Two or more coaxial cables depending on your requirement
• Coax stripping tool
• Crimping device
• 90-degree adapter
• Compression connector
• Clamps, grounding block, and grounding wires

Now, follow the steps given below to complete the process:

1. First, you need to unwind the coaxial cables to get rid of any twisted parts for the setup.
2. Try to avoid bending the cable. To make things easier, you can use a 90-degree adapter as it can prevent any damage to the wire.
3. Use a cable stripper to strip the cable and leave the foil as it is. But make sure that no braid wires are touching the center conductor. Let the conductor be.
4. In this step, you will need a crimping tool to hook the open end of the cable to the compression connector. Alternatively, you can use a female-to-female coax adapter to join both ends of the two coaxial cables.
5. Use clamps, grounding wires, and grounding blocks, to bond the coaxial cables to maintain continuity and electrical conductivity.
6. You can now complete the setup using the material and hardware and enjoy an extended coax cable connection.

Method #3: Using Coaxial Cable Extender

You can also use a coax cable extender to stretch the length of your coaxial cable. Compared to the previous method, this one is much easier.

But before you start, you need to gather a few things. This includes:

• Two or more coaxial cables depending on your requirement
• Pliers
• A coaxial cable extender.

Note: You may also need a few other items depending on your setup.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Disconnect all Connections

The first step is to disconnect all the connections. For this, you need to switch off all the devices connected to the network.

This is important for your safety, so you can prevent any accidents from happening. Ignoring this step can result in serious electrical hazards. This is why safety precautions should be of utmost importance.

• Prepare the Coaxial Cable

Once you are ready, plug the first coax cable into the wall outlet from the source of the connection. 

Make sure that you tighten the end of the cable nicely. You can either use pliers or your fingers to twist the connections.

• Use a Coaxial Cable Extender

Now hook one end of the first cable to the coax cable extender, and plug one end of the second cable into the other side of the extender.

• Connect the Destination

Plug the other end of the second coax cable into the device in which you want to stream videos.

• Repeat the Process

To extend the length of the coax cable further, you need to repeat the same process with more coax wires and extenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Word on How To Extend Coaxial Cable

Extending the coax cable connection is easy if you know the right process. You can try any of these methods to extend your coaxial connection. However, we would recommend you use either a coaxial extender or a splice coax cable. These two methods are any day more preferable to using a cable splitter.

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