A large amount of data makes its way through your coaxial cable every day. With so much information, you want to keep transmission errors at the minimum. The quality of data transmission is directly dependent on the quality of your coaxial cable wiring. Using a selection of star rating Belden tools, you can optimize Internet speed and TV reception by applying the following coaxial cable wiring tips.
Table of Contents
- 1. Watch for Coaxial Cable Stingers
- 2. Avoid Screw-On Connectors
- 3. Bond Your Coaxial Cables
- 4. Make a Drip Loop
- 5. Boost and/or evenly distribute the signal
- Conclusion
1. Watch for Coaxial Cable Stingers
Why
Once you have stripped a coaxial cable, peel back the braid while leaving the foil in place. Ensure that not a single tiny wire on the braid is in contact with the center conductor. If such contact occurs, you have a cable stinger. The stinger can wreak havoc on signal quality.
How
One of the best ways to minimize stingers is to use a coaxial cable stripping tool. Yes, you can use a knife to strip the cable, but it is tedious. A stripping tool gives you perfect results quickly and consistently.
Cable strippers come with two blades. One of them cuts through the cable jacket while exacting minimal damage to the braid. The second one cuts through everything save for the center conductor. Some contractors prefer to leave the center conductor long and then trim it once they have crimped on the connector.
For Suitable Applications, you can use Belden’s PSA59/6 coaxial cable stripping tool to strip not only RG59 and RG6 cables but RG58 as well. It has an adjustable dial that helps you locate the right setting for cable preparation. You do not need keys, screws, or other adjustment fittings to manage the process.
With integrated rollers, the PSA59/6 rolls around the cable, thus ensuring an even and clean cut. It is compact and lightweight, which eases storage and transportation. The PSA59/6 has a PSCA59/6 extra replacement blade cartridge.
2. Avoid Screw-On Connectors
Why
The more solid the connection you have at the end of your coaxial cable, the clearer the path your signal will follow. On the other hand, loose connections lead to a weak signal. Therefore, avoid screw-on connectors that attach to the outer jacket on the end of the cable. They tend to loosen up and fall off over time.
How
Use crimp-ring style connectors instead, as well as a special crimping tool that you can find in-home centers. Better yet, go for compression-style connectors. Compression-type connectors have a firm grip on the cable but without crushing its inner form jacket as a standard crimp-style connector would sometimes do.
Belden’s Premium SignalTight EX6XLPLUS compression-style connectors would serve the purpose. The t/16 in nut prole facilitates hand tightening while reducing wrench-tightening. It maintains ground continuity even when it is loose and lowers packet loss/errors. The connector is ideal for self-install kits.
For best results, use Belden’s CPLCCT-SLM Coaxial Compression Tool. Made of solid steel Chromoly, it is lightweight yet durable. Alternatively, go for the Belden VT200, a Standard compression tool.
3. Bond Your Coaxial Cables
Why
Whereas your TV may be working fine, you must confirm bonding the coaxial cable to your home’s grounding system. In this context, bonding means connecting the two wires to ensure electrical conductivity and continuity.
You must bond together the metal gas piping, metal plumbing pipes, communication systems, and electrical systems in your house. When you bond systems together, you contain the different voltage pressure (potential) and minimize the shock hazards present in the event of an electrical anomaly such as a lightning strike.
A difference in voltage potential can generate strong currents that may jump between systems while following an undesirable path through a human being. Other than electrocution, poorly grounded cables can damage electronic equipment and cause house fires.
How
The most convenient means of bonding the coaxial cable is to run it through a grounding block. Next, run a wire from the ground rod (grounding electrode or other grounding connection point) to the block. In case you are uncertain about the location of your home’s grounding system, contact an electrician.
You can install Belden’s POEGB-1GCW ground block bidirectionally, thereby eliminating installation errors. With the ground block sheet metal made from stainless steel and the filter component built from nickel-plated brass, the POEGB-1GCW is exceptionally corrosion-resistant. It has enhanced surge protection and delivers high reliability.
In addition, the POEGB-1GCW doubles up as a low pass filter at the point of entry. This improves MoCA communications by reflecting signals into the home.
4. Make a Drip Loop
Why
The external coaxial cable must not run downward or sideways and directly into the house. Otherwise, rainwater will follow the cable right into your home. Therefore, loop your cable before it enters the house. Other than helping to shed rainwater, it also provides additional cable for future repairs and works.
Stay away from cable hangers or straps that require staples or nails. There is a risk you may miss the nail and strike the cable with the hammer by accident. A cable struck by a hammer is likely to encounter signal transmission problems. Seasoned contractors and DIYers prefer straps that already have the screws in position.
How
A feed-through bushing allows you to make a slightly larger hole. That way, you can fish your cable through the wall without causing any damage to it. Before pushing the bushing into its final position, dab some silicone caulk.
Secure your coaxial cables with straps or clamps held in position with screws. Belden B-Drop Aluminum Clamps can do the job by supporting both ends of an aerial service drop span at the building and messenger strand.
The clamp’s 555lbs mechanical strength exceeds the drop wire’s break strength. The wedge, shim, and shell are built from high-grade aluminum alloy, while the tail wire grade is crafted from high-grade stainless steel. Major telecommunications companies consider Belden B-Drop Aluminum Clamps an industry standard.
5. Boost and/or evenly distribute the signal
Why
Each time you split your TV signal, it grows weaker. Yet, you must split the coaxial cable connectors’ signal if you are going to add a TV. Fortunately, you do not have to settle for poor picture quality with signal transmission tools.
How
Start by buying a splitter that can handle the high bandwidth needed for high-speed Internet and high-definition TV. If you have poor picture quality after installing a coaxial cable splitter for the internet and TV, get in touch with the cable provider and ask them to increase the signal strength.
You could also install an amplifier to boost the signal coming from your cable service, satellite, or antenna. Amplifiers are available online, at electronics stores, and at home centers. For best results, go for amplifiers in the $50+ range. Make sure you retain the receipt just in case the amplifier does not deliver the promised results.
For cable service, get an amplifier with the label ‘5-1450MHz’. For satellite television, get one that is at least 2200MHz.
Belden’s EVO1-9-U/U is an excellent choice for large homes or those with 8-9 modems/TVs. It does not boost the signal but reduces the signal loss caused by splitters and cable long runs by ensuring even signal distribution across all ports.
Conclusion
Belden’s reliable products, and its design, engineering, and manufacturing excellence enable it to create end-to-end signal transmission solutions that meet the most demanding standards for data, sound, and video applications. Also, Belden Product Updates every day. According to the Product description, to ensure consistently high-quality signal and data transmission, apply these cable wiring tips.
For help with your quality products of coaxial cable assemblies, get in touch with us.
