Installing Coaxial Cable: The Complete Guide

Published by Wassalat Technical Team

Installing coaxial cable is a common task for homeowners, installers, and DIY enthusiasts. But doing it correctly makes the difference between reliable, high-quality signals and frustrating, intermittent problems.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about installing coaxial cable—from planning and tools to termination and testing. Whether you're running cable for TV, internet, CCTV, or RF, this guide will help you do it right.

Planning Your Installation

Proper planning saves time, money, and frustration. Before you start, consider these key factors:

Step 1: Determine Your Route

• ? Measure the distance – Account for walls, ceilings, and bends
• ? Identify obstacles – Studs, pipes, electrical wiring
• ? Plan for service loops – Add 10-15% extra length
• ? Check maximum length – Stay within cable limits

Step 2: Identify Interference Sources

Step 3: Check Building Codes

• ✅ Plenum spaces – Use plenum-rated cable (CMP)
• ✅ Riser shafts – Use riser-rated cable (CMR)
• ✅ In-wall – Use CM, CMR, or CMP rated cable
• ✅ Outdoor – Use outdoor-rated cable (PE jacket)

Tools You'll Need

Essential Tools

Optional Tools

• ? Measuring Tape – Measure distances accurately
• ✏️ Pencil / Marker – Mark cable and wall locations
• ? Flashlight – See in dark spaces
• ? Cable Clips – Secure cable to walls

Choosing the Right Cable

By Application

By Location

Routing the Cable

Running Cable Through Walls

1. Plan the path – Identify stud locations and obstacles
2. Drill holes – Use a long drill bit through studs
3. Fish the cable – Use fish tape to pull cable through
4. Secure the cable – Use cable clips every 3-5 feet
5. Install wall plates – Terminate at wall plate locations

Running Cable Along Walls

• ? Use cable clips – Secure every 3-5 feet
• ? Avoid stepping on cable – Route around walking areas
• ? Use conduit – In exposed or high-traffic areas
• ? Keep away from heat – Avoid HVAC ducts and radiators

Outdoor Routing

• ☀️ Use outdoor cable – PE jacket required
• ? Create drip loops – Prevent water ingress
• ? Weatherproof connections – Use waterproof tape
• ⚡ Ground the system – Important for lightning protection

Drip Loops

A drip loop is a U-shaped bend in the cable at the building entry point that prevents water from running along the cable into the building.

• ✅ Form a U-shape – Cable should hang down and back up
• ✅ Position below entry point – Loop should be below the hole
• ✅ Secure the loop – Use cable clips to hold it

Terminating the Cable

Step-by-Step Termination

1. Strip the Cable

1. Use a coaxial stripper to remove the outer jacket
2. Remove the dielectric (foam) to expose the center conductor
3. Fold back the braid over the dielectric

2. Prepare the Connector

1. Choose the correct connector (F-Type, BNC, SMA, etc.)
2. Ensure connector matches cable type (RG6, RG59, etc.)

3. Attach the Connector

For Compression Connectors:

1. Slide connector onto the prepared cable
2. Use compression tool to compress the connector
3. Pull to ensure it's secure

For Crimp Connectors:

1. Slide connector onto the prepared cable
2. Use crimp tool with correct die
3. Press firmly to crimp

4. Test the Connection

1. Check continuity with a multimeter or cable tester
2. Verify there are no shorts
3. Check signal quality with a meter

Common Termination Mistakes

• ❌ Nicked center conductor – Damage from stripping
• ❌ Braided wires touching center conductor – Short circuit
• ❌ Connector not fully seated – Intermittent connection
• ❌ Wrong connector for cable type – Poor fit
• ❌ Over-crimping – Damaged connector
• ❌ Under-crimping – Loose connector

Weatherproofing Outdoor Connections

Step-by-Step Weatherproofing

1. Clean the connection – Wipe with a clean cloth
2. Apply self-amalgamating tape – Start 1-2" below the connector, wrap with 50% overlap, stretch as you wrap
3. Extend above the connector – Wrap 1-2" above the connector
4. Apply outer tape – Use high-quality electrical tape for mechanical protection
5. Test again – Verify signal quality after weatherproofing

Materials Needed

• ? Self-amalgamating tape – Silicone-based, self-fusing tape
• ? Electrical tape – PVC tape for outer layer
• ? Clean cloth – For cleaning connections
• ? Weather boots – Optional for N-Type connectors

Testing Your Installation

Testing Methods

1. Visual Inspection

• ✅ Check all connections are tight
• ✅ Verify connectors are fully seated
• ✅ Look for damaged cable or connectors
• ✅ Ensure proper weatherproofing

2. Continuity Test

• ? Multimeter – Check for continuity between center conductor ends
• ? Check for shorts – No continuity between center and shield

3. Signal Quality Test

• ? Signal meter – Check signal strength and quality
• ? TV/Satellite receiver – Check signal strength menu
• ? Cable tester – Some testers measure signal loss

Acceptable Signal Levels

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I run coaxial cable outside?

Yes, but use outdoor-rated cable with a PE jacket that resists UV and moisture. Indoor cable will degrade in sunlight.

2. How long can a coaxial cable run be?

It depends on the cable type and frequency. RG6 can run 150-200 feet for TV. LMR-400 can run 200+ feet for RF. For longer runs, use RG11, LMR-600, or an amplifier.

3. Can I splice coaxial cable?

Yes, using F-Type barrel connectors. However, each splice adds signal loss. Use a continuous cable when possible.

4. How do I run coaxial cable through walls?

Use a fish tape to pull the cable through drilled holes. Install wall plates at both ends with F-Type or BNC connectors.

5. What is a drip loop?

A U-shaped bend in the cable at the building entry point that prevents water from running along the cable into the building.

6. Can I run coaxial cable with electrical wires?

Avoid running coax parallel to power cables. Maintain 12+ inches of separation. Cross at 90° angles when necessary.

7. What's the minimum bend radius for coax?

RG6: 2-3 inches. RG11: 4-6 inches. LMR-400: 4 inches. Exceeding the bend radius can damage the cable.

8. How do I test coaxial cable?

Use a multimeter for continuity, a cable tester for signal quality, or a signal meter for TV/satellite signals.

9. Should I use compression or crimp connectors?

Compression connectors are the best choice. They provide a weatherproof seal and lower signal loss than crimp or screw-on connectors.

10. How do I remove a stuck connector?

Use two wrenches. Hold the connector with one wrench, turn with another. For F-Type, use a small wrench or pliers carefully to avoid damage.

? Related Articles

• Complete Guide to Coaxial Cables
• Outdoor Coaxial Cable
• Indoor Coaxial Cable
• Coaxial Cable Connectors
• Cable Attenuation Explained

Last Updated: July 2026

© 2026 Wassalat. All rights reserved.