How to Connect a Coaxial Cable Connector

Coaxial cables are used to carry Internet and TV signals to homes and other buildings. These cables require connectors to plug into electronic devices, such as TVs, and transmit the signal. If your coaxial cable doesn't come with a connector, you can easily attach one yourself. Simply strip the outer coating to reveal the inner wire, attach the connector, and use a crimping tool to secure it. If working in tight spaces, it's best to use an angled connector to avoid bending the cable too much.

Identify whether your cable is RG59 or RG6. There are two common types of coaxial cables, and your cable could be one of them. The easiest way to identify the type is by looking at the rubber coating on the cable. The type is usually printed there.

• The difference between these two types is that RG6 is thicker and has better shielding compared to RG59. This makes RG6 more stable and widely used for TV and Internet cables.

Prepare the appropriate connector for the cable type. The most common coaxial connector is the F-type. You can purchase an F-type coaxial connector that fits the cable diameter from electrical stores. The number of connectors you need to buy depends on how many cables you need to connect.

• There is also the N-type connector, but it is rarely used for home installations.
• The F-type connectors come in various designs, including crimped (using a compression tool) and threaded versions. Consult with the store staff if you're unsure which one to purchase.

Cut approximately 1.3 cm of the rubber insulation from the cable's end. Use wire stripping pliers or a razor blade. Measure about 1.3 cm from the cable's tip and carefully cut around the outer insulation. Then strip off the outer layer to expose the shielding underneath.

• Only cut the rubber outer insulation, not the core of the cable. A deep cut may damage the inner conductors.
• If you're using a razor blade, exercise caution. Do not place your fingers near the blade's cutting edge, and hold the cable firmly.

Peel back the metal shielding layer. This is the second layer of the cable. You can use your fingers or pliers to peel back this shielding. Fold it down so that the metal mesh lies against the rubber insulation beneath the area you just cut.

• Wire strippers can also cut through this metal layer, so be careful with the force you apply. If you cut too deeply, you may damage the copper core inside the cable.

Cut approximately 0.6 cm of the dielectric insulation from the cable's end. The next layer is the dielectric insulation surrounding the main conductor, made of white plastic. Use wire strippers or a razor blade to carefully cut around the white plastic insulation at a distance of 0.6 cm from the cable's end. Afterward, strip this layer to reveal the copper core inside.

• The plastic insulation may be covered by a thin metallic foil layer.
• Be especially cautious when stripping this plastic layer. If you damage the copper core, the signal quality will degrade.

Remove any metal shielding that is in contact with the conductor. If any part of the metal shielding touches the conductor, the signal quality will be interfered with. Double-check to ensure that the entire metal shielding is folded down and that no part is in contact with the conductor.

Place the crimp connector onto the cable. Slide the connector onto the cable beneath the point you have cut, and leave it there. Do not skip this step, or you will need to remove the connector to slide it on before proceeding.

• Not all connectors use separate crimp jacks. Some connectors come with a built-in crimp jack. You need to determine whether your connector uses a separate jack or a built-in one.

Insert the connector into the cable, ensuring the copper core extends outside. Hold the cable in one hand and the connector in the other. Push the conductor into the connector and continue until the copper core extends from the other side of the connector.

• You may need to apply force to push the connector between the rubber and white plastic layers. Try twisting the connector back and forth while pushing it into the cable.
• If you're installing an outdoor cable, don't forget to use a weatherproof connector. These connectors typically have a rubber exterior for added protection.

Crimp the connector to secure it to the cable. Use crimping pliers to firmly attach the connector, jack, and cable, ensuring a secure connection. Select the correct die (or hole) size based on the cable you're using. Place the cable into the crimping tool and squeeze the handles until you hear a 'click.' This indicates it's properly secured.

• Some crimping tools may work differently. Follow the specific instructions for your tool model.

Trim any metal strands protruding from the connector. These metal strands could cause signal interference or disrupt the cable. Inspect the connector to ensure no metal wires are sticking out. If you find any, use wire cutters to trim them neatly.

Gắn đế đầu nối lên dây cáp. Hầu hết các loại đầu nối vuông góc đều có phần đế cố định vỏ lại với nhau. Hãy gắn phần đế này vào đầu dây đã tuốt để bạn có thể vặn lại sau khi lắp đầu nối.

• Đừng quên gắn phần đế này vào trước khi lắp những bộ phận khác của đầu nối. Nếu không, bạn sẽ phải tháo đầu nối ra để gắn lại phần đế.
• Một số bộ đầu nối vuông góc có cấu tạo khác. Nhưng nhìn chung, bạn vẫn phải tiến hành theo quy trình này với bất cứ đầu nối vuông góc nào.

Nới lỏng ốc bên trong đầu nối. Bên trong phần vỏ đầu nối phía trên có ốc vít làm nhiệm vụ truyền tín hiệu. Hãy xoay ốc ngược chiều kim đồng hồ để nới lỏng.

• Không nhất thiết phải tháo hoàn toàn ốc vít ra. Bạn chỉ cần nới lỏng vừa đủ để gắn dây dẫn.

Gắn dây dẫn vào ốc vít và siết lại. Đặt cáp vào vỏ đầu nối sao cho đầu dây chạm vào ốc vít. Giữ yên dây cáp và vặn ốc theo chiều kim đồng hồ để siết chặt. Kiểm tra để chắc chắn rằng kết nối vừa khít và chắc chắn.

• Chỉ siết cho đến khi ốc vừa khít và giữ được lõi đồng. Không siết quá chặt vì bạn có thể làm hỏng dây đẫn.

Lắp mặt lưng của đầu nối. Gắn mặt lưng vào đầu nối sao cho thẳng hàng với các khía của phần phía trước. Sau đó, ấn hai phần đầu nối lại với nhau (với cáp nằm giữa).

• Một số đầu nối sẽ khớp nhau và phát ra tiếng “tách” khi bạn ấn vào. Tiếp tục giữ hai phần của đầu nối phòng khi chúng chưa tự động khớp nhau.

Push the base you previously attached upward and screw it into the connector. The base will secure the two parts of the connector together. Push the base up to the connector and twist it to tighten. Double-check to ensure the connection is snug.

• If you're using high-speed internet and more than two TVs, choose a high-quality RG 6 connector.
• Screw-on F connectors often provide poor connections, and signal loss may occur. Compression-type connectors give a better signal.

• Coaxial cable
• Coaxial cable connector
• Wire cutting pliers
• Cable stripping pliers
• Pliers
• Utility knife
• Crimping tool
• Wire stripping pliers