Coaxial cable can be used to transmit a variety of signals, including cable television, internet and low-quality audio. If you're working on coaxial cable for any of the above, learn how to terminate coaxial cable to build your own cable to save money!
Step
Step 1. Gather all the ingredients
To perform the termination of coaxial cable, you will need the following equipment and materials:
- Compression connector for coaxial cable - There are several types of connectors. Compression connectors provide the best connection and appearance for cables. The second best type of connector is the crimp connector. Avoid push-on or twist connectors.
- Compression/ crimping tool - Make sure it fits into the compression/ crimping connector.
- Cable stripper (stripper)
- Cable cutter
- Connector installation tool - This tool is used to push the connector firmly into the stripped cable.
Step 2. Make a straight cut at the end of the cable
Use a cutting tool to make a straight cut at the end of the cable. Once cut, trim the ends of the wires with your fingers on the loop.
Step 3. Adjust the stripper with the cable
Most coaxial strippers can be adapted to strip coaxial cable, whether two- or four-layer shielded. Use an Allen key to adjust the peeler. If the stripper is not adjusted properly, the lead wire may peel and damage the cable.
- The most common cable is RG-6, both two- and four-layer shielded. Make sure the stripper is configured for RG-6 coaxial cable, and not for other cable sizes such as ethernet cables.
- If the stripper is set for a double shielded cable but is used to strip a four layer shielded cable, not all of the cable shield will be stripped.
Step 4. Peel the ends of the coaxial cable
Insert the end of the coaxial cable into the stripper so that the end of the cable is flush with the end of the stripper. Clamp the cable with the stripper, then twist the stripper around the cable two to three times.
- The stripper is complete if you feel the wires are no longer peeling by the tool.
- Don't pull the peeler when you're done. Open the pin to remove the cable.
Step 5. Pull the outer shield on the cable
Once the cable is stripped, you will see two pieces of segments. Pull the outer segment on the cable. The central conductor wire will be visible.
Step 6. Drag the second segment
The layer of aluminum that insulates the cable will be visible. Locate the aluminum edge and peel it off the cable. This will leave a layer of aluminum around the white insulation.
Step 7. Pull and fold the cable layer back
When you pull the cable shield, you will see a lot of conducting wires. Fold back over the cables so that the connectors can touch all the cables as they are installed. Neither of the wires is blocking the white insulation.
Step 8. Cut the conductor wire (if necessary)
Most strippers will leave a bit of bare conductor wire, but it never hurts to check before proceeding. The bare connector cable length should be 3.9 mm.
Step 9. Insert the connector into the stripping end of the cable
Use a pusher to push the connector firmly into the cable until the white insulation is covered by the connector.
- Make sure the bare conductor cable is not bent when you attach the connector.
- You may have to twist the cable while pushing with the tool to connect it firmly.
Step 10. Tighten or crimp the connector
The process of compacting or curling the connector varies, depending on the type of connector used. Some tools require you to press the ends of the wires against the connector pieces, while others require you to push the front and end of the connector pieces against each other.
Firmly squeeze the compression or crimping tool. Most tools are unlikely to damage cables and connectors if squeezed too much, but with some tools, cable and connector damage can occur
Step 11. Check for defects in the connection
When finished pressing the connector, check for stray cables or loose connections. This can cause a bad signal or a malfunctioning cable.
Tips
- There are several types of coaxial cable and connectors. Some of the more commonly used cable types are the ADC DSX-CM-1000, WECO type 734A, Belden YR23922, Belden 1505A and GEPCO VPM2000. The most commonly used coaxial connectors are BNC-734 and TNC-734.
- Once you've adjusted the stripper to a particular brand of cable, it won't be able to properly strip other brands of cable without being readjusted. Use only one brand of cable for all your work.
- If the coaxial cable has an aluminum shield under the shield braid, cut it to the same size as the shield braid.
