How to Extend Coaxial Cable

There’s nothing worse than realizing the cable run you’ve purchased is a bit too short. Do you run the risk of losing signal by extending it, or should you start fresh and buy a cable that’s long enough for your application? Can you extend a coaxial cable in the first place?

Whether it’s a large-scale security system you’re trying to connect or another connection to your office’s A/V setup, we’re here to help. Learn all about how to extend coaxial cable connections below, including the pros and cons of coaxial cable extension and alternative approaches.

If you discover that extending your coax cable is not feasible, don’t sweat it. AudioVideoElectric.com is your one-stop shop for bulk coax cable. We’ll help you source what you need to bring your project to life without breaking the bank. Get in touch today!

Can You Extend a Coaxial Cable or Do You Have to Buy a Longer One?

So, can you extend a coaxial cable in the first place, or do you need to accept your fate and purchase a longer run? Yes, technically coaxial cable extension is possible. The real question is whether it’s the optimal approach or not. Let’s weigh the pros ad cons.

Pros and Cons of Extending an Existing Cable

There are obvious advantages to simply extending the coax cable rather than replacing it altogether. The most prominent being cost savings. You’ll only need a coaxial coupler and possibly some additional connectors, saving money on a full-length replacement. 

It’s also more convenient if you’ve already gone through the hassle of running most of the cable through tight or complex installations. You can simply pick up where you left off. 

We find that most of the time extending the run makes sense only when you’re a few feet short. It’s also a great option for temporary or evolving setups where full rewiring isn’t practical.

That being said, every foot you add to the existing run will compromise signal integrity, thereby affecting the quality of your transmissions. More connectors mean more potential points of failure.

The same is true of signal interference. You could experience unwanted noise affecting the signal at each and every connection point you add to the run.

Connectors might be more convenient, but they also add a bit more complexity to your set up. This can create maintenance headaches down the road that you’ll have to deal with. 

When Does Buying a New Cable Make More Sense?

If you’re still not sure whether you should go through with coaxial cable extension or buy a whole new cable, here are some things to consider:

• Long-Distance Runs: We find that it’s more efficient and safer to buy a single, longer cable than adding multiple connectors to cover a long distance. Each additional connector weakens the signal, so the fewer you have, the better.
• Permanent Installations: It’s worth investing in the right cable length from the start so you don’t have to stress about it going forward. Reducing the need for connectors will simplify maintenance and ensure long-term performance.
• Mission-Critical Installations: Security systems, industrial networks, or broadcast environments cannot compromise on signal integrity. A new cable reduces potential failure points, which is why we recommend it for high-performance systems in need of uninterrupted connections.

When in doubt, reach out. Our customer service team here at AudioVideoElectric.com can help you weigh the pros and cons for your specific use case and point you in the right direction. That being said, let’s get into how to extend coaxial cable line below.

How to Extend Coaxial Cable Line: Step-by-Step Guide

Keep in mind that complex wiring projects should be left to professionals. If you don’t feel confident in your electrical wiring capabilities, call an expert. That being said, here’s an overview of how to extend coaxial cable line - starting with the tools you’ll need. 

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Make sure you have everything you need for the task so that you don’t have to deal with interruptions once you get the project underway: 

• Coaxial Cable Cutter/Stripper: For clean cuts and precise stripping of the coaxial cable ends.
• Coaxial Cable Coupler: A connector that links two coaxial cables. Make sure it matches your cable type (e.g., RG-6, RG-59).
• F-Connectors: To attach to the stripped ends of the coaxial cable.
• Compression Tool: Required for securing the F-connectors to the cable ends.
• Signal Meter or Multimeter: To check the integrity of the signal after the extension is complete.

Preparing the Cable Ends

The first thing to do is make clean, straight cuts on both the cable you want to extend and the new section you’ll be adding. We want to emphasize the importance of clean cuts to help maintain signal quality.

Then, use the coaxial cable stripper to remove about ¾ inch of the outer insulation. Be careful not to nick the inner shielding or conductors. Peel back the outer braided shielding and expose the inner dielectric insulation. Then, use the stripper again to remove a small portion (about ¼ inch) of the dielectric to expose the center conductor.

At this point, you can slide the F-connector onto the stripped end of the coaxial cable. The central conductor should extend slightly from the F-connector’s tip, but not so far that it bends when connected.

Now you can use the compression tool to securely crimp the F-connectors onto both ends of the coaxial cable. Make sure the connection is secure, as this will maintain signal integrity. 

Connecting the Cables

Now comes the actual coaxial cable extension side of things. Attach the F-connector from the original cable to one side of the coupler and the F-connector from the extended cable to the other side.

Hand-tighten both sides of the coupler for a firm connection. If you have a wrench handy, you can gently tighten further, but be aware that overtightening could damage the connectors.

Testing the Extended Line

Most of the work is done, now, you just need to double-check your work and make sure the cable is working as intended. We have a guide on how to test coaxial cable, but it’s fairly simple. 

Use a signal meter or multimeter to verify that the signal quality is intact. If not, take a look at the F-connectors and see that they’re properly crimped and that the coupler is firmly attached. 

Don’t overlook the importance of signal integrity here. It’s worth going back to the drawing board if necessary given the importance of strong, stable signal transmissions in commercial settings. Speaking of which, we’ll share some tips on preventing signal loss in coaxial cable extension below.

Tips on Preventing Signal Loss in Extended Coaxial Cables

Ultimately you’re going to sacrifice some level of signal loss when extending coax cables. It’s inevitable. That’s why you need to take measures to minimize that loss, including:

• Using Quality Connectors: Cheap, poorly made connectors are more prone to signal degradation, especially in telecommunications, security, or industrial applications.
• Avoiding Multiple Extensions: The fewer connection points, the better. Each introduces the potential for signal loss. So if the extension requires multiple connectors, it will likely be more efficient to replace the entire cable with a longer one.
• Maintaining Proper Bend Radius: Sharp bends can damage a coaxial cable’s internal structure and cause signal loss, so try to maintain a smooth, wide bend radius to prevent kinks.
• Considering Signal Amplifiers: These can help maintain signal strength and reduce the risk of loss over the extended length of the cable, and we highly recommend them in long-distance commercial installations.

Armed with these insights you should feel confident in how to extend coaxial cable. But if not, or you determine that it makes more sense to start from scratch with the proper run length, look no further than AudioVideoElectric.com!

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Final Thoughts on How to Extend Coaxial Cable

There you have it, everything you need to know about how to extend coaxial cable. While this may not always be the most practical approach, it can work well for temporary setups or scenarios where you just need another few feet and aren’t concerned about signal loss.

That being said, coaxial cable extension may not be optimal in other situations - like those where signal integrity is the primary concern, or permanent installations where you want the job done right the first time around. In these cases you’re better off buying a longer run.

Our blog has more resources on what is coaxial cable used for, what does RG stand for in coax, single conductor vs multi-conductor cable, and more. But whether you need low-ohm cables or a multi-conductor cable, the only thing left to do is shop our selection at AudioVideoElectric.com.

Get the best coaxial cables for your business needs at unbeatable prices. Make sure your project runs smoothly by sourcing smart today!