How to Splice Coaxial Cable: Complete Guide to Splicing Coaxial Cable

There are so many nuances when installing coaxial cables, and you may encounter situations in your business where lengthening or shortening the cables is necessary. Or, perhaps you’re looking for guidance in repairing cables. Whatever the case, you’ve come to the right place.

Splicing coaxial cables simply refers to the process of connecting the endpoints of two or more cable conductors rather than replacing the entire wiring configuration with a new cable of the proper length. It can save time, stress, and money - but sometimes, can be quite confusing.

We’ll walk you through how to splice a coaxial cable below, but can you splice coaxial cable on your own without compromising signal integrity? While there may be circumstances that warrant hiring an electrician, the task is fairly straightforward.

You just need to get your hands on the right connectors and understand the process of splicing coaxial cables correctly. When in doubt, we encourage you to reach out to our team here at AudioVideoElectric.com. After all, this is your one-stop shop for bulk coaxial cable!

Overview of Coaxial Cables and Splicing

Those who are just interested in learning how to splice a coaxial cable can scroll down for the step-by-step guide. 

However, we know some reading along are probably not all the way versed in the basics of splicing coaxial cables. So, here’s some helpful background information before we get into the main topic at hand.

What is a Coaxial Cable?

Often referred to as a coax cable for short, these are used to maintain signal integrity over long distances for a wide variety of use cases. 

It consists of several distinct layers: a central conductor, a dielectric insulator, a metallic shield, and an outer jacket. You need to understand these unique components for accurate splicing.

The shield is commonly made of braided copper or aluminum which protects the central conductor from external electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could disrupt the signal. 

This supports precise data signal transmission with minimal loss. That’s why coaxial cables are widely used in industries needing reliable data, video, or audio transmission. From telecommunications to military applications, the possibilities are endless.

On that note, you’ll find a wide variety of coaxial cable sizes and configurations to suit specific use cases and installation requirements, from RF (radio frequency) transmissions to large-scale commercial projects. So what are the main types of coaxial cable?

RG-6, RG-11, and RG-59, are the most common, each of which is tailored to different signal types and distances. Commercial operations can easily find a cable that meets their environmental and bandwidth needs.

The Basics of Cable Splicing

Now, let’s look at the other half of today’s conversation - what is cable splicing? This technique allows two cables to be joined together to create a continuous line while preserving signal flow. 

Splicing is an efficient way to manage unexpected repairs, maintain connectivity, or adapt to complex installations in commercial environments without the need for extensive rewiring. 

However, the process of splicing coaxial cables can be fairly complex. You need to maintain the cable's shielding and structural integrity to avoid inadvertently compromising on performance.

That being said, can you splice coaxial cable yourself, or should you leave it to an expert?

Can You Splice Coaxial Cable or Does Splicing Coaxial Cable Degrade Signal Integrity?

While learning how to spice a coaxial cable is certainly possible, determining whether or not it’s feasible in your specific scenario requires a bit more context. A better question is, does splicing coaxial cable degrade signal? It certainly can. 

The process in general requires significant precision and attention to detail. Think back to the unique structure these cables are known for. Each layer - the inner conductor, insulating layer, shield, and outer jacket - plays a role in protecting against signal interference.

If you inadvertently damage one of these different structures, your wiring confirmation is now susceptible to signal interference. That’s why it’s so important to use the right tools and techniques to keep the connection physically secure and fundamentally sound.

Still, this is a viable option when downtime needs to be minimized. Technicians can quickly address connectivity issues without replacing entire cable runs, which would otherwise be costly and time-consuming.

In this sense, learning how to splice a coaxial cable is cost-effective and productive. So, let’s walk you through the process step-by-step below!

How to Splice a Coaxial Cable: Step-by-Step Guide to Splicing Coaxial Cable

Remember, any sort of wiring work should be left to an expert. If you don’t feel confident working with cables don’t attempt to learn on the job. That being said, here’s a brief look at how to splice a coaxial cable.

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

One of the most common questions we see asked on this topic is, can you splice coaxial cable without connectors? Definitely not! There are a few other tools you’ll need to get the job done as well, including:

• Coaxial cable stripper (or a utility knife with a steady hand)
• Compression or F-connectors compatible with your coaxial cable type
• Compression tool or crimping tool
• Coaxial cable cutter to cleanly cut the cable ends
• Signal tester (optional but recommended to confirm signal quality after splicing)

With all these on hand, you’re ready to get to work.

Step 2: Prepare the Cable Ends

The first step involves using your coax cable cutter to make a straight, clean cut on each end of the cable that you’re splicing. Then, strip back about ¾” of the outer jacket on each end to expose the braided shield. Carefully pull back the shielding to keep it intact.

From there you can use the cable stripper to expose roughly ¼” of the inner insulation to reveal the central conductor. Work slowly to avoid nicking or damaging the conductor, as this could lead to the signal loss we mentioned earlier.

Step 3: Attach Connectors

You can now slide the F-connector onto the prepared cable end such that the conductor extends through the end of the connector while the braided shielding makes contact with the inside.

Then, use a compression or crimping tool to fasten the connector securely onto the cable. You need to make sure you get a tight fit, again, to prevent signal leaks. But this also helps protect against physical separation under pressure or vibration.

Step 4: Join the Cables

Now comes the fun part - bringing the two cable ends together. Attach a coaxial coupler (also known as a barrel connector) between the two cable ends fitted with F-connectors. This bridges the two cables together with a seamless signal path.

At this point, you can tug gently on both ends to gauge how secure the fit is. Ideally, you wouldn’t feel any sort of movement. Loose connections can lead to signal degradation or intermittent connectivity issues.

Step 5: Test the Extended Line

All that’s left to do now is double-check your work. We have a guide on how to test coaxial cable if you aren’t familiar with using a signal tester. The goal here is to verify that the splice maintains signal integrity.

Should you uncover any weak or fluctuating signals, check each connection point and confirm that all connectors are crimped securely and free of damage.

Commercial environments with high EMI will need to take extra steps to monitor the signal for interference post-splicing. This may entail adjusting positioning or using EMI-shielded couplers if needed.

Tips on Preventing Signal Loss in Extended Coaxial Cables

There you have it - the best way to splice coaxial cable! But because the risk of signal loss is so high we want to share a few more tips on preventing this issue:

• Minimize Connector Use: Each additional connector can introduce slight signal loss, so limit their use to only what is necessary.
• Use High-Quality Materials: Commercial-grade connectors and couplers often provide better shielding and longevity.
• Maintain Cable Integrity: Avoid bending the coaxial cable at sharp angles, as this can weaken the cable’s structure and impact signal quality.

Armed with these insights you should feel confident in getting started splicing coaxial cables!

Trust AudioVideoElectric.com for All Your Wiring Needs!

If you decide you’d rather not risk any sacrifice in signal integrity, you’re in luck. Here at AudioVideoElectric.com, you gain access to high-quality replacement coaxial cables at an unbeatable price.

Our Belden alternative cables are identical in fit and form to their branded counterparts with spec sheets to back them up. They’re carefully manufactured to the highest standards so you can rest assured you’re getting the reliable, efficient wiring solution you deserve at a price that won’t break the bank.

You don’t just have to take our word for it, either. Our case studies speak for themselves. Customers have cut 65% from their cable budgets or trimmed $86,000 from their annual costs simply by switching to sourcing their cables from us. 

This applies to not just our coax cables but also our multi-conductor cable. So, get in touch with our customer service team to learn more about how we can help. Or, take a look at our catalog and find the perfect cables today!

Final Thoughts on the Best Way to Splice Coaxial Cable

That does it for our guide on how to splice a coaxial cable. In closing, can you splice coaxial cable - or does splicing coaxial cable degrade signal? This is often necessary for repairing, extending, or shortening cable runs, but still, it isn’t the right approach in every scenario. It requires precision to avoid compromising signal integrity.

Fortunately, we’ve set you up for success with these tips on the best way to splice coaxial cable so all that’s left to do now is get to work with our step-by-step guide!

Learn more about the world of wiring in our blog with resources like single conductor vs multi conductor cable, what is low ohm cable, multi-conductor cable uses, what does rg mean in coax cable, how to strip multi conductor cable, and more.

But from coax to multi-conductor cable types, remember that AudioVideoElectric.com is your trusted provider for all your wiring needs. If you decide you need to start from scratch with a new cable rather than splicing, get in touch today and take the stress out of electrical work!