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Cable Installation-TV Cable Facts and DIY Tips

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An electrical cable has two or more wires running side by side. These multiple wires in electrical cables are bonded, twisted or braided together that make a single assembly and carry electric currents that operate various electrical appliances and systems in home offices. This article talks about the type of electrical cables that are used for TV as a transmission line for radio frequency signals, commonly known as coaxial cables. After reading it, you will come to know about the major types of cable television installations and will also be able to conduct a DIY cable wiring installation.

Basic Cable Installation Types
The two main types of cable television installations include pre-wiring and wiring after the construction work of a house is completed. Pre-wiring is always a preferable option for cable installation. This facilitates easy installation of satellite TV or computer network (Internet) connections. However, it is always not possible to install cable wiring such as in case if you buy an old house. In such cases, cable installation can always be done afterwards. Here are certain tips for cable installation of bot types- pre wiring as well as post wiring or installing cable wires after construction of home.

Cable Installation Tips

Pre wiring cable installation means to install all the home electrical wires before putting up the drywall. Here are some tips for such cable installation.

Always buy quality electrical cable wire- Poor quality cables will result into poorer picture quality. You can buy pre-cut cables directly from your cable TV provider.
Run all cable connections individually back to the point of origin (point where the cable enters the home)- Instead of splicing into wires in the crawl space or attic, run each hookup back to point of origin for getting better picture quality. This also facilitates repairs.
Install a wire in every room of your home. You might not be in favor of having a Cable TV connection in each room but it is easier as well as cost effective measuer to pre-wire each room. You'll save a lots of money and efforts that you would be investing if you install cable later on.
When pre wiring cable installation is not possible then look for other cable installation alternatives. If there is an unfinished basement or crawlspace in your house, most of the tips for pre-wiring given above can be applied. Only you'll need to do some extra work for getting the electrical wires up into the appropriate walls. If the basement is finished and there is no crawlspace, you can install cable wires through the attic or along the exterior of your home. However, plan well before such cable installation as to where do you want your cable to run.
When doing cable installation outside your home, drill holes with a downward angle in order to prevent water etc. getting inside the home.

DIY Cable Installation tips
As coaxial cable used for television transmission is a single wire with insulation and an all-weather outer coating, it is a very easy DIY cable installation project as you cannot have a wrong connection and there is no scope for using a wrong type of electrical cable. Further there is no worry about electricity hazards as coaxial cables carrry no current.

Cable Installation from Outside to Inside
When installing cables, you must bring it inside your home whether you have in-ground cable service or a satellite. You can install cable either by drilling a hole or by finding just the right opening. If you opt to drill, you must get special drill that is long enough to reach through to the interior. Most of them are about 10 inches long. You must also get grommets to fit around the cable to provide a tight waterproof seal from where the cable enters the building.

Indoor Cable Wiring Installation
Once you have brought the cable inside home, you must do cable wiring in such a way that it does not offer any obstacle or does not look untidy. You must take care to wire cable around the edge and underneath wall-to-wall carpeting. After bringing the cable inside the house, cut it about 6 inches long and crimp a threaded fitting to the end with the help of cable crimping tools. Attach a male/male adapter (a small metal fitting with threads on both sides) to the cable end. Now attach the cable and run it to the cable or satellite converter box or directly to the TV.

Upstairs Cable Wiring Installation
If you wish to install cable in a room that is upstairs in your house, you will have to again drill a hole or find an unobtrusive way so that the cable could run up the stairs. If you have carpeted stairs, it becomes easier to install cables just like you have to do it in a carpeted room cable installation. If there is no carpet on stairs, you can drill a hole in a wall and run the cable through the space up to the upstairs with the help of another tool called cable snake (a long flexible metal probe similar in appearance to a long thin spring). Uncoil it into the hole from the upstairs down to the hole in the downstairs wall. Attach the cable to the snake and pull up and out upstairs. You will need a good amount of cable for this. When you have brought the cable upstairs, seal with grommets.

Tags:- Cable Installation-TV Cable Facts, Cable TV Wiring Installation, How To Install Cable Wiring, Installing Cable Wire

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