Home Garden

How to Install a New Cable TV Receptacle

The best time to install cable television jacks is when the home is under construction, before the drywall has been installed. Installing television jacks in remodels and older homes is more difficult. Sometimes installing a coaxial jack in a different location is necessary. Evaluating a new jack location and finding a workable cable path is a critical part of the project and varies from home to home. Follow these steps to install a new cable television jack in your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Keyhole saw
  • Tape measure
  • Low voltage old-work box
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Utility knife
  • Cable stripping tool
  • RG6 crimp tool
  • Adjustable wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Evaluate the area where you want the new cable television jack to be located. Plan the best way to access the wall and signal source. Cut a 1.75-inch by 3.75-inch hole with a keyhole saw. Install an old-work style box using a Phillips screwdriver by turning the retaining tab screws clockwise until secure.

    • 2

      Install 75 ohm coaxial cable from the signal source to the box. RG 6 cable is preferred due to its higher performance rating. Pull enough cable through the mounting box to leave about 8 inches to attach the F connector.

    • 3

      Strip 1 inch of the outside sheathing from the end of the cable using a coaxial cable stripping tool or utility knife. You will notice that there is a metal braid and foil sheathing around a white foam core. Remove the sheathing about ½ inch from the end. Fold back the metal braid towards the back side of the cable. Cut the foam core just in front of the area that the sheathing has been pulled back from, and strip away the foam material from the solid wire core.

    • 4

      Push the connector on with your fingers until the center conductor protrudes past the front of the connector about 1/8th inch. Position the connector flush with the edge of the crimping tool. Crimp the retaining sleeve until the connector has been securely fastened.

    • 5

      Attach the F connector to the cable television wall plate using an adjustable wrench.

    • 6

      Attach the wall plate to the mounting box using the provided attachment screws.