Coaxial cables, commonly known as coax cables, play a vital role in transmitting radio frequency signals for TV, internet, and antenna installations. This guide covers key facts about coax cables, types, advantages, and essential safety tips for installation.
A coaxial cable is an **electrical cable** designed to carry **radio frequency (RF) signals** from one point to another. First introduced in **1858**, coax cables remain widely used in **home networking, cable TV, and internet systems**.
Coax cables come in different gauges, referred to by **RG (Radio Guide) numbers**. Here are the three most common:
In simple terms, a coax cable transmits data through its **central conductor**, while the surrounding shielding layer helps minimize interference. Coax cables typically transfer data at speeds of up to **10 Mbps**.
Most **coax cables carry low voltage**, meaning they are **safe to touch** under normal conditions. Typical antenna amplifiers send about **5 volts** through the cable. However, some satellite systems like DirecTV use **power inserters** that can send up to **29 volts**, which could cause a minor tingle if you touch the central conductor, though not a dangerous shock.
Proper installation requires using the **right tools**. Avoid makeshift tools like scissors, knives, or hedge trimmers. Instead, use:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Use proper stripping and compression tools. | Don't cut with scissors, knives, or hedge trimmers. |
| Test all connections after installation. | Don't overtighten connectors to avoid damage. |
| Use RG6 or RG11 for modern installations. | Don't use old or damaged cables for new setups. |
Coax cables remain essential for **TV, internet, and home networking**, despite newer technologies. Understanding their types, uses, and proper installation techniques helps ensure optimal performance and safety.
hi guys welcome back to the ultimate tech hub so guys today's video is all about the coax cable and if you've been following the ultimate tech hub you've probably seen our video on how to install a coax cable wall plate and we have a second video on where does the codex cable go we will have links to both those videos just in case you haven't seen them so today's video we're going to go over some facts safety concerns and some do's and don'ts when installing coax cable and remember hit subscribe to keep this channel alive so first what is a coax cable a coax cable is an electrical cable which transmits radio frequency signals from one point to another this technology is not new and matter of fact it was first used in 1858 there are different types of coax cable and they vary by gauge the gauge of the cable refers to the cable's thickness and is measured by the radio guide measurement or rg number so the higher the rg number the thinner the central conductor core is there are three common sizes of coax cable we have the rg6 the rg11 and the rg59 and of course these cables come in different colors so how does a coax cable work well in simple terms a coax cable works by carrying data in a center conductor so what speed does the quix cable transmit data the klex cable transmits data at 10 megabytes per second so what are the advantages of coax cable well first it's inexpensive it's easy to wire and install it's also easy to expand it has a good resistance to emi it's durable and it transmits 10 megabytes per second the only disadvantage of a coax cable is if that coax cable fails it can take down an entire network so now let's talk about safety when installing coax cables this might be the most important question can you shock yourself on a coax cable and the simple answer is no however a coax cable is capable of carrying a current but typically antenna amplifiers put out only about 5 volts through a cable there is one exception directv satellite equipment works with a power inserter that can send up to 29 volts through the cable now this kind of voltage is enough to give you a tingle if you touch the center conductor but it's not enough to give you a shock okay one more thing before we're done when working on any coax cable it's very important to use the correct tools for instance if you're going to cut the coax cable do not use scissors or hedge trimmers or a knife or a flame thrower just kidding it's important to use the correct tools when stripping back the coax cable and securing the f-type connector onto the cable use a coax cable stripper and a coax compression tool these tools make it much easier to terminate the coax cable well guys i want to thank you for watching and remember if you like these videos give a thumbs up and share it if you love them hit subscribe to keep this channel alive thanks again for watching
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