What is a coax outlet for

You’ve just moved into a new apartment and noticed a coax outlet on the wall and perhaps you’re asking yourself, what is it for?

A coax outlet is used for data transmission by connecting various devices like TVs, cable modems, satellite receivers, digital routers, and many other compatible devices to cable television or the internet via a coaxial cable.

This outlet is usually a white, brown, or ivory F-connector faceplate mounted on the wall with a coaxial cable attached between the outlet and the input/port connector at the back of your device. To use this outlet, you have to make sure it’s active; else it has to be replaced.

How to check if the coax outlet is still active

The first step to take is to go to the wall area where the coax outlet converges with the distribution panel or splitter and inspect the place. If you notice that the coax outlet is not properly attached to the wall’s distribution panel, or a coaxial cable is disconnected, then your coax outlet isn’t working properly. This is a simple issue to fix on your own without calling an electrician. To fix it, screw the coax outlet to the splitter or hub in a clockwise direction and push on an additional adapter pin if it isn’t correctly terminated. The next thing to do is to screw the short length of the cable to the electrical connector and then the other end to the respective post on the tool.

Now, go ahead and inspect the front panel of the testing unit. The indicator light can indicate red or green. When the light immediately illuminates a red color, then the wire is faulty and needs a replacement. You don’t have to worry about anything if it turns green. Press the TEST button if the indicator light remains dim and then keep monitoring the light until it displays either red or green. If this situation persists, then it means that there’s a poor connector or it isn’t connected to the panel on the other end.

Why can’t I find my coax outlet?

Coaxial cables are thick and usually carry large amounts of data such as high-bandwidth signals and cable TV from an ISP (Internet Service Provider) to your home. Most apartments and homes have these cables already installed inside the walls. If you can’t find yours, then don’t worry. Sometimes, these cables disappear behind the drywall. To find these cables, you need a drywall saw, coaxial tester, and a wire finder/mini locator. In the room that you think has the coaxial cable in its walls, clear the wall and if need be the room too since these objects can obstruct the signals.

Wire finder/mini locators are available from several brands at different prices and work in different ways. Turn on the finder and then press the locate button on it and use the transmitter to locate the coaxial cable in your wall. The locator will show you how far the coaxial cable is and adjusts its readings when the locator moves closer/farther from the cable. This will help you determine the exact location of the cable in the wall.

Once you determine the coaxial cable’s location, it’s time to extract it. Use the drywall saw to cut a hole in the wall making sure the hole is smaller than the coax outlet measuring approximately 1 ½ inches wide and 3 ¾ inches high. This ensures that the coaxial cable can simply run through it and then the coaxial outlet can be placed on top of the cut hole. When cutting this hole, be careful so that you don’t cut the coaxial cable or other electrical wires behind the wall. Pull the cable through the hole and then install 2 mounting brackets in the hole. Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to attach the coaxial cable to the F-connector to the back of the TV and finally screw the jack onto the mounting brackets to attach it to the wall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the indicator light on the front of my testing unit dim?

When testing to see if your coax outlet is still active and the indicator light is dim or remains unlit, then there’s an adapter termination, a poor connector, or the adapter is not connected to a splitter/panel on the other end. Keep testing and monitoring the light until it turns either red or green.

What are the best coaxial cables for TV or internet connection?

There is a wide range of coaxial cables on the market. The best cables are the RG6 type that can consistently transfer information. Ensure the cable is properly insulated and has a UL certification in order to be used in walls.