Whether you need to extend a cable run, repair damaged wiring, or modify your existing infrastructure, splicing coax cable is a practical skill for facility managers and IT professionals. This guide walks you through the proper techniques for splicing coaxial cable with and without connectors, helping you maintain reliable signal quality for your business operations.
Key Takeaways
- Compression connectors provide the most reliable splice for commercial applications, creating weatherproof connections that maintain signal integrity and shield continuity.
- Always match the connector type to the cable type (RG-6, RG-11, or RG-59) to prevent signal loss and loose connections.
- Proper cable preparation is critical — using the correct stripper for your cable type prevents damage to the copper core and outer layers.
- Splicing without connectors should only be used for temporary repairs and is not recommended for permanent commercial installations.
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What Is Coax Cable?
Coax cable (short for coaxial cable) is an insulated electrical wire designed primarily for data, video, and audio transmission. You’ll find coax cables throughout commercial buildings connecting internet services, phone systems, security cameras, and broadcast equipment.
These cables feature a distinctive round profile with metal F connectors on each end. The internal construction includes multiple protective layers: a central copper conductor that transmits signals, surrounded by a dielectric layer of outer insulation, a conductive shielding layer (foil and/or braided wire mesh), an outer shield, and a protective jacket. This layered design minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) and protects signal quality.
For business applications, coax cable installation requires careful handling to maintain signal integrity and minimize interference throughout your facility.
How Do You Splice Coax Cable With Connectors?
Using compression connectors is the recommended method for splicing coax cable in commercial settings. This approach creates secure, weatherproof connections that maintain signal quality over time. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You’ll need a clean cloth, a coaxial cable stripper (matched to your cable type), two coax compression connectors, a coax compression crimper, and a barrel connector. Having wire cutters and needle-nose pliers on hand helps when you need to trim excess wire or pull back shielding.
Step 2: Identify Your Cable Type
Coax cables come in different radio grades with varying diameters and performance characteristics:
| Cable Type | Diameter | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| RG-59 | ~6.1 mm | CCTV systems, short-run analog video, low frequencies |
| RG-6 | ~7.0 mm | Satellite, digital TV, cable modems, antenna connections |
| RG-11 | ~10.3 mm | Long-distance runs, trunk lines |
Using connectors matched to your specific cable type helps prevent loose connections, signal loss, and impedance mismatches.
Step 3: Clean and Dry Both Cable Ends
Ensure both ends of the two cables you’re connecting are clean and completely dry. This is especially important when working with outdoor or underground cables. Even cables that appear clean should be wiped down with a clean cloth before proceeding with the splice process.
Step 4: Strip the Cable Ends
Use a coax cable stripper compatible with your cable type to expose the inner conductors. Strip approximately 15mm of the outer jacket to reveal the outer layers, then strip 6mm of the dielectric insulation to expose the center conductor. Carefully fold the braided shielding backward against the jacket without damaging the foil layer beneath. A proper cable stripper ensures consistent strip lengths and prevents damage to the copper core that could degrade signal quality.
Step 5: Attach Compression Connectors
Insert a compression connector onto each stripped cable end. The dielectric should sit flush with the connector base, and the center conductor should protrude slightly. Take care not to bend or damage the center conductor during insertion — this wire is critical for signal transmission.
Step 6: Crimp the Connectors
Use your compression crimper tool to secure each connector to the cable. Apply firm, even pressure until the connector locks in place. A properly crimped connector should not pull off the cable — test each connection by gently tugging on it. If the connector feels loose, crimp again or install a new connector.
Step 7: Connect With Barrel Connector
Screw the barrel connector onto each cable end to connect and complete the splice. Tighten both connections securely to ensure proper shield continuity and signal transfer between the two cables.
When completed correctly, your spliced coax cable will be weatherproof and suitable for both indoor and outdoor commercial applications.
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Can You Splice Coax Cable Without a Connector?
While it’s technically possible to splice coax cable without connectors, this method should only be used for temporary emergency repairs. For permanent commercial installations, compression connectors provide far superior reliability and signal quality. Most people attempting this method should proceed with caution.
If you need a temporary splice without connectors:
- Strip both cable ends following the same process as above, exposing approximately 25mm of the center conductor and braided shielding. Use wire cutters to create clean ends on each cable.
- Gather your materials — you’ll need a clean cloth, a sharp knife or coax cable stripper, and high-quality electrical tape. Of course, having solder and a soldering iron creates a more secure connection if you’re comfortable with that process.
- Twist and connect the center conductors by firmly twisting the exposed copper wires together. You may need wire cutters or needle-nose pliers to trim excess wire. Gently pull and tug the connection to verify it’s secure. To strengthen the bond, you can solder the twisted connection.
- Insulate the center connection by wrapping electrical tape multiple times around the joined conductors to cover and protect the splice.
- Connect the braided shields by wrapping the folded-back shielding braid from each cable around the other. You can solder this connection for better continuity, then cover thoroughly with additional electrical tape.
- Apply final insulation with multiple layers of tape to wrap and cover all exposed areas, protecting against moisture and interference throughout the splice.
This method can work for temporary situations, but plan to replace with a proper connector splice as soon as possible to ensure long-term reliability. If you’re concerned about signal quality, properly installed connectors are the industry standard.
Why Does Proper Splicing Matter for Commercial Buildings?
In commercial environments, coax cable carries critical signals for security cameras, internet connectivity, antenna systems, and communication systems. A poorly executed splice can cause:
- Signal loss and degraded video quality
- Intermittent connectivity issues and discontinuities in service
- Increased electromagnetic interference from compromised shielding
- Impedance mismatch leading to signal reflections
- System downtime that impacts business operations
For businesses that rely on consistent connectivity, investing in proper splicing techniques and quality connectors protects your infrastructure investment and minimizes troubleshooting time. The industry standard is to use compression connectors that maintain shield continuity and create reliable, weatherproof connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Splicing a Coaxial Cable Degrade Signal?
A properly executed splice using compression connectors and a barrel connector introduces minimal signal loss — typically around 0.1 dB per connection, which is imperceptible in most applications. However, improper splicing can cause significant signal degradation by disrupting the cable’s impedance. The key factors that affect signal quality include matching connector types to your specific coaxial cable, maintaining proper strip lengths, and ensuring secure crimped connections with good shield continuity. Splicing without connectors (using only electrical tape) creates an impedance mismatch that can noticeably degrade signal quality and cause discontinuities.
Can You Splice Two Different Types of Coax Cable Together?
While technically possible, splicing cables of different types (such as RG-6 to RG-11) is generally not recommended. Different coax cable types have different impedances, and connecting them introduces impedance mismatches that increase signal loss and can cause interference. For best results, always splice cables of the same type and use connectors specifically designed for that coaxial cable. If you need to transition between cable types, use proper adapters or a BNC barrel connector designed for that purpose rather than direct splicing.
Is It Better to Replace the Coax Cable or Splice It?
For permanent commercial installations, replacing damaged cable with new wire is typically the better long-term solution. However, splicing makes sense when:
• The damage is localized, and the rest of the cable run is in good condition
• Replacing the entire run would require extensive construction work or wall access
• You need a temporary repair to restore service quickly
• You’re extending an existing cable run rather than repairing damage
A quality splice using compression connectors can perform nearly as well as continuous cable, making it an acceptable option when replacement isn’t practical.
What Tools Do You Need to Splice Coax Cable?
The essential tools for a professional coax splice include:
• Coax cable stripper matched to your cable type (RG-6, RG-11, or RG-59)
• Compression connectors (male or female) compatible with your specific cable
• A compression crimper tool to secure connectors
• Barrel connector to join the two cable ends
• Wire cutters for trimming excess wire
• Clean cloth for preparing cable surfaces
Optional but helpful: solder and soldering iron for emergency repairs, electrical tape for insulation, and a BNC barrel for certain applications.
Using the correct stripper for your cable type is critical — mismatched tools can damage the inner conductor or create inconsistent strip lengths that compromise connection quality.
How Do You Splice Underground Coax Cable?
Splicing underground coax cable requires extra attention to weatherproofing and protecting the connection from moisture. Follow the standard splicing process using compression connectors, then add these protective steps:
1. Use weatherproof or gel-filled connectors rated for direct burial
2. Apply weatherproof tape or heat-shrink tubing to wrap and cover all connection points
3. Consider using a weatherproof splice enclosure for additional protection in the space around the connection
4. Ensure the splice location has adequate drainage to prevent water pooling
For critical underground splices in commercial applications, professional installation ensures proper waterproofing and long-term reliability.
When Should You Call a Professional?
While splicing coax cable is a manageable DIY project for simple repairs, consider working with professional low voltage wiring experts when:
• You need to install new wire runs throughout a facility
• Multiple splices are needed across your building
• The installation involves hard-to-reach wall locations or complex routing
• Signal quality is critical for security or broadcast applications
• You need guaranteed weatherproof connections for outdoor equipment
• You’re not comfortable working with solder or crimp tools
Conclusion
With 19+ years of experience serving 20,000+ commercial locations nationwide, The Network Installers provides professional coax cable installation and repair services. Our technicians use industry-standard compression fittings and testing equipment to efficiently ensure reliable, long-lasting connections that properly protect your signal quality.
Need help with coax cable installation or repairs at your facility? Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your cabling needs.
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Citations:
[1] https://www.truecable.com/blogs/cable-academy/rg59-vs-rg6-which-coaxial-cable-is-right-for-your-needs
[2] https://www.te.com/en/products/wire-protection-and-management/interconnect-devices/cable-to-cable-splicing.html
