The coaxial cable is an electrical cable used for the transmission of signals sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances. To protect the signal from external disturbances, the coaxial cable consists of a central conductor shielded by a braided metal mesh. The metal shield runs parallel to the center signal conductor and requires a specific method of installing the connectors at the cable ends. Use the tips in this guide to learn how to join two coaxial cables.
Steps
Step 1. Create the termination points
- Cut the ends of the coaxial cables you want to connect. Use a small wire cutter. Make a clean cut by creating square rather than rounded surfaces.
- Shape the ends of the coaxial cable using your fingers to return it to its original cylindrical shape. After being cut with the wire cutter, in fact, they will appear deformed by pressure.
Step 2. Insert the ends of the two cables, one at a time, into the coaxial stripper
The coaxial wire stripper can be purchased at any hardware store or electronics store. As you insert the end of each wire into the stripping pliers, make sure they are snug against the wall or metal rail of the tool. This will make an incision in the protective sheath in the correct place.
Step 3. Lock the stripping pliers around the cable
When the clamp is in place, gently rotate it 4-5 times around the entire circumference of the cable. You will need to make a single incision on one end of both cables. Do not apply any pressure to avoid pulling the insulating metal mesh.
Step 4. Remove the stripping pliers from the two cables as soon as you have finished cutting the protective sheath
The stripping pliers are capable of making two incisions at the same time. Use your fingers to gently remove the waste sheath near the end of each cable. This will expose the center conductor of each cable to view, covered by the internal dielectric insulation.
Step 5. Peel off the inner part of the insulation, which covers the center conductor, cut by the second incision of the stripper
Gently remove it with your fingers. This will expose the film layer in each cable to view.
Step 6. Tear off the foil from each wire to reveal the woven wire mesh insulation layer
Step 7. Using your fingers, roll the wire mesh over the outer jacket of each cable
Do not tear the film layer under the metal mesh. The film layer protects the inner insulation. Fold the wire mesh so that it completely covers the outer protective sheath of each cable.
Step 8. Insert the end of each cable into the bottom of a female coaxial connector
Make sure that in each connector the white inner insulation is in contact with the front flange. You may need to gently rock the coaxial cable as you insert it into the connector to be able to slide it into the slot properly. Apply pressure that follows the length of the cable only. Do not twist the cable trying to 'screw' it into the connector.
Step 9. Lock the connectors on the cable
Insert each female coaxial connector into the appropriate housing of a coaxial crimping tool. This tool can be purchased at any hardware store or electronics store. Crimp the connectors by fully pressing the crimp handle. When the process is complete, release the crimp handle and remove the connector from the pliers.
Step 10. Complete the connection
Connect the ends of the two cables using a female-to-female BNC coaxial adapter. This type of adapter can be purchased at any hardware store or electronics store.
