How To Connect An Aerial Cable To TV

Contents:

• Key takeaways
• TV aerial cable types explained
• How to install a TV aerial wall socket
• How to connect an aerial cable to a TV
• What to do if there is no signal or something goes wrong
• Common mistakes to avoid
• FAQs

Installing and connecting a TV aerial cable is an essential step to receive reliable television signals at home. Knowing and understanding how to install the cable correctly can make a noticeable difference to picture quality and channel availability, whether you are upgrading an old or faulty connection, moving to a new property or setting up a new TV. Additionally, it helps in avoiding typical problems like interference, signal loss or missing channels. Although the process may initially seem complicated, it can be straightforward once you understand the steps involved. 

In this guide we will talk about the different TV aerial cables that are available, how to wire a TV aerial socket, how to connect the TV socket to the TV and what to do if there is no signal.

TV socket needs a working aerial - To receive channels, make sure your socket is connected to a functioning aerial.

Wiring correctly - For the signal to pass through, the coaxial cables inner core and shielding must be prepared and connected properly. 

Setting the TV to the correct output - Make sure that your TV is on “TV” or “Aerial” and not HDMI. 

Start with basics when trouble shooting - Begin with checking the cable and the connections before looking for bigger faults. 

Aerial can cause signal problems - If the TV socket is all wired and connected properly, the issue may be with the aerial rather than the TV socket itself. 

Coaxial cables vary in how they handle signal strength, distance and interference. Different types are built for different conditions and picking the right one for your home can improve overall performance. 

• RG6 - This cable is known as the standard one for modern TVs. This cable is built with better shielding and is thicker, making it ideal for long distances or passing through walls and loft spaces. 

• RG59 - Is thinner and more flexible which makes it easier to install in tight spaces or shorter cable runs. However, this cable has less shielding and higher signal loss compared to the RG6.

• RG11 - A thick, heavy duty coaxial cable designed for long distances. Although it is harder to install it offers extremely low signal loss, making it ideal for large homes or commercial installations. 

Before installing and connecting a TV aerial cable you should gather all the necessary tools and materials ready for the job. Having the right equipment will reduce the risk of poor signal, damage to the cable and ensure a stable connection. 

• Coaxial cable (RG6, RG59 or RG11)
• TV aerial wall socket
• TV aerial fly lead
• Screwdriver 
• Cable stripper
• If relevant: Male to female connector 

Before starting make sure to turn off the power at the mains if you are working near any electrical wiring. To ensure a safe and effective installation, follow this step by step process carefully for the best result. 

1. Grab a screwdriver and unscrew and remove the TV socket from the wall.

2. Use a cable stripper to strip 10-20 mm of the outer insulation, be careful not to cut into the shielding.

3. Fold the braided shielding back evenly over the top of the outer sheath whilst keeping the inner copper conductor straight and undamaged.

4. Trim the inner insulation at around 8-10 mm and remove the dielectric insulator to expose the copper core, make sure that the copper is straight and undamaged.

5. Insert the inner copper conductor into the centre terminal (centre pin connection) of the socket and secure it firmly.

6. Fold the braided shielding back and secure it under the metal clamp, ensuring it makes solid contact without touching the inner conductor. 

7. Finally, place the wired cable back into the wall box carefully, screw the tv socket back into the wall and ensure everything is secure.

Connecting your TV is simple and quick once the socket is wired correctly. Your TV will not be able to get a signal without this connection. 

• Locate the aerial input on your TV - This should be labelled on the back of your TV as ‘ANT’, ‘RF’, or ‘Antenna’.

• Check the connector types - If the fly lead, wall socket or TV aerial input do not match, for example IEC pushfit vs F-type screw connector, check the connector types and use the male to female coax adapter to make the connections fit properly.

• Connect the aerial cable - Plug one end of the TV aerial fly cable to the wall plate and connect the other end into the TV’S aerial input.

• Ensure the wire is connected properly - If the wire is not pushed and securely connected this can cause signal loss or interference.

• Switch on your TV - Go to the settings and run a ‘channel search’ or ‘auto tuning’ (depending on the TV you have) to automatically find available channels. 

• Finalise - Once this is complete you should have all the channels that are available on your TV.

If your TV is not receiving a signal after connecting the socket, this is typically due to a connection or cable problem. To find the issue, start by carefully going over each step. Most of the time, it can be fixed without needing help from a professional. 

Ensure the correct input is selected - With your TV remote you need to make sure that you have selected ‘antenna’ or ‘TV’ and not be on HDMI or any other external source.

Check the TV input and wall socket - Make sure that the coaxial cable is firmly plugged into the TV and the wall socket and that it is not loose. 

Inspect the cable and pins - Look at the cable carefully to see if there is any visible damage, bends or wear that could impact the signal quality. Ensure that the copper wire that serves as the centre conductor is not bent, damaged or too short.

Run another channel search - Re-tuning the TV can often restore any missing channels.

Test with a different coaxial cable or TV - This will help to understand if the issue is with the cable or with the TV. 

Check the signal source - Make sure that the aerial is not damaged and connected to your TV socket as otherwise you will get no signal if the aerial is not properly installed or connected. 

When wiring a TV socket small mistakes can be made that can result in a weak signal or no connection at all. Being aware of these common mistakes can help you avoid unnecessary issues and save time when troubleshooting.

• Incorrectly cutting the cable - Excessive or insufficient insulation removal can damage the inner wire or affect the connection. 

• Damaging the shielding - The signal is shielded from interference by the braided layer inside the cable, if it is trimmed too far, not attached properly, or touching the inner wire the signal may be weak or nonexistent. 

• Loose connections - The signal can become weak, drop in and out or not work at all if the cable is not connected securely to the socket or TV. Even a slightly loose inner core can interrupt the signal, so make sure everything is firmly in place and properly tightened. 

• Using low quality cables - Cheaper coaxial cables are more likely to interfere and have poorer performance, especially when used over longer cable runs. Low quality cable can also result in you having to change them more often.  

• Having too much cable length - Longer cable runs can weaken the TV signal and can result in poor picture quality and channels breaking up or freezing.