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Aerial Cables

Our range of aerial cables covers coaxial leads, satellite cable and the connectors that terminate them, for Freeview, satellite and distribution work. Coaxial cable is the part of an aerial installation most often blamed last and responsible first, so it is worth using properly screened cable and making the joints carefully. Found it cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price.

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Which coaxial cable do you need?

For terrestrial television and Freeview, standard 75 ohm coaxial cable is the correct type, and the important variable is the quality of the screening rather than the thickness of the jacket. For satellite, use cable specified for satellite use, since it carries much higher frequencies and ordinary aerial cable will lose too much signal over any distance. Do not be tempted to use 50 ohm cable intended for radio work, as the impedance mismatch causes reflections and a poor picture.

Screening, and why it matters more than price

Screening is what keeps interference out of the cable, and it is quoted as a braid percentage or as double or quad shielded. Cheap cable with thin braid picks up interference from mains wiring, LED lighting and mobile transmissions, which shows as pixelation that comes and goes rather than a clean failure. In a modern house full of switch mode power supplies, better screening is the single most worthwhile upgrade in an aerial system.

Connectors: coaxial, F-type and IEC

Terrestrial equipment in the UK generally uses the IEC coaxial plug and socket, the familiar push-fit type. Satellite equipment and distribution amplifiers usually use screw-on F-type connectors, which grip far better and are less prone to being knocked loose. Compression F-type connectors fitted with the correct tool give the most reliable joint, and are well worth using anywhere the connection will be left in a loft or outdoors.

Making a connection that lasts

Strip the outer jacket without nicking the braid, fold the braid neatly back over the jacket, then trim the dielectric so the centre core protrudes the right amount. The most common fault by far is a single stray strand of braid touching the centre core, which shorts the feed and produces total signal loss that looks like a failed aerial. Check the core is central and clean before fitting the plug, and give the finished joint a gentle tug.

Runs, joints and outdoor use

Keep runs as short and direct as practical, since every metre and every joint costs signal. Avoid running coaxial cable alongside mains cable, and cross rather than parallel where they must meet. Outdoors, use cable rated for external use and form a drip loop below any entry point so water runs away rather than tracking into the building. Weatherproof outdoor connections properly, because water ingress corrodes a joint from the inside and the fault appears months later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of coaxial cable do I need?
Standard 75 ohm coaxial for terrestrial television and Freeview, and satellite specified cable for satellite, which carries much higher frequencies. Avoid 50 ohm cable intended for radio, as the impedance mismatch causes reflections and a poor picture.

Does better cable actually improve reception?
Better screening does. Thin braid lets interference in from mains wiring, LED lighting and mobile transmissions, which shows as intermittent pixelation. In a house full of switch mode power supplies, improved screening is the most worthwhile upgrade.

What is the difference between IEC and F-type connectors?
IEC is the familiar push-fit plug used on UK terrestrial equipment. F-type screws on and grips far better, and is standard on satellite equipment and distribution amplifiers. Compression F-type fitted with the proper tool gives the most reliable joint.

Why did I lose all signal after fitting a plug?
Almost always a stray strand of braid touching the centre core, which shorts the feed. Fold the braid neatly back over the jacket, keep it clear of the core, and check the core is central and clean before fitting the plug.

Can I run aerial cable outside?
Yes, with cable rated for external use. Form a drip loop below any entry point so water runs away rather than tracking inside, and weatherproof outdoor joints properly, since water corrodes a connection from within and the fault shows up months later.

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