Find out how much it costs to install a cable outlet for TV or internet. Our expert guide breaks down the costs involved in installing a new coaxial outlet and explores how you can save and if you can do this project yourself.
How to Install a Coax Outlet in 7 Simple Steps
Detangle the cable clutter behind your TV
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Get quotes from electricians near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
3 hours
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Drywall saw
- Coax wire strip
- Crimp tool with cutter
- Screwdrivers
- Pencil
SUPPLIES
- Coaxial cable
- Coaxial faceplate with connector
- Low voltage remodeling box
- F-type connector fitting
Excess coaxial cable sticking out of the wall or up from under the baseboard trim is just plain unsightly and can be a tripping hazard. Fortunately, learning how to install a coax outlet only takes some simple DIY steps and a few tools and supplies. Then you can start installing them wherever your home needs a cable outlet—you may even discover other wires throughout your home that you can hide.
Don’t Put Yourself in Danger: Let a Pro Take This On
Complex, high-risk projects demand more than typical DIY projects. They require time, specialized tools, and trained expertise to make sure the job is done safely and correctly. We made it easy for you to find a local pro—with our skilled network, you'll get the job done without the stress of doing it yourself or significant safety risks.
Prepping to Install a Coaxial Cable Outlet
If you’re cutting cable television out of your life but still need an internet connection or have a coax cable from your TV antenna, you’ll still benefit from installing a coaxial wall outlet. To prepare for this project, find a coax cable strip and crimp tool with a wire cutter. This might be the only time you’ll need it, so you won’t need a deluxe model—borrowing one works, too.
What Do I Do If I Don't Have a Coax Outlet?
If you don’t have a coax outlet in your home for an internet connection or cable television, you can still subscribe to a 4G or 5G wireless internet or satellite cable and internet service to receive similar benefits. Other options include an unlimited data plan through your cellular service or a satellite television setup.
Choose a Location
Putting a coaxial outlet in the same location or close to an existing cable sticking out of the wall is the simplest solution. It won’t require you to hide electrical wires over a long distance. However, you can put a coax outlet almost anywhere on a wall where you can fish the wire. Choose a location that’s convenient and easy to reach with a hidden wire for the best results. Then, use a stud finder to ensure the spot has no studs directly behind it.
Turn Off the Power at the Main Circuit Box
Though minimal electrical current flows through a coaxial cable, it’s best not to take chances with electrical shock. Unplug the coax cable from all of your devices before starting.
Also, you’ll be cutting a hole in the wall where the home’s dangerous electrical wires hide. Before blindly cutting into a wall, turn off any nearby circuits at the electrical service panel, just in case. Use a non-contact or probe electrical tester to check nearby outlets and lights to ensure there’s no power.
Mark and Cut Out an Opening in Your Drywall
At the new coax jack outlet location, use a pencil to trace the outline of a remodeling or “old work” low-voltage electrical box onto the wall. Ignore the wings of the box when tracing and only draw the lines representing the part of the box that’ll be inside the wall. When complete, you’ll have an incomplete rectangle drawing on the wall. Use a drywall keyhole saw to cut out the shape.
Prepare Your Coaxial Cable
Photo: Kristina Blokhin / Adobe StockIf you’re dealing with a long cable sticking out of the wall and you can reach it through the hole you created, pull the wire into the wall and up to your outlet location. Or hide a new wire inside the wall if you’re installing a new one. You may need to drill with a spade bit through the framing to move the cable between stud spaces. When you get it there, pull the wire through the outlet hole and cut it with the cutter section of your coax cable tool, so 6 to 8 inches extend from the wall.
Install a Low Voltage Box or Mounting Bracket
Fold the wings of a low-voltage electrical box or mounting bracket inward, thread the cable through the back, and insert the box into the wall hole. Use a screwdriver to turn the setscrews clockwise until they’re snug to secure the box to the wall.
Attach an F-Connector to the Cable
Use your coax strip and crimp tool to strip 3/4 inches of the sheathing from the cable’s end. Slide the crimp end of an F-type coax connector over the end of the wire and pinch it with the crimping section of the same tool by squeezing the handle.
Install a Wall Plate and Connect the Coax Cable
Photo: The Toidi / Adobe StockScrew the F-type connector on the cable’s end to the back of the wall plate connector. Then tuck any excess wire back into the wall, and use a screwdriver to affix the wall plate to the electrical box.
Test the Cable
Photo: Pollyana Ventura / Getty ImagesYou can turn the electrical power back on now. If you’re handy with a multimeter, you could check the new coax outlet for a resistance of 75 to 100 ohms or check for connectivity. However, it’s easier just to plug in a modem and check for service.
Commonly Requested Electrical Outlet Projects
According to data from Angi customers, 57.8% of electrical projects are repairs-based, while 42.2% are for initial installations or relocations. Call a professional electrician for any electrical problems you have or projects you’re thinking about.
DIY Coax Outlet Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a coax outlet is simple if you already have a working cable nearby and can easily reach the location with the wire. Things can get complicated if you have to run the cable between floors or more than several feet through a wall. Although you can save some of the cost of installing a coaxial cable outlet by doing it yourself, hiring a local electrician is your best option for complex situations or if the project doesn’t appeal to your DIY ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Property-Tech Industries, LLC - Paul H.
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Appliance Pro LLC - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
- Erin W.
I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
Waibel Electric - Bradley H.
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
- Gregory B.
We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
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