The cost to ground outlets depends on several factors. This guide will help you prepare for all of the costs involved with this project.
What Is a Coax Outlet?
Your home’s portal to entertainment
Photo: Ghost / Adobe Stock
Photo: Ghost / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Coax outlets deliver service for internet, cable, antennas, and more.
Newer homes often have one per room.
A splitter can be used to divide signal devices but will weaken performance.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
You’ve glanced over it many times when tidying up your entertainment center, but have you ever stopped to study that funny, flat wall outlet with the metal connector? That’s the coaxial, or coax, outlet, and it brings you joy—television and internet, that is.
Often, using a coax outlet in your home is as simple as connecting to a data-transmitting device, like a modem or cable box. However, there are times when you’ll need to know a bit more about the coax outlet to get your tech setup up and running. Read on for an introduction to your TV’s best friend.
What Are Coax Outlets?
Coaxial outlets are the hub for distributing cable service to your home for television and internet. Using a coax cable, the outlet is connected to your modem or router for internet or your digital cable box for TV and sends the signal to your devices so you can watch cat videos all over your home.
Most modern homes have multiple coaxial outlets; some have one in every room. Rarely is a home not equipped with coax outlets since they have become a staple for cable companies to deliver service, but older homes may be limited to just one outlet.
What Are Coaxial Splitters?
Photo: cherokee4 / Adobe Stock
Splitters transmit a single signal across several devices by dividing the energy from the source across multiple ports. They are available in two-way through six-way styles.
A splitter is used to link more than one device to a single coax line, like connecting your TV and internet.
Keep splitting to a minimum because splitting output can decrease speed and reliability. Remember, you’re only dividing your existing output among more devices when using a splitter, not duplicating it. Also, avoid chaining multiple splitters together to prevent overburdening of your outlet.
Inactive Outlets
Photo: The Toidi / Adobe Stock
It's common in homes with many coax outlets to leave some inactive.
Unless you were the one to install all your coax outlets, you might not know which one is active in your home. Here's a simple way to test a coax outlet's signal if you don't have an electronic cable tester:
Plug your modem into the outlet.
If the modem receives a signal, that outlet is active.
Unplug the modem and repeat for every outlet.
If there's no connection in the outlet you want to use, worry not—you can simply activate the dormant outlet.
You can activate a coax outlet on your own, but if you’re not comfortable or you need a new coax outlet, bring in a local electrician to install it safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Updating broken and outdated light switches isn't as tricky as you might think. We'll cover the considerations and cost to install a light switch in this guide.
Attic fan installation costs vary based on location, fan type, and other factors. Get the cost breakdown for labor, materials, and additional extras so you can work out your budget for this essential home renovation project.
Selecting the right wire size helps your electrical system run safely and efficiently. Find out the correct wire size for 100-amp service panels.
When it comes to precise measurements, you need a precise tool. A micrometer can definitely come in handy, so learn how to read a micrometer here.
When you want to control one light fixture from two switches—usually at either entrance to a hallway—you’ll need a three-way switch. It’s more complicated than installing a single switch, but an electrician can stall one for you easily.