Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the 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
Since a splitter divides your signal between devices, it’s better to have independent outlets for stronger performance. Additionally, when a splitter overtaxes an outlet, it may cause intermittent or unreliable service, and overloading a splitter can also result in service failure.
Most new homes have coax outlets in every room. A home can require anywhere from one to five outlets based on how many rooms require internet, cable, or satellite access. If you want to mount your TV on a wall as part of a home renovation, consider installing a new outlet to avoid the need for a splitter or long cable that could slow down speeds.
Yes, the length of the coax cable can affect your signal. A longer cable can reduce your signal, so it is a good idea to have a new coax outlet installed in your home if you don't have one available in the area where you want to connect television or internet.
If there's no existing coax outlet in your home, you will need to have a coax line installed by an electrician in your area. The cost to install a coaxial cable outlet is around $210. You should first confirm that a previous owner hasn't put blank plates over coax ports. Alternatively, you can run your internet through a DSL phone line.
The homeowners guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Electrical panel replacement costs $530 to $2,100, depending on the location, the type of hardware, and any required building materials.
Wondering about the cost to ground a house? Pricing depends on the material of the rod and how much the electrician charges per hour.
Learning how to calculate box fill correctly will ensure you meet building codes and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Use this calculator to help.
Why is my light switch buzzing? It might be more than just an annoyance. Learn common causes and how to fix a buzzing light switch safely.
Learn the differences between a whole-house fan versus an attic fan so you can understand the key roles they play in maintaining your home’s air comfort levels.
- Home Generator Repair
- Lamp Repair
- Electric Repair
- Generator Installation
- TV Antenna Services
- Emergency Electricians
- Commercial Electricians
- Attic Fan Installation
- Attic Fan Repair
- Exhaust Fan Installation
- Electric Inspectors
- Subcontractors
- Electrical Construction
- EV Charger Installer
- Chandelier Installation
- Doorbell Installation
- Bathroom Fan Installation
- Ring Installers
- Electrical Panel Upgrade