How to Split Cable TV Signals

Splitting a single cable into two or even three cables is easy.

Many cable customers add one or more televisions to their cable system. Oftentimes, there is a cable outlet in the room where you want to add a television. In situations where there is no cable outlet, you can make use of a cable "splitter" at the original outlet and run cable to the new location. Most cable service companies provide this service for a price, but it is a task that can be accomplished by the average customer.

Things You'll Need

• Coaxial cable splitter
• 2 lengths of coaxial cable with "male" connections at both ends, one 6 feet or less in length and one long enough to reach from the existing cable outlet to the location of your new TV

Instructions

1. Unscrew the cable from your main TV and screw that end of the cable into the "IN" connection of the coaxial cable splitter.

2. Screw one end of the short length of cable into one of the "OUT" connections of the splitter and screw the other end of the short length of cable to the TV.

3. Test the main TV to verify that the cable service works.

4. Connect the long cable to the other "OUT" connection of the splitter.

5. Run the cable along the floor or wall to the second TV. Connect the cable to the back of the TV (usually marked ANT for antenna).

6. Test the second TV to verify that the cable service works.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure the cable under the baseboards and carpet; use nail-in cable clips around door frames. You can paint the cable the same color as your walls so it blends in.

• Splitting the cable more than once could affect signal quality and may require installing a signal amplifier.

References

• Speer Electronic Service: TV Cable Distribution Systems
• Wire It Yourself: Do It Yourself-Cable TV
• Homebuyer Funds: How-To: Install TV Coaxial Cable