RG-6/U cable question

If the existing coax works.... don't worry about it.

I would do Coleman before the Southwire. While Southwire is good electrical stuff, I haven't been able to find any specs for their coax.

Don't use crimp connectors -- use compression connectors. That's not a recommendation, it's a must do.

I agree with Ratman about if it works, why fix it...But I wouldn't bother with eBay for a piece of wire. The stuff they sell at HD must be at least OK or they wouldn't be selling it.

I agree. While current supplies of RG59 cable seem to be pretty poor (poor braid and shielding and a tendency to stretch), RG59 used to exist as fairly high quality cable.

From the major CATV industry manufacturers, Series 59 cable has the same shield specifications as does Series 6 cable. Other than attenuation and V.P., the electrical specs are the same, also. Swept to a minimum of 1GHz, it is fully suitable for use in modern CATV systems. If the higher signal loss isn't of a concern, there is no reason that modern Series 59 cable can't be used.

Because he is an idiot and trying to generate revenue using scare tactics. Ask yourself this.... if that cable was so bad (not up-to-code), why did he hook it up?

You'd be surprised at how many "technicians" there are out there that will say or do only what their employer tells them to say or do. He was told that only Series 6 cable can be used for CATV, so that is what he lives by. There's nothing wrong with that (to a degree), but to say that it absolutely has to be that way is ludicrous.

My preferred coaxial cable is Times Fiber -- has been for the past 27+ years. That doesn't mean that I have this belief (let alone tell others) that other manufacturers' cable is junk and won't work. Heck, I even prefer to use Series 59 cable from the wall-plate to the equipment, regardless of the service. Less strain on the female connectors, and the 5 or 10 feet isn't going to make a bit of difference to the signal. Plus, being smaller in size and more flexible, it's easier to make look good for the customer. As long as the cable is swept to 3 Gig, it's good to go.

I've seen some pretty junky RG-59 cable.
If it's not well shielded, they WOULD have to shut you down, due to egress (outgoing leakage from the cable).

Most likely, though, they are worried about line losses, which can cause problems (especially with internet), which result in expensive "truck rolls" on their part.

If you want to DIY, go ahead and use the best stuff you can (RG-6/U Quad, compression fittings, good splitters, etc) and then sit back and enjoy it. Your time is worth more than the difference in costs between off-brand/inferior materials, and the good stuff. Of course, you don't need the "gold-plated, made by monks, from virgin copper" uber-expensive stuff, but use the same quality as the Cable company is currently using.

Unless you live in a large, metropolitan area or are close to broadcast towers, I wouldn't waste the money on Quad-shield cable.

On second thought, if you want to use Quad-shield Series 59 cable, I have a bag of Quad connectors for Series 59 cable I'd be more than happy to sell you cheap.

Crimp or Compress?

Crimp??? Quit swearing.

Actually, I just went downstairs to make sure it was an unopened bag, and found that I have 2 unopened bags.

Digicons
Edited by egnlsn - 1/15/13 at 9:56pm

He might just be ignorant. He was undoubtedly told that he must use RG-6 when he installs, and may have mistakenly concluded on his own that any use of RG-59 is unacceptable.

He of course is not going to shut anyone down on his own, as he is a grunt level employee. If the cable company detected excessive egress, then they might notify you in writing that it had to be stopped immediately, which could entail at least temporarily terminating your service. Last I knew, cable TV techs were not normally trained in egress or leakage measurement, but I don't really have any current information on cable installation and repair tech training.

He might include on his report that your internal wiring did not appear to meet minimal quality standards and that you declined to have it brought up to minimal acceptable standards during his visit, and if he so reported and if you called for service in the future, the person processing your work order might see that warning and I suppose could tell you that if the cause of the problem you have now called about is found to be wiring related, you would be responsible for the cost of that service call.

There is some RG59 that has just copper braid shielding with no foil. That is not a cheaper product: it is a different product. It is favored by surveillance camera companies because it is more flexible and therefore more break resistant, like when connected to a motorized panning camera.

But for now, if you are having no performance problems and have not received a threatening notification from the cable company, I don't see any reason for you to further address this matter at this time.
Edited by AntAltMike - 1/19/13 at 11:49am