Television cable service can be installed several ways, but to save money and ensure that the cable outlets are where you want them, pre-wire the cable inside your house yourself. Here's how.
Instructions
1. Find out where the point of entry for your cable will be set up by the cable company. Often, the company will wire the cable line into your basement or near utilities like the telephone line. You should be able to get a free estimate from any cable company, and a representative will tell you where the line will enter your home.
2. Install a cable splitter near the point of entry. This small box will split the initial cable signal so that it can be spread to other rooms in the house. Secure the box to the wall with heavy screws and a screwdriver.
3. Connect the splitter box to your pre-wired cable connections. Most new homes have cable outlets pre-wired for each room and the connections go down to a terminal in the basement. If your home isn't pre-wired, you'll have to install the cable outlets.
4. Secure coaxial cables that run from the splitter box toward the locations of your televisions. If you don't have a conduit installed, run the cable through the basement until it is directly under the television. Drill a small hole in the floor so that the cable can come up from the basement.
5. Use heavy-duty securing staples to hold the coaxial cable in place along the wall. Some home improvement stores will let you rent this type of stapler for the day so you don't have to buy it. Secure the cable line with a staple every 4 or 5 inches.
6. Call the cable company and have a representative wire the cable line to your home. Once you've wired your home on the inside, turning on the cable should be as easy as connecting the splitter box to the cable company's wiring.
Tags: cable company, your home, cable line, cable outlets, point entry