How to Install a TV Splitter

Here’s a step by step guide to install an f type splitter or saddle and clamp splitter for Digital TV.

Before you start

Here are a few warnings and considerations you need to make before starting:

• Make sure all TVs, recorders or other devices are disconnected from all the TV sockets before beginning.
• Check for the presence of a TV Amplifier or booster. If there is one, ensure it’s disconnected from power before cutting the cables.
• If a TV masthead or distribution amplifier is being used and it is being powered by plugpack through one of the sockets, ensure that the cable from this socket is connected to the output marked “Power Pass” or similar.

See my article “Choosing a TV Splitter” for information on the various types of splitters available.

See the how many points can you have off an antenna article to find out if it’s a good idea to add a splitter to your antenna cable system.

Where to buy?

You can get TV splitters suitable for Digital TV from electrical suppliers and hardware stores such as Bunnings. Alternately you can buy them from a number of suppliers on eBay. See the eBay search for “f type splitter”. You can also search for “saddle and clamp splitter” but I don’t recommend this type. Use only where you can’t use an F-type splitter. See the article How to Choose a Digital TV Splitter.

Procedure – With an F Type Splitter

See the DIY Digital TV Tool Guide for tool information.

1. At the installation location, cut the existing cable if required.
2. Strip the input(from antenna) and output(to TV point) coax cables.
3. Terminate the coax cables with an F connector.
4. Insert the centre conductor of the input cable into the hole on the input socket of the splitter, then tighten the screw. Tighten till finger tight, then tighten slightly beyond this with a spanner. Don’t over-tighten though.
5. Repeat for all output cables. If any output sockets will be left unused, attach a terminating cap on it.

   

6. Secure the splitter in a location that won’t be affected by weather, moisture or dust.

Procedure – With a Saddle and Clamp Splitter

See the DIY Digital TV Tool Guide for tool information.

1. At the installation location, cut the existing cable if required.
2. Strip the input(from antenna) and output(to TV point) coax cables. Leave about 2cm of bare conductor(more than for with an F connector)
3. Remove the plastic cover of the splitter.
4. Starting with the input port, loosen the saddle and clamp screws with a screwdriver. This will usually require a Size 1 Phillips head screwdriver. Don’t loosen them so far that the screws come out. You only need enough room to get the coax cable in.
5. Insert the stripped end of the input cable(from the antenna) under the saddle. The bare centre conductor should end up inside the clamp. The shield of the cable should end up under the saddle, but not touch the clamp.

   

6. Tighten the clamp screw until it grips firmly on the centre conductor.
7. Check that no metal pieces from the shield touch the centre conductor or the clamp.
8. Tighten the screws or arms of the saddle until they grip firmly onto the shield.

   

9. Your end result should be that the sheath of the cable ends inside the plastic box of the splitter, then that the shield ends at the saddle. There should then be a gap of just bare conductor that goes into the hole in the clamp.
10. Repeat steps 4 to 9 for each output of the splitter. Any extra output ports can be left empty(try to avoid this though, there is an electrical noise penalty from unused splitter points).

    

11. Using the screw holes provided, firmly attach the splitter in a location that won’t be affected by weather, moisture or dust.
12. Replace the plastic lid on the splitter.