TV socket: how to install a TV socket

Despite the regular updating of the market with new modifications of modern audio, video and TV equipment, there are traditional principles that ensure reliable signal transmission. One of them is the equipment of stationary sockets.

Here you will learn how to install a television socket and in what sequence the point is connected. For independent craftsmen, we have thoroughly analyzed a number of important nuances. To optimize the perception of the material, we supplemented the information with diagrams, photo illustrations and video tutorials.

Subtleties of choosing a television outlet

Modern TV differs from its predecessors from the last century in its greater capabilities and versatility. This is not just a video signal transmitter, but part of a multifunctional multimedia system.

It includes the broadcast of many domestic and foreign television channels, the ability to view photographs and videos from mobile devices, access to the Internet, and the use of game consoles.

With a huge load on the router, the wireless connection is not always reliable, so you should not neglect the classic installation of an outlet for the TV.

The choice of modern, wall-mounted modules is quite extensive.We recommend paying attention to series from brands such as Legrand, Schneider Electric, GIRA, IEK. They have a neat appearance, are made of durable materials and do not cause difficulties during installation.

Standard module design

Installing television equipment has some differences from installation of conventional electrical points and is considered separately, since the most important parts - cable and sockets - are also different.

There are many design options even for products from the same manufacturer (for example, Legrand produces the popular Valena, Celian, Etika, Galea Life series), but there are no fundamental differences in the device.

Let's look at the structure of the socket using the example of the ABB Busch-Jaeger model:

Externally, the design of almost all types of TV sockets is the same: a plastic strip that is attached with two miniature screws, and a TV input right in the center

If we consider a sample from the Basic 55 series, it consists of the following parts:

Construction of a simple television socket: 1 – front panel, which performs a decorative and protective function; 2 – support that fixes the body and parts of the socket to each other; 3 – printed circuit board organizing the connection

The structure of the printed circuit board may differ - for more complex modules, electronic circuits are located on it. On the reverse side there is a mechanism responsible for fixing the antenna cable.

Types of sockets by purpose

Before installing electrical equipment, you need to decide on the choice of sockets for the TV on the wall.

To make it easier to navigate the various modifications, manufacturers have identified three main types:

• simple (single);
• checkpoints;
• terminal.

The functional focus is inherent in the names of the categories; each of them has its own characteristics.

For example, to create the simplest circuit, which involves one single module that operates independently, you will need a simple socket. It is fundamentally different from the final one, so when purchasing, ask for a product of the specified type.

Assembly diagram of a simple socket that ensures normal signal flow when equipping a single point in the apartment. If you install another type instead, interference will occur

Simply put, if you have one TV in your room, to which there is one cable, then this is your only possible option. If you install several TVs in your apartment, but use a standard splitter, then simple sockets can also come in handy.

The structure of the pass-through socket is fundamentally different. It rather resembles a tee having 1 input and 2 parallel outputs.

One output is intended for connecting a video device, the second is for a cable going further (either to the next TV, or to the next pass-through socket). The chain of pass-through modules always ends with the installation of a terminal type socket.

There is a danger of signal weakening when creating chains of a large number of pass-through modules. To maintain sufficient power, we recommend limiting yourself to 3-4 pieces.

Only a parallel connection through a splitter (hub) can provide a high-quality signal. Additional expenses for purchasing an additional cable will be paid off by excellent video playback

The purpose of the terminal socket is to close the circuit of the passages.

Minimum set for the living room

Previously, when installing a TV, nothing other than power supply was required, since the antenna was connected directly to the receiver and installed next to it or, to obtain a more powerful signal, it was brought outside, to the roof or to the balcony.

Alone now electrical outlet is not enough, since there are different data transmission standards (digital and analogue) that require their own connection.

Instead of 1 socket, a whole block consisting of at least 4 pieces is installed.

The minimum diagram for the room in which the TV is installed looks like this: 2 el. sockets, 1 TV socket, RJ-45 module for Internet

We recommend installing a block module for aesthetic reasons. If you initially only had an electrical outlet, and then a separate television outlet appeared next to it, followed by an Internet connection, it will look extremely sloppy, scattered, and the place will most likely be in plain sight. If renovations are planned, be sure to start with wiring and installing new equipment.

Two electrical outlets are also a minimum: one is intended for the TV, the second for a digital set-top box or other equipment that is often connected to modern video players. The TV module provides communication with cable television or an antenna placed outside.

In addition, the antenna output is always a backup option. Suppose the digital set-top box is out of order or maintenance work is being carried out somewhere - thanks to the antenna cable, you always have the opportunity to watch a free package of standard TV channels.

The universal connection diagram for media equipment is equipped with the ability to use analog TV, digital TV and access to an Internet connection

The Internet input is designed to connect a digital set-top box or a signal supplied by the provider in a centralized mode. A twisted pair cable is supplied to it from the router (and not from a common switchboard), which distributes the signal throughout the apartment.

Antenna cable difference

For a high-quality connection, in addition to correctly selected sockets, you will need an antenna coaxial cable, which has a special structure. Unlike 2- or 3-core electrical wire, it has one core to carry the TV signal and a protective shield that acts as a barrier to surrounding electromagnetic fields.

Externally, a television cable is a thick elastic round wire, usually with black or white PVC insulation. For in-wall installation, the color of the external insulation does not matter.

Structure of a coaxial antenna cable: copper conductor for transmitting a TV signal, dielectric insulation, braided protective metal screen, outer plastic sheath

A thin insulating layer adjacent to the central core breaks the galvanic connection with the shielding braid.

The screen, in turn, protects against electromagnetic interference and prevents the emission of sensitive high-frequency signals, while also serving as an additional conductor. If any of the components fail, video transmission will be disrupted.

Here are several types of cables that are suitable for laying under plaster or other finishing material:

• SAT 50 (SAT 703);
• RG-6 (and for external use);
• RG-11 (F1160BVM COMMSCOPE).

When purchasing, be sure to check the strength of the sheath, and during packaging and transportation, try not to bend the cable so as not to damage the integrity of the copper core and screen braid.

Connection diagram options

There are two main connection schemes - parallel (“star”) and serial (“loop” or loop-through). All the rest, no matter how complex and intricate they are, are combinations of these two main options. They resemble standard electrical circuits, but differ in lower voltage.

#1: “Star” – several independent lines

Once upon a time we got by with one video receiver for the entire apartment, now there are televisions installed in almost every room. To connect all devices to a single cable leading from the panel or over-the-air antenna, a special signal distribution device is required - a splitter or splitter.

This is a kind of switching organizer that has one input for an antenna cable and several outputs for connecting TVs.

The origin of the “talking” associative name for the parallel connection option becomes clear: the splitter is the center of the “star”, and all the cables extending from it are its “rays”

The advantages of parallel connection are not only good signal quality, which is usually weakened by pass-through sockets. During installation, the splitter is mounted in the most convenient place (for example, in the corridor), and it is easier to extend branches from it to other rooms. If one of the sprout cables becomes unusable, the functionality of the rest of the network will not be affected.

There is an improved star amplifier solution that ensures video signal attenuation is minimized.The standard power supply is designed for 2-3 receivers, but usually there are more, so the amplifier compensates for the lack and ultimately improves the video signal.

A standard amplifier (such as SAT Legrand) may be required in two cases: 1 – if there are a large number of working televisions in the apartment, 2 – if the signal from the over-the-air antenna or cable provider is very weak

For parallel connections, either terminal or simple sockets are required. It is better to prefer the end ones to avoid interference if one of the TVs is not actively used. They differ from simple ones by the presence of wave impedance (75 Ohms), which can balance the signal.

#2: “Loop” - pass-through sequential circuit

The pass-through scheme is considered cheaper, but of lower quality. It was actively used in previous years, but modern digital technologies have supplanted it, since they can only work via a parallel connection.

It turns out that you can use a “daisy chain” connection only in one case - if you have exclusively analog television and changes are not expected in the near future.

The sequential scheme requires the mandatory use of pass-through sockets located one after the other, but the last in the chain must be the terminal

Pass-through modules are equipped with filters that dampen the reflected TV signal. The absence of a filter can be easily determined by the characteristic ripples on the TV screen. When choosing products, pay attention to characteristics such as pass-through attenuation (from 1.5 to 5 dB) and branch attenuation (from 10 to 15 dB); give preference to devices with the lowest parameters.

Please note that as the number of connections increases, the signal quality weakens, even if the network is provided with an amplifier or an auto-regulation system, so for 4-5 or more receivers it is better to use a parallel circuit.

And carefully read the agreement with the provider: in some cases they limit the number of active points, and impose a fine for installing additional ones.

Optimal height

If you decide to place the TV on the wall, the installation height of the socket block is determined automatically - it is hidden behind the television panel. The solution differs from standard placement parameters conventional power points. This method of installing telesockets is designed to completely mask input holes, connectors, and visible cable sections.

Wires hanging on the wall can ruin the design of the most sophisticated interior, and besides, their open location poses a risk of breakage (cut by small children, chewed by a dog, etc.).

Option for correct TV installation: it is pressed as close as possible to the wall, all wires are hidden under the cladding, sockets are in a hidden space, right behind the screen

The mounting height of the sockets is based on the mounting height of the TV, which may vary slightly. Typically, television and video equipment is placed at eye level of a person sitting on a chair or on a sofa. The optimal distance is considered to be 1.2-1.4 m (from the floor surface to the center of the outlet). In relation to the TV - slightly below its top edge.

But there are also exceptions. For example, a kitchen video device is most often mounted a little higher, in free space, and accordingly, sockets should be installed above the specified height.

Installation procedure for a simple TV socket

Before installing the socket, it is necessary to install a cable (for a simple single socket, the only cable leading from the switchgear). It is masked either in a closed way - under plaster (plasterboard, decorative panel), or openly - on the surface of the wall, in a cable channel. The second option requires external (overhead) sockets.

For a sample, let's take a high-quality product from a French manufacturer.

Socket for connecting a coaxial antenna cable from the famous French brand Schneider Electric. This is a simple (single) module MGU5.462.18ZD, designed to connect one TV

Before installation, use a drill with a round attachment to cut a hole and insert a plastic box (socket box). A cable about 15 cm long should come out of the hole.

The end of the cable should be prepared: remove part of the outer insulation so that the copper core protrudes by about half a centimeter, and part of the shielding braid is also exposed

Next, we disassemble the body of the product into parts.

After separating the front panel, we find the clamping screw that ensures stability and unscrew it a little to make it easier to insert the antenna cable

We insert the cable in the direction of the arrow and fix it with a special clamp, tightening the screw.

Under the arrow there is a small through hole to control the connection of the copper conductor. But for greater reliability, a visual inspection is not enough; to more effectively check the quality of the installation, you need to use a tester

Checking with a tester will eliminate the occurrence of a short circuit due to accidental contact of the braid with the conductor.

Carefully, trying not to disturb the position of the cable, insert the housing into the socket box, fasten it with fasteners and snap the front decorative panel into place. Using a level, level the position of the block

Result of assembly and installation - no protruding wires and unprotected connectors.

The socket block usually represents one long panel, divided into several functional sectors: for connecting a coaxial cable, RJ-45 Internet wire (twisted pair) or electrical cables

Installation of the pass-through module will be slightly different.

Features of parallel and pass-through circuits

If you are not limited to installing an outlet for one TV and want to use a “star” circuit, pay attention to the following nuances:

• First of all, we install the splitter, and only then the sockets.
• We connect one cable to each splitter output, which should end with the installation of one socket (simple or terminal).
• When installing simple modules, please note that they are not equipped with filters.

Watch the frequency. According to GOST (R 52023), the possible frequency must fall within the range from 40 to 1000 MHz, and some devices “narrow” these limits. For example, the operating range of DOCSIS v.2.0 is from 47 to 862 MHz, respectively, sockets support these restrictions.

If you are the owner of a large two-story cottage, then the wiring of cables for various purposes must be thought out before finishing work begins. The diagram shows an example of connecting various technical devices indicating the type of cables, numbers indicate television receivers

If you are not interested in digital television and have chosen a serial connection scheme, do not forget about the quantitative limitation.

The more sockets there are, the weaker the signal. Of the levels allowed by Russian GOST of 57-83 dB, already with 3-4 pieces installed, you exhaust the allotted limit (for each socket - about 15 dB).

With installation specifics and connecting a computer socket The following article will introduce you to the contents of which we advise you to familiarize yourself with.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can see how to choose and install modern antenna sockets correctly in the following videos.

Video #1. Connecting the cable to a simple TV outlet:

Video #2. Installation of Legrand socket block:

Video #3. Features of sockets of the German brand WISI:

To install a built-in television socket yourself, you must have the knowledge of an amateur electrician and be able to understand the types of wires and sockets.If you have designed a complex circuit using additional devices, then it is better to contact your provider regarding installation issues - only a specialist will be able to take into account all the nuances of the connection.

If you have any questions while reading the information, there are recommendations to help independent home craftsmen, or you have found shortcomings in the material, please leave comments in the block located under the article.