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Cable & Connector Standards

04 Apr Cable & Connector Standards

Posted at 13:54h in by
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Approved Cable Usage

All Systems

  • Cable must be in good condition (no cuts, kinks, staples, hard bends (<90 degrees), ETC.)
  • Excess barrels are not allowed, only one splice per signal path between ground block/switch and receiver (see F-81 Barrel Connector Usage)
  • Barrels between the LNBF and the ground block are not allowed
  • Cable between the LNBF and the ground block must include a messenger cable to meet the grounding standards
  • Wall plates in the signal path must have a high-frequency barrel (color coded blue)
  • Cable length should not exceed 200 feet between the LNBF and any receiver, or between any Hopper and Joey

Hopper System

  • Only cable rated to 3GHz and listed on the Compatible Parts list (regardless of new or existing) can be used between the LNBF and any Hopper
  • Adv Client lines (Super Joey) must be RG6 and clearly marked with a rating 2150 MHz or higher (does not have to be on the Compatible Parts list)
  • Client lines do not require a frequency rating, and do not need to be on the Compatible Parts list (RG59 is acceptable)

ViP System

  • All cable from the LNBF to the receiver must be RG-6 and clearly marked 2150 MHz or higher (does not have to be on the Compatible Parts list)
  • UHF lines (TV2, OTA) do not require a frequency rating and do not need to be on the Compatible Parts list (RG59 is acceptable)

Running and Securing Cables

  • Only use appropriate fasteners
    • Flex clips
    • Cable ties
    • Exceptions:
      • Pre-existing fasteners may be used so long as they do not compress or damage the cable (staples should never be used and any cable fastened with staples should be replaced)
  • Fasteners should have variable spacing on cable runs, every 12”-24” or as necessary
  • Use of fasteners should not be excessive (i.e. multiple clips spaced a few inches apart)
  • All cable, components, and loops should be secure with no sags in the line
    • Pro Tip: Clips should face the same direction on loops and cable runs
  • Fasteners are not necessary in places where cable can be tucked without risk of damage to the cable (i.e. corner channel of vinyl siding, skirting on mobile homes, or under a baseboard away from carpet tack strips)
  • Cable run should follow the natural lines of the home and be placed in an area of low visibility or completely hidden
  • Cable should not be secured in a method that causes a hard bend (<90 degrees)
  • Cable should not cross or interfere with windows or doorways (i.e. run across the bottom of a doorway)
  • Aerial cable runs should be avoided when possible

Loops

  • All connection points in the system should have a service loop or extra slack (i.e. service loop behind the dish, drip loops at ground block or switch, or extra slack behind a wall plate or receiver)
  • Components should have a loop for each connection point (i.e. loops on both sides of a ground block)
    • Pro Tip: Two components can share the same loop, and multiple loops can be consolidated to improve aesthetics, but should not run behind the ground block
  • Outdoor connections should have a drip loops for water to migrate away from connector
  • Outdoor components or barrels should never be installed vertically to avoid water migration
  • Penetration points should have a J-loop when the entry point is even with or below the cable run (see Penetration Standards)
  • Loops should be no less than 4 inches in diameter to prevent hard bends
    • Pro Tip: loops look the best when 4 to 6 inches in diameter, symmetrical with one another, and at the same level

Pole Mount Cabling

  • Any buried cable must be approved burial cable
  • Cable should be routed through sweeps at the base of the pole and at the base of the home
    • Sweeps should be partially buried with approximately one to three inches above the ground
    • Top of sweep should be secured to the pole using cable ties

F-Connectors

  • Only use correct and approved f-connectors as defined on the Compatible Parts list
    • Exceptions:
      • Jumpers on triplexers/separators
      • Joey (client) lines/TV2 lines (must still be compression-type fittings)
  • Connector Compression
    • Stinger Length is 1/8th – 3/16ths of an inch past the rim of the connector nut
    • Dielectric is flush with the post and undamaged (full cup of milk)
    • Connector is fully compressed
  • No visible corrosion
  • No exposed braiding
  • All outdoor connectors torqued to 30 inch-pounds
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