G'day! We spend a motza on massive 4K televisions, high-speed NBN plans, and premium Foxtel packages, yet we often overlook the most critical link in the chain. If your picture is pixelating right at the climax of the footy grand final, or your internet drops out during a video call, the culprit is often that thick, round cable running from the wall to your device. We are talking about coax.

Short for coaxial cable, this robust wire is the backbone of data and video transmission in Australian homes. While Wi-Fi is great for convenience, nothing beats a hardwired coaxial connection for signal strength and reliability. Understanding the difference between a cheap lead and a professional-grade cable can save you a heap of frustration.

What is Coax Cable?

To the untrained eye, coax just looks like a thick wire. However, its internal structure is a clever piece of engineering designed to protect the signal it carries.

In the centre, there is a copper conductor that carries the data or video signal. Surrounding this is a layer of insulation, and wrapped around that is a metal shield (usually foil and braided wire). Finally, a tough outer jacket protects the whole lot. The magic lies in that shield. Its job is to stop outside electrical noise—from 4G mobile towers, power lines, or even your microwave—from interfering with the signal inside.

RG6 vs RG59: Know the Difference

If you live in an older Aussie home, your antenna might still be wired with an old standard known as RG59. This cable is thinner and has less shielding. In the days of analogue TV, it was fine. Today, with high-definition digital TV and high-speed data, RG59 is often the cause of signal loss and interference.

The modern standard is RG6 coax. It has a thicker central conductor and better insulation, allowing it to carry more data over longer distances. For the best possible performance, professional installers use "Quad Shield" RG6. As the name suggests, it has four layers of shielding instead of the standard two. When a professional installer needs to guarantee a perfect signal for a customer, they don't grab cheap cable from a discount bin. They head to a dedicated electrical wholesaler to source high-spec Quad Shield cable that is guaranteed to block out interference.

The NBN Connection

For millions of Australians, coax is more than just a TV cable; it is their internet lifeline. The NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) network uses the existing high-quality Pay TV cabling network to deliver high-speed internet to your home.

If your NBN connection box is connected to the wall with a flimsy, kinked, or old cable, your internet speed will suffer. Ensuring you have a high-quality RG6 patch lead connecting your wall plate to your modem is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to ensure you are getting the download speeds you pay for.

A Job for the Professionals

While plugging a fly lead from the wall to your TV is a DIY job, installing new outlets or running cable through your roof space is not.

In Australia, any fixed cabling work associated with telecommunications, TV antennas, or data must be performed by a registered licensed cabler. They have the training to ensure the coax is run correctly, maintaining the right bend radius so the internal core isn't damaged. They also ensure it is separated safely from electrical wiring to prevent interference and safety hazards.

Quality Connections from Schnap Electric

A cable is only as good as the connectors on the end. Using cheap, push-on plugs results in a loose connection and signal dropout. You need professional-grade compression fittings that lock onto the cable securely.

Schnap Electric Products is a leading supplier for the trade industry in Australia. They stock a comprehensive range of data and visual solutions, including premium Quad Shield coax rolls, professional F-type compression connectors, and the specialist tools needed to terminate them correctly. By providing the same professional-grade equipment you would expect to find at a major electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your home entertainment and internet signals are strong, clear, and interference-free. For a picture-perfect result, trust the range from Schnap Electric.