G'day! We invest a fair bit of cash into massive 4K televisions, premium streaming subscriptions, and high-speed NBN plans, yet we often ignore the most critical physical link in the chain. If your picture pixelates right at the climax of the movie or your internet drops out during a Zoom call, the culprit is often that thick, round cable running from the wall to your device. We are talking about the humble coax cable.

Short for coaxial cable, this robust wire is the unsung hero of data and video transmission in Australian homes. While wireless technology is convenient, nothing beats a hardwired coaxial connection for signal integrity and reliability. Understanding the difference between a cheap fly lead and a professional-grade cable can save you a heap of frustration.

What Exactly is a Coax Cable?

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

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

RG6 vs RG59: Know the Standard

If you live in an older Aussie home, your TV 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 for any new installation is RG6 coax cable. 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, providing maximum protection against interference.

The NBN Connection

For millions of Australians, this cable is more than just for TV; 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 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 cable 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. When a professional plans a job, they visit a reputable electrical wholesaler to source certified cable that meets Australian Standards, ensuring the installation is compliant and safe.

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 cable 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.