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Coaxial Cable

28/08/2025
by Rick Coleman
coaxial cable

In this digital age of fibre optics and 5G, you might think the days of traditional cabling are over. But for any electrician, AV installer, or data cabler in Australia, you know that the humble coaxial cable is still a fundamental workhorse for countless jobs.

From hooking up a new TV antenna for crystal-clear reception to installing a CCTV system or sorting out an NBN connection, the coax cable is the essential link that carries the signal. Choosing the right type and, more importantly, the right quality is the difference between a happy client and a frustrating callback.

What Exactly is a Coaxial Cable & Why is it So Effective?

At its heart, a coaxial cable is a specialised electrical cable designed to transmit high-frequency signals with minimal interference. It’s a bit of genius engineering, really, consisting of four distinct layers:

  1. The Centre Conductor: A copper or copper-clad steel wire that carries the actual signal.
  2. The Dielectric Insulator: A layer of plastic foam that surrounds the conductor, keeping it isolated and maintaining the cable’s structure.
  3. The Metallic Shield: A woven copper mesh and/or foil layer that wraps around the insulator. This is the crucial bit that shields the signal from outside interference (like EMI and RFI).
  4. The Outer Jacket: A durable plastic layer that protects the internal components from physical damage and the harsh Aussie elements.

This four-layer design creates a contained pathway, ensuring the signal gets from A to B cleanly and without picking up unwanted noise.

Not All Coax is Created Equal: Why Quality Matters

Don's get caught out installing cheap, nasty coax. Using a low-quality coaxial cable can lead to a world of pain and a heap of problems that reflect badly on your work.

  • Signal Loss (Attenuation): Cheaper cables often have a thinner centre conductor and poor-quality shielding, causing the signal to weaken over distance. This results in fuzzy TV pictures, pixelation, or a slow, dodgy internet connection.
  • Interference: A flimsy shield won't do a good job of blocking interference from nearby power lines, appliances, or mobile phone signals. The result? A noisy, unreliable signal.
  • Durability: A good quality coax has a tough, UV-stabilised outer jacket designed to withstand our harsh Australian sun and weather without cracking or degrading over time. A cheap cable can become brittle and fail, leading to future callouts.
  • Compliance: Using non-compliant cable is a massive risk. Reputable cable meets Australian standards for performance and safety.

Your Go-To Source for Quality Coaxial Cable: Schnap Electrical Wholesaler

When your reputation is on the line with every installation, you need to be confident in the materials you use. That’s why professional tradies across the country rely on a trusted supplier like Schnap Electrical Wholesaler Australia.

Schnap knows that their trade customers can't afford to mess around with subpar products. They stock a comprehensive range of high-quality, compliant coaxial cable, including the industry-standard RG6, perfect for digital TV, satellite, and NBN installations. They ensure that the cable they supply has excellent shielding and a durable jacket, so you can be confident it will deliver a clean, strong signal for years to come.

By sourcing your coax and other data cabling needs from Schnap Electrical Wholesaler, you’re not just buying a product; you’re getting the peace of mind that comes from using reliable, professional-grade gear. With their solid inventory, fair trade pricing, and expert advice, they are an essential partner for any serious installer in Australia.