How to Trace Coax Cable? (The Ultimate Guide)

To trace a coaxial cable, you can use various methods. One effective approach is using a tone and probe kit. This kit emits a tone detectable by the probe, aiding in locating the wire. Start by identifying the general area where the wire is located, then use the kit to trace the coaxial cable efficiently.

How to Trace the Coax Cable Without a Multimeter?

If you do not have a multimeter, then you can get a coax cable map or cable toner which will help you to trace coax cable quite easily.

Using Coax Cable Finder 

A coax cable finder is a simple device that helps to trace coax cables through signal transmission. You may find it with various other names but the main purpose remains identical. If you find one cable, you won’t need anything else or any other probe. However, you might have to use colored tape, so that you can keep track, in case of multiple cables.

Here are the steps that you can perform at your home:

First, attach the sender module at one end of the cable. Here you have to connect the TV or any equivalent device so that it gets perfectly aligned with the Jack.

Next, utilize the speaker module and try to trace each of the cables, and you might find that tracing is not that difficult. So, follow a tone that helps you identify when the module receives a signal. You need to test all the cables before you get the exact one and this you can identify when you hear a beep sound.

Using Cable Toner 

A Cable toner works on the same principle as a Coax cable finder and it is also quite simple for tracing. You have to connect the toner generator to the accessible end of the cable. The generated signal will be captured by the toner and it will make a sound to help identify the coax cable from the other end.

How to Trace the Coax Cable With a Multimeter?

A multimeter is a device that comes along with a piece of aluminum foil that helps you trace a coax cable. To start with, disconnect any devices from each end of the cable and then prepare a ball with Aluminium foil. Now, put this ball inside the outer connector unit to ensure that the ball is connected with both the inside pin and outer shell of the RG6 cable.

You need to pick the multimeter probes and put one of them on the connector which is outside and the other end you have to place on the inner pin. This will help you to identify whether the coax cable is shorted or not.

You can also go through the 0 Ohm reading to understand the cable if you prefer a continuity test. However, remember you won’t always get the same result as different factors influence the cable. Despite this, due to the difference in reading, you can understand whether the cable is shorted or not.

How to Identify a Coaxial Cable?

If you want to detect a coaxial cable, then try to find the ‘RG’ letters, which indicate Radio Guide. Now, RG is followed by a letter which is marked to identify the cable type. 

How to Find a Hidden Coaxial Cable?

To detect a hidden coaxial cable, you need to use a tone and probe kit. Usually, the cables are hidden behind ceilings or walls. With the help of the kit, you can detect a tone, which can be further detected through a probe and it is further located through a wire.

Which is Faster Coax Cable or Fiber?

Fiber provides you with symmetric speed and it is quite faster when compared with coax. This is where it makes larger companies prone to use fiber instead of coax cables. However, if someone is looking for an easy installation and an inexpensive deal then coax cable is the answer.

Parag Banerjee
Parag Banerjee

Parag Banerjee is an experienced Search Engine Optimizer. He has a wide knowledge of Google Updates, Analytics, and many others. He studied Computer Application from Techno India.

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