TV outlet: how to install an outlet for a TV

Despite the regular updating of the market with new modifications of modern audio, video and TV equipment, there are traditional principles that ensure reliable signal transmission. One of them is the equipment of stationary sockets.

Here you will find out how the television outlet is mounted, in what sequence the point is connected. For independent masters, we thoroughly analyzed a number of important nuances. To optimize the perception of the material, we supplemented the information with diagrams, photo illustrations and video manuals.

The subtleties of choosing a television outlet

Modern TV differs from its predecessors from the last century in its great capabilities and versatility. This is not just a video transmitter, but part of a multifunctional multimedia system.

It includes the broadcast of many domestic and foreign television channels, the ability to view photos and videos from mobile devices, access to the Internet, the use of game consoles.

With a huge load on the router, a wireless connection is not always reliable, so do not neglect the classic installation of an outlet for a TV.

The choice of modern, wall-mounted modules is quite extensive. We recommend paying attention to a series of brands such as Legrand, Schneider Electric, GIRA, IEK. They have a neat appearance, made of durable materials and do not cause installation difficulties.

Standard module device

The installation of television equipment has some differences from installation of conventional electric points and is considered separately, since the most important details - cable and sockets - also differ.

There are many options even for products from the same manufacturer (for example, Legrand produces the popular Valena, Celian, Etika, Galea Life series), but there are no fundamental differences in the device.

We will consider the structure of the outlet using the ABB Busch-Jaeger model as an example:

Externally, the design of almost all types of TV sockets is the same: a plastic strip that is attached using two miniature screws, and a television input right in the center

If we consider a sample from the Basic 55 series, then it consists of the following parts:

The device is a simple television outlet: 1 - front panel that performs a decorative and protective function; 2 - caliper, fixing the housing and parts of the outlet between themselves; 3 - circuit board organizing the connection

The structure of the printed circuit board may differ - for more complex modules, electronic circuits are located on it. On the back there is a mechanism responsible for fixing the antenna cable.

Types of sockets for the intended purpose

Before installing electrical equipment, you need to decide on the choice of sockets for the TV on the wall.

To make it easier to navigate in various modifications, manufacturers identified three main types:

• simple (single);
• walk-through;
• terminal.

The functional focus is in the names of categories, each of them has its own characteristics.

For example, to create the simplest circuit, in which one single module appears, acting independently, you need a simple socket. It is fundamentally different from the terminal, so when buying, require a product of the specified type.

The assembly diagram of a simple outlet, providing a normal signal similarity when equipping a single point in an apartment If you install a different type instead, it will interfere

Simply put, if you have one TV in your room with one cable connected, then this is your only option. If you install several TVs in the apartment, but use a standard splitter, then simple sockets can also come in handy.

The structure of the passage socket differs radically. It rather resembles a tee with 1 input and 2 parallel outputs.

One output is for connecting a video device, and the second is for a cable that goes further (or to the next TV, or to another power outlet). The chain of feed-through modules always ends with the installation of a terminal type socket.

There is a danger of signal weakening when compiling chains of a large number of modules through passage. To maintain sufficient power, we recommend limiting to 3-4 pieces.

Only a parallel connection through a splitter (hub) can provide a high-quality signal. Additional expenses for the purchase of an additional cable will pay off with excellent video playback

The purpose of the terminal socket is to close the loop-through circuit.

Minimal set for the living room

Previously, when installing the TV, in addition to the power supply, nothing was required, since the antenna was connected directly to the receiver and installed side by side or, to receive a more powerful signal, was output outside, onto the roof or onto the balcony.

Now one electrical outlet little, since there are various standards for data transmission (digital and analog), which require their own connection.

Instead of 1 outlet, an entire unit consisting of at least 4 pieces is installed.

The minimum scheme for the room in which the TV is installed looks like this: 2 email. sockets, 1 TV socket, RJ-45 module for the Internet

We recommend installing a block module for aesthetic reasons. If you initially had only an electrical outlet, and then a separate television outlet appeared next to it, with an Internet input, it will look extremely messy, scattered, and the place will most likely be in sight.If you plan to repair, be sure to start it with the wiring and installation of new equipment.

Two electrical outlets are also a minimum: one is for a TV, the second is for a digital set-top box or other equipment, which is often connected to modern video players. The TV module provides communication with cable television or an antenna brought out.

In addition, the antenna output is always a fallback. Suppose a digital set-top box is out of order or maintenance is being carried out somewhere - thanks to the antenna cable, you always have the opportunity to watch a free package of standard TV channels.

The universal media equipment connection scheme is equipped with the ability to use analog TV, digital TV and access to the Internet connection

The Internet input is designed to connect a digital set-top box or signal supplied by the provider in a centralized mode. A twisted pair cable is connected to it from the router (and not from the common shield), which distributes a signal throughout the apartment.

The difference of the antenna cable

For a high-quality connection, in addition to correctly selected outlets, you will need an antenna coaxial cable, which has a special structure. Unlike a 2- or 3-wire electrical wire, it has one core for transmitting a television signal and a protective shield that serves as a barrier to the surrounding electromagnetic fields.

Externally, the television cable is a thick elastic wire of circular cross section, usually with PVC insulation in black or white. For wall mounting, the color of the outer insulation does not matter.

Coaxial antenna cable structure: copper conductor for transmitting a TV signal, dielectric insulation, protective sheath of metal braid type, outer plastic sheath

A thin insulating layer adjacent to the central core breaks the galvanic connection with the shielding braid.

The screen, in turn, protects against electromagnetic interference and prevents the emission of a sensitive high-frequency signal, being also an additional conductor. If any of the components fails, the video transmission will be disrupted.

Here are some types of cables that are suitable for laying under plaster or other finishing material:

• SAT 50 (SAT 703);
• RG-6 (and for external use);
• RG-11 (F1160BVM COMMSCOPE).

When buying, be sure to check the strength of the sheath, and during the packaging process and during transportation, try not to bend the cable so as not to violate the integrity of the copper core and the screen braid.

Connection schemes options

There are two main connection schemes - parallel ("star") and serial ("loop" or loop-through). All the others, no matter how complicated and intricate they are, are combinations of these two main options. They resemble standard electrical circuitsbut differ in less voltage.

# 1: “Star” - several independent lines

Once they used one video receiver for the whole apartment, now almost every room has televisions. To connect all devices to a single cable leading from a shield or aerial antenna, a special signal distribution device is required - a splitter or splitter.

This is a kind of switching organizer, having one input for an antenna cable and several outputs - for connecting TVs.

The origin of the "talking" associative name of the parallel connection option becomes clear: the splitter is the center of the "star", and all the cables leaving it are its "rays"

Advantages of parallel connection are not only in good signal quality, which is usually attenuated by power sockets. When mounting, the splitter is mounted in the most convenient place (for example, in the corridor), and it is easier to branch into other rooms from it.If one of the process cables becomes unusable, the functionality of the rest of the network will not be affected.

There is an improved solution to the “star” circuit with an amplifier that guarantees minimization of the attenuation of the video signal. The standard power supply is designed for 2-3 receivers, but usually there are more, so the amplifier compensates for the deficiency and ultimately improves the video signal.

A standard amplifier (such as SAT Legrand) may be required in two cases: 1 - if the apartment has a large number of operating TVs, 2 - if the signal from the broadcast antenna or cable provider is very weak

For parallel connection, either terminal or simple sockets are required. Terminal ones are best preferred to avoid interference if one of the TVs is not actively used. They differ from simple ones by the presence of wave resistance (75 Ohm), which is able to balance the signal.

# 2: "Loop" - loop through serial circuit

Pass-through scheme is considered cheaper, but less quality. It was actively used in previous years, but modern digital technologies supplanted it, since they are able to work only through parallel connection.

It turns out that you can use a “loopback” connection only in the only case - if you have exclusively analog television and no changes are expected in the near future.

A sequential circuit involves the mandatory use of bushings located one after the other, but the last in the chain must necessarily be a terminal

Pass-through modules are equipped with filters that muffle the reflected TV signal. The absence of a filter is easily determined by the characteristic ripples on the TV screen. When choosing products, pay attention to such characteristics as pass attenuation (from 1.5 to 5 dB) and branch attenuation (from 10 to 15 dB), give preference to devices with the smallest parameters.

Note that with an increase in the number of connections, the signal quality weakens even if the network is provided with an amplifier or an auto-regulation system, therefore it is better to use a parallel circuit for 4-5 or more receivers.

And carefully read the contract with the provider: in some cases they limit the number of active points, and impose a fine for installing additional ones.

Optimum height

If you decide to place the TV on the wall, the installation height of the outlet block is automatically determined - it is hidden behind the TV panel. The solution is different from standard placement options. conventional power points. This method of installing TV outlets is designed to completely mask the inlets, connectors, visible cable sections.

The wires hanging on the wall can spoil the design of the most sophisticated interior, in addition, their open location is a risk of breakage (small children will cut, the dog will gnaw, etc.).

An option for proper installation of the TV: it is pressed against the wall as much as possible, all the wires are hidden under the cladding, the sockets are in a hidden space, right behind the screen

The height of the installation of sockets is oriented to the height of suspension of the TV, which may vary slightly. Typically, television and video equipment is placed at eye level of a person sitting on a chair or sofa. The optimal distance is considered to be 1.2-1.4 m (from the floor surface to the center of the outlet). In relation to the TV - slightly below its upper edge.

But there are exceptions. For example, a kitchen video device is most often mounted a little higher, in free space, respectively, and sockets should be installed above a specified height.

The procedure for installing a simple TV outlet

Before installing the outlet, you must run the cable (for a simple single - the only cable leading from the switchgear). It is masked either in a closed way - under the plaster (drywall, decorative panel), or open - on the surface of the wall, in the cable channel. For the second option, external (overhead) sockets are required.

For the sample we take a quality product of the French manufacturer.

Socket for connecting a coaxial antenna cable of the famous French brand Schneider Electric. This is a simple (single) module MGU5.462.18ZD, designed to connect a single TV

Before installing with a drill with a round nozzle, it is necessary to cut a hole and insert a plastic box (socket box). A cable about 15 cm long should come out of the hole.

The end of the cable should be prepared: remove part of the outer insulation so that the copper core protrudes about half a centimeter, and part of the shielding braid is also exposed

Next, we disassemble the product body into parts.

After separating the front panel, we find the clamping screw, which ensures stability, and slightly unscrew it so that it is easier to insert the antenna cable

We insert the cable in the direction of the arrow and fix it with a special clamp, tightening the screw.

A small through hole is located under the arrow to control the copper conductor connection. But for greater reliability, visual inspection is not enough, for a more effective check of the quality of the installation, you need to use a tester

Testing by the tester will exclude the occurrence of a short circuit due to the accidental contact of the braid with the conductor.

Carefully, trying not to disturb the position of the cable, we insert the case into the socket, fasten it with fasteners and snap the front decorative panel. Using a level, align the position of the block

The result of assembly and installation - no protruding wires and unprotected connectors.

The outlet block usually represents one long panel, divided into several functional sectors: for connecting a coaxial cable, RJ-45 Internet cable (twisted pair) or electric cables

The mounting of the feed-through module will be slightly different.

Features of parallel and loop-through circuitry

If you are not limited to installing an outlet for one TV and want to use the "star" scheme, pay attention to the following nuances:

• First of all, we mount the splitter, and only then - sockets.
• To each output of the splitter we attach one cable, which must end with the installation of one outlet (simple or terminal).
• When installing simple modules, please note that they are not equipped with filters.

Watch the frequency. According to GOST (R 52023), the possible frequency should fit into the framework from 40 to 1000 MHz, and some devices “narrow” these boundaries. For example, the operating range of DOCSIS v.2.0 is from 47 to 862 MHz, respectively, sockets support these restrictions.

If you are the owner of a large two-story cottage, then cabling for various purposes must be considered before starting the finishing work. The diagram shows an example of connecting various technical devices with an indication of the type of cable, the numbers indicate the television receivers

If you are not interested in digital television and you have chosen a serial connection scheme, do not forget about the quantitative limitation.

The more outlets - the weaker the signal.From the level allowed by the Russian State Standard in the level of 57-83 dB, when 3-4 pieces are installed, you will exhaust the released limit (about 15 dB for each socket).

With the specifics of installation and connecting a computer outlet The following article will familiarize you with the contents of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to choose and install modern antenna sockets, you can see in the following videos.

Video # 1. Connecting the cable to a simple TV outlet:

Video # 2. Installing the Legrand power outlet:

Video # 3. Features of sockets of the German brand WISI:

For self-installation of an integrated television outlet, you must have the knowledge of an amateur electrician and be able to understand the types of wires and sockets. If you designed a complex circuit using additional devices, then for installation questions, it is better to contact the provider - only a specialist will be able to take into account all the nuances of the connection.

If you have any questions while reading the information, there are recommendations to help independent home masters, if you find any flaws in the material, please leave comments in the block below the article.