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That depends on where it is. People assume it won't spark because "it's just a TV signal." However, in these modern days with digital telephone and such, it can happen. Digital phone services provided by a cable provider are a special version of VoIP (voice over internet) technology. In order for the digital phone to work, you need a device to send the voice signal over the broadband cable. This device (inside the network interface box on the side of the house) usually does not have an external power source, because that would be very inconvenient for the customer. (Who wants a plug-in transformer next to the cable box?) This means the power to that device comes from the broadband feed to the house, which can carry around 90 volts on it in addition to the broadband signal. So if the cable sparked outside, or at the feed into the network interface unit, that could explain it. If this was inside, on a cable going into the back of a TV, that 90 volts shouldn't be there anymore, since it was dropped off at the box on the side of the house. But hey, I'm not a cable guy, just an electrician.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThis is usually caused by what is called a ground loop. The ground of the cable is not at the save potential as the ground of the device being connected. It could indicate a power supple issue or wiring fault. Check the power wiring on all devices connected to the cable system. Contact your cable company if you are concerned.
Whoa!
Sparking connectors = potential electrocution hazards.
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Can you use coax cable as interconnect cable?
It depends on what you are trying to connect. If you were more specific, then answer could be more specific.
What is a safe distance between 110V electrical wire and coax cable when installing inside drywall?
You can install the 110v line on one stud and the coax jack on any other, just don't put them on the same stud. This will cause major crosstalk in the coax line.
Can a cut cable wire cause a fire?
If by 'cable wire' you mean Coax cable for the TV, or Internet, then the answer is no. The power/voltages in the cable are way to low to produce a spark which is usually what triggers flame. If by 'cable wire' you mean a cable carrying an electrical service such as 120V or 240V, then, if the cable is damaged by an accidental or deliberate cut which causes a short circuit from a hot phase wire or wires to other wires in the cable - such as to other hot phase wires in a 3-phase circuit, a neutral or a ground wire - then the resulting heavy current could result in the cable becoming very hot and could cause it to catch on fire unless there was some overcurrent protection device to prevent that from happening. That is why fuses and/or circuit breakers should always be included in any electrical service wiring to cut off the supply of current before a fire can be caused by such damage.
Can copper wires carry digital information?
Yes, this is done all the time. Category 5, category 5e, and category 6 are the most common copper cables used at this time. They are basically advanced versions of the original phone cable. Coax cable is another type of copper cable used to carry digital information. It is the cable the satellite dish and cable companies use and the most common type is RG-6. This cable is capable of faster data transfer speeds than the phone type cables.
Why are copper wires used in as connecting wires?
The copper wires used connect. Because conductivity of Cooper higher than aluminium but price of Cooper higher than aluminum. If compare between copper and aluminium cable can see at the same current rate diameter of aluminium cable is larger than copper cable.
How can one extend a coax cable without special tools?
To extend a coax cable without special tools you will need a second coax cable. You can plug the second coax cable into the end of the first one (the end that is plugged into the wall).
Which RG rating of coax is used for cable modems?
Cable modems use RG-6 coax cables.
Why did your cable cord for satellite spark on the back of the receiver when the guy added a new piece?
When connecting the satelite cable to the receiver it sparks
Why does a battery terminal spark when connecting?
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS connect the (+) cable FIRST. The reason it sparked was the ( - ) negative cable was already connected.
What cable does Antietam cable uses to connect to the internet?
coax.
Can you use any coax cable for satellite tv?
This would depend upon your TV and the receiver and if it has a coax port available on the back. You can use an RG6 coax cable between the receiver and TV. Most newer HD receivers do not have a coax port on the back
What size coax cable be used for cable television?
The best size is RG 6 coax. However for short runs RG 59 will work.
Is rg6 coax cable the best to use for satellite tv in home?
For Dish Network, we use RG6 coax cable to allow a higher frequency range for the satellite signal from the dish to your receiver. Any coax cable not rated at RG6 could affect the signal.
What is rg-11 cable?
It's the coax cable used for Thick Ethernet.
How do you connect coax audio cable to RCA port?
Typical coax cable uses a different standard than RCA. You will need to use a converter box.
Who is a cable technician?
Someone who installs coax for a service.
What are the two types of cable used in premises cabling?
UTP & COAX cable's are used
