Coaxial cable jacks are a convenient method of connecting televisions and cable boxes to the main splitter or feed from a distribution panel. Testing these jacks can be challenging, since it's time-consuming to determine where the other end of the coax terminates. Specialized tester tools exist to test coaxial wall jacks. These are superior to multimeters because you do not have to bring both ends of the cable in close proximity to test the wire.
Step 1
Go to the area where the coaxial cables converge at a splitter or distribution panel. If you see a coaxial cable disconnected from a splitter or distribution hub, screw it clockwise to the hub or splitter. If it is unterminated, push on the included coaxial adapter plug.
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Step 2
Screw the short length of coaxial cable to the wall jack. Screw the other end to the matching threaded post on the tool.
Step 3
Examine the front panel of the testing unit. Should the indicator light immediately illuminate red, the cable is bad and must be replaced.
Step 4
Press the "TEST" button if the indicator light remains unlit. Observe the light. If it turns green, the cable is fine.
Step 5
Continue to observe the indicator light. If the light is red, there is a break in the cable or a short circuit. If it remains unlit, there is a poor connector or adapter termination or it is not connected to a panel or splitter at the other end.
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