View Full Version : Exterior Cable Question - New Install
aelfert
12-21-08, 08:46 AM
I have a new D* install scheduled for Tuesday. My wife is not crazy about a wire running up the exterior of the house. My interior runs terminate on the South side of the house near the gas meter, electric meter etc. so I assume we the satellite will go on that end of the house and the wire will run up the siding (vinyl) to it.
So, my question is, can the exterior cable be white rather than black? That would be less visible with our yellow siding and white trim. If so, I assume the installer doesn't carry this (although I can call them on Monday and ask). Can I buy white cable for the exterior locally? If so, what are the specs of the wire I would need?
If that is not an option any other suggestions for hiding the wire?
Thanks in advance!
Alan
randyk47
12-21-08, 09:05 AM
Yes, the exterior cable can be white. In fact, the DirecTV contractor here uses only white or at least that's all they had last year so you might want to check Monday before you go to all the trouble to buy it yourself.
I have a new D* install scheduled for Tuesday. My wife is not crazy about a wire running up the exterior of the house. My interior runs terminate on the South side of the house near the gas meter, electric meter etc. so I assume we the satellite will go on that end of the house and the wire will run up the siding (vinyl) to it.
So, my question is, can the exterior cable be white rather than black? That would be less visible with our yellow siding and white trim. If so, I assume the installer doesn't carry this (although I can call them on Monday and ask). Can I buy white cable for the exterior locally? If so, what are the specs of the wire I would need?
If that is not an option any other suggestions for hiding the wire?
Thanks in advance!
Alan
No one carries a white cable that has the ground wire with it. If white is used from the dish it will fail QC. White cables can be usd to go from the demark point to the receivers.
Good luck
shovelhd
12-21-08, 09:12 AM
Have your installer tuck the wire into the J-channel. I'd take a picture but it's snowing like mad outside right now.
The dish will go where it must. Typically the dish will be located as near the electrical service entrance as possible.
Chances of the installer using anything other than black cable are pretty small. Contemplate hiding the cable in a PVC or vinyl conduit.
randyk47
12-21-08, 09:22 AM
Satjoe - Not sure where you got your information but local suppliers here have white RG6 dual cable with ground attached. It's also readily available on the Internet. It has exactly the same rating as the black version, color is the only difference.
Satjoe - Not sure where you got your information but local suppliers here have white RG6 dual cable with ground attached. It's also readily available on the Internet. It has exactly the same rating as the black version, color is the only difference.
Most tech wont carry what the local wharehouse wont supply. This would be custom and wont be available day of install
randyk47
12-21-08, 09:32 AM
That could be true and that's why I'd suggest he call the installer. As I said, the default here is white not black and that's DirecTV's contract installer not a private installer. Saying QC will fail if white is used is not accurate.
davring
12-21-08, 09:33 AM
In the last few years I have never seen anything other than white coax on the trucks. Dual and single with and without ground.
Mertzen
12-21-08, 09:53 AM
In the last few years I have never seen anything other than white coax on the trucks. Dual and single with and without ground.
Not in our market. One of our warehouses never even had white single.
randyk47
12-21-08, 10:04 AM
Wonder if it has to do with the fact that here in the South and Southwest that homes have the tendency to be lighter colors? Lots of lighter brick, stucco, etc. and the white generally would blend in better. The point is that it is available and can be used without any problems and it appears to be up to the local installer or their company as to what they carry. My installer offered me both but would have had to go back to the warehouse for black.
That could be true and that's why I'd suggest he call the installer. As I said, the default here is white not black and that's DirecTV's contract installer not a private installer. Saying QC will fail if white is used is not accurat.
By saying you would fail QC is because single white is readily available, not with ground. no ground no pass
aelfert
12-21-08, 12:50 PM
Thanks for all the responses. It looks like I'll be receiving a 5-LNB Multi-Satellite dish. Does that mean it is slimline?
I'm going to be at Lowe's today for other reasons so I'll look for the RG6 grounded white cable (I can easily return it if not needed). Can someone tell me if I need dual or single?
Depends, conventional or SWM. Conventional 4 lines 2 dual. SWM one single line.
Wait for the installer. I always tuck it in the J channel on plastic houses. You likely won't even notice.
BattleZone
12-21-08, 02:04 PM
No one carries a white cable that has the ground wire with it. If white is used from the dish it will fail QC. White cables can be usd to go from the demark point to the receivers.
Good luck
Funny... I used WHITE Perfect Vision solid copper dual with ground for several years, and have a couple of boxes of it in my garage right now. Has the DirecTV logo on it and everything. You can also get single with ground.
randyk47
12-21-08, 02:48 PM
Satjoe - I think most of us understood with ground. Obviously, as you now see, it exists and is perfectly fine and will not fail QC.
Grydlok
12-21-08, 07:26 PM
By saying you would fail QC is because single white is readily available, not with ground. no ground no pass
You better take a trip down south. Dual white w/ messenger UV coated is the normal in Florida.
You better take a trip down south. Dual white w/ messenger UV coated is the normal in Florida.
Our warehouse covers 4 states and no white. I never said you can't order it! Which is why I stated you would not get it day of install
dirtyblueshirt
12-21-08, 08:55 PM
Both myself and my neighbor have white cable. It's even DirecTV branded white cable. Seen here:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3113289077_dffd4eb212_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3126350057_b64501be1a.jpg
Johnnie5000
12-22-08, 07:10 AM
Our cable comes in any color you want, as long as it's black.
The biggest majority of all in house techs are only provided with black Perfect Vision RG6 thats printed with DirecTv logos on it. Sub-contractors do occasionally carry white cable that is the same thing. It's hit or miss though. If you have to have white cable, make a trip to lowes before the installer gets there.
Have your installer tuck the wire into the J-channel. I'd take a picture but it's snowing like mad outside right now.
Exactly. There are plenty of options to hide with vinyl siding. J Channel, corner pieces, etc. Had vinyl siding on my old house in Cleveland.
Can also hide behind gutter downspouts with a few white zip ties....
Simmerman
12-22-08, 04:50 PM
From my experience, the white cable tends to turn yellow after a couple years and looks nasty (IMO). Our black cable seems to have better UV protection than the white cable we have. I have been up on roofs replacing cable or fittings and the white stuff tends to break very easily.
You can always paint it depending on your situation.
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