How to Install a Power Passing TV Splitter
Summary: An F-type splitter is used to allow signal from an aerial to run to several rooms to allow independent viewing.
They come in a range of sizes 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 way.
There are 2 basic types:
- Passive splitters: Are used to distribute un-amplified (or post amplified) signal to several rooms.
- Power passing splitters: Can be used between a power unit and the Masthead amplifier/Aerial.
- They allow the 12 volt signal from the power unit to pass through to the Masthead amplifier
- while also distributing the amplified signal on the other ports.
Equipment needed
- Snips
- Splitters
- F type twist on connectors
Procedure to install a TV Splitter (Power Passing)
- Cut the input cable coming from the Masthead Amplifier
- so that it is long enough to reach where all the cables coming from the various rooms terminate at a single point
- Put an F connector on the aerial cable and also on all cables feeding the various TV points which are to be connected
- Connect the aerial cable to the 'IN' port on the splitter
- Connect the cable coming from the Power Unit to the 'OUT' port that is marked 'POWER PASS'
- Connect the TV point cables to the 'OUT' ports on the splitter
Main Points to remember
- Splitters are used as a simple, effective and low cost alternatives to distribution systems
- work well when the initial signal strength is good.
- Passive splitters do the same job at a lower cost than power passing splitters for a standard unpowered system
- P pass splitters are designed for use with power units and masthead amps but can work as passive splitters
- Never use splitters in series (looped one after the other) as this will lead to high levels of signal loss
- Always use F-type splitters as IEC (Coax) splitters normally have high levels of signal loss






