Four Steps on How To Terminate BNC Connectors

To learn how to terminate BNC connectors, it's recommended that organizations send their IT technical staff for appropriate training.  Courses are offered by cable manufacturers as well as independent training centers to staff whose job responsibilities include hardware and network implementation and maintenance.  Alternatively, there is a vast amount of information offering helpful advice as well as instructional videos on how to accomplish this task.  Although it sounds complicated, more often than not, it's easily accomplished with careful execution and sufficient practice.

Since there are different types of coaxial cables with associated BNC connectors, it is advisable to read the instructions provided by the cable manufacturer before starting the task.  Relevant tools are also a must-have in order to carry out the work.  These tools form a BNC termination kit.  Some tool kits come with a manual coaxial cable stripper with a crimp tool and some connectors to complete the job.  Other kits consist of a battery-powered cable cutter to strip the head of the cable.  Whichever kit you invest in, most cables can be stripped and terminated with the termination tools available in the market.  However, it's advisable to check whether the manufacturers have certain requirements attached to their components' usage.

Putting it simply, four main steps are required.  Strip the cable according to instructions stated on the cable's bag.  The crimp sleeve helps to ensure proper stripping of the cable.  Check to ensure the center connector which resembles a bayonet, from where the abbreviation BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) came about, is straight and free.  Slide the BNC connector onto the coaxial cable until both fit well.  Ensure the cable's braid is not exposed once the connector is in place.  Add the insulator onto the cable.  Holding firmly to the cable and connector, click the last piece into position.  Before crimping the connector into final position, perform a light pull test.  This is to check and confirm the termination of cable to the center pin of the connector.  If the test fails, replace the connector and repeat the termination process.  If all is well, use a crimp tool to affix the connector with a hex die normally provided as part of a BNC termination kit.  Carefully inspect your work to ensure working condition.

Other methods on how to terminate BNC connectors may require some soldering work.  In addition to crimping the contact points, some have clamp nuts to be tightened to a certain degree.  These form as additional fail-safe methods to ensure the BNC connectors stay in place during the process of connecting and disconnecting from devices.