How to Splice RCA Cables for Longer Runs and Repairs

RCA cables are a common component in home audio and video systems, but they can become damaged over time. Splicing good sections of cable together is an efficient way to repair old cables and extend their length. In this article, we’ll show you how to splice RCA cables for longer runs and repairs.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

RCA cable(s) to be spliced
Wire strippers
Soldering iron and solder (optional)
Heat shrink tubing
Electrical tape
Wire connectors (if not soldering)

Prepare the Cables

Follow these steps to prepare the cables for splicing:

Cut the RCA cables to the desired length, considering the distance between your audio/video source and the destination device.
Remove the outer insulation of the RCA cables to expose the inner wires.
Strip the ends of the inner wires to reveal the bare copper conductors.

Connect the Wires

Now it’s time to connect the wires:

Identify the positive and negative terminals of the inner wires. The positive terminal is typically marked with a red stripe or a ” ” sign.
Connect the positive terminal of one cable to the positive terminal of the other cable.
Connect the negative terminal of one cable to the negative terminal of the other cable.

Secure the Connection

To secure the connection and prevent future issues, follow these steps:

Solder the connections for a more secure and long-lasting bond. If you’re uncomfortable with soldering, use wire connectors instead.
Slide heat shrink tubing over the connections and shrink it with a heat gun or lighter to provide insulation and protection.
Wrap electrical tape around the connector to further protect it from moisture and physical damage.

Repeat the process for each pair of wires in the RCA cable. If you’re splicing a stereo RCA cable, make sure to connect the left and right channels correctly.

By following these steps, you can effectively splice RCA cables to repair damaged cables or create longer runs for your audio and video systems. This skill can save you money and allow you to customize your setup to your specific needs.