Quick question about cable splitters

[zero002021]

Hello,

I have a quick question regarding cable splitters. The main source for cable connections coming into my house has a splitter with one in/two outs and is located outside. We recently setup a 50" Plasma in the living room and there is currently no cable in there (room was added on to house recently). I ran a cable from the room to the outside source, but I need a new splitter so that I can support all the cable connections.

My question is this: Will any splitter work or do I need one specifically designed for outdoor use? I know this might be a noobish question, but I'm usually only running wires inside of my house. This is the first time I've ran any kind of cable outside.

I have a RadioShack Gold splitter, this one actually: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=15-2588

Will that work or do I need something else?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[MDS]

I don't know if there is such a thing as a splitter designed for outdoor use, but the 'corrosion resistance' they mention sounds like something beneficial for a splitter that will be exposed to the elements.

The one thing that is not mentioned is the bandwidth of the splitter. It must be at least 1 GHz to work properly for digital cable.

 

[markw]

I've had very good luck with the cheapo Sears splitters.

Of course, I've only used 'em indoors but were I to try to use it outside, I'd wrap it with fairly thick plastic (say a cut up freezer grade food storage bag?) and/or slather it with silicone sealant.

Tey yo get only as many splits as you need. Don't get a four way if you don't need it. If you only need three legs, Sears make those.

 

[AverageJoe]

Most currently made splitters are sealed very well and can be used outside as well as in. The biggest problem is weather-proofing the connections. Installing good connectors with O-rings, and using Weather Boots and silicone grease should keep moisture out of the ports.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Yes, the one you have will work outdoors and most cable companies don't do anything other than use good connectors on the ends of the cables. Wrapping in plastic, silicone, etc. really is overkill in my opinion and while it may help - 10 or 15 years down the road. It can be a nightmare to remove if you ever need to. As well, if you have an issue in a few years, it takes about 2 minutes to reterminate the cable outside and have a brand new connector on it.