Removing an old or unused TV aerial cable from your wall is generally a job a competent homeowner can tackle — but only once you've confirmed the cable carries no mains voltage and you understand where it runs. Take a few minutes to read through the steps below before you pick up a screwdriver.
Is It Safe to Do Yourself?
A standard coaxial aerial cable (the round, single-core cable used for free-to-air TV or satellite) carries a very low signal voltage and is not mains electricity. Removing it yourself is legal and safe, provided:
- The cable is a coaxial (RG6 or RG59) aerial or satellite cable, not a mains power cable.
- It is not connected to any active amplifier or distribution unit that is itself wired to mains power inside the wall.
- You are not disturbing any mains wiring in the process.
If you are ever unsure whether a cable carries mains voltage, stop and call a licensed electrician. Mains electrical work is restricted work under the Electricity Act 1992 and must only be carried out by a registered electrician. You can verify a tradesperson's registration with the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
Tools You'll Need
Step-by-Step: Removing the Aerial Cable
1. Identify and trace the cable
Start at the wall plate (the outlet on the wall) and trace the cable as far as you can — typically up to the roof space or down to a junction box. Note where it enters the wall cavity. If the cable runs externally along the outside of the house, the job is simpler.
2. Test for mains voltage
Before touching anything, use a non-contact voltage tester near the cable and the wall plate. A coaxial aerial cable should read zero. If your tester beeps or lights up, do not proceed — call a licensed electrician immediately.
3. Disconnect at both ends
Remove the wall plate by unscrewing it from the wall bracket. The coaxial cable will be attached with either a push-fit connector or a screw-on F-connector. Unscrew or pull the connector free. At the other end (roof space, junction box, or at the aerial itself), disconnect the cable the same way.
4. Pull the cable free
If the cable runs externally (clipped along weatherboards or fascia), simply unclip the cable clips and pull the cable away. Dispose of old clips and fill any small holes with an appropriate exterior filler.
If the cable runs inside the wall cavity, gently pull from one end. Cables that were simply dropped down a cavity often come free with steady, even pressure. Do not yank hard — if there is resistance, the cable may be stapled or clipped inside the wall, or it may be tangled with other cables. In that case, it is often easier and safer to simply cut the cable flush at both ends and leave the remainder in the wall cavity, rather than risk damaging other wiring or the wall lining.
5. Make good the wall
Once the cable and wall plate are removed, you'll be left with a hole. Options include:
| Situation | Recommended fix |
|---|---|
| Small screw holes only | Fill with interior filler, sand, and touch up paint |
| Wall plate cut-out (standard size) | Fit a blank wall plate cover |
| Larger irregular hole | Patch with GIB offcut or filler, then paint |
For exterior holes where the cable entered the wall, seal with a good-quality exterior sealant (such as a product from Sika) to prevent moisture ingress — this is especially important given New Zealand's E2 Building Code requirements around weathertightness.
6. Roof space and aerial removal
If the aerial itself is on the roof, removing it is a separate task. Working at height is a significant hazard — WorkSafe NZ recommends using appropriate fall protection for any roof work. Consider hiring a professional for the roof portion if you are not confident working safely at height.
What About the Aerial Amplifier or Splitter?
Some aerial systems include a signal amplifier (booster) that plugs into a standard power outlet, or a distribution amplifier hardwired into the switchboard. The coaxial cables connected to these are still low-voltage, but:
- A plug-in amplifier: simply unplug it from the wall socket — this is fine for a homeowner.
- A hardwired amplifier or any work inside the switchboard: this is restricted electrical work and must be done by a licensed electrician.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed electrician if:
- Your voltage tester shows any reading on the cable.
- The cable is connected to a hardwired amplifier or distribution board.
- You cannot identify the cable type with confidence.
- The cable is tangled with mains wiring inside the wall cavity.
- You need any work done inside the switchboard.
For the roof portion, consider a TV aerial installer or a licensed electrician who is comfortable working at height. You can find qualified local tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) — verify electrician registration
- WorkSafe NZ — working at height safety
- MBIE Building Performance — NZ Building Code guidance
- GIB — plasterboard patching and repair
- Sika NZ — sealants and weatherproofing products
- BRANZ — building research and best practice
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