Understanding the Different Sizes of Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cables are essential components in various industries and applications, serving as electrical transmission lines for high-frequency signals. These cables come in different sizes and types, each designed to meet specific signal requirements and applications. In this article, we will explore the different sizes of coaxial cables and their common uses.

Identifying Coaxial Cable Sizes

The size of a coaxial cable is typically identified by a designation called “RG” (Radio Guide) followed by a number. The RG number indicates the specific type and size of the cable. Understanding these designations is crucial in selecting the appropriate coaxial cable for a particular application.

Common Sizes of Coaxial Cables

Here are some common sizes of coaxial cables and their respective applications:

RG-6

RG-6 is a widely used coaxial cable with a diameter of approximately 6.15mm. It is commonly employed in cable TV and satellite installations. The RG-6 cable offers good signal quality and is suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

RG-11

With a diameter of around 10.30mm, RG-11 is a thicker coaxial cable primarily used for long-distance applications and high-frequency signals. It provides better signal integrity and is often used in CATV (Community Antenna Television), CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television), and other video distribution systems.

RG-58

RG-58 is a thinner coaxial cable with a diameter of approximately 4.95mm. It is commonly used for shorter cable runs and lower-frequency applications. RG-58 cables are often utilized in applications such as amateur radio, wireless communication, and Ethernet connections.

RG-59

RG-59 has a diameter of around 6.15mm and is commonly used for video and CCTV applications. It is suitable for transmitting composite video signals and is widely used in surveillance systems, video production, and TV installations.

RG-62

RG-62 has a diameter of approximately 6.15mm and is commonly used for computer networking applications. It is specifically designed for carrying digital signals and is often used in early computer networks and data communication systems.

RG-12

With a diameter of around 14.10mm, RG-12 is a thicker coaxial cable suitable for high-power applications. It is commonly used in applications that require the transmission of high-frequency signals over long distances, such as cell phone signal boosters and professional radio systems.

RG-213

RG-213 is a coaxial cable with a diameter of approximately 10.33mm. It is commonly used for high-power and long-distance applications, including amateur radio, long-range Wi-Fi systems, and military communication systems.

Choosing the Right Coaxial Cable Size

The choice of coaxial cable size depends on several factors, including the desired signal strength, frequency range, transmission distance, and specific application requirements. It is crucial to select a cable size that can efficiently handle the intended signal and minimize signal loss over the desired distance.

Matching Connectors to Coaxial Cable

When working with coaxial cables, it is essential to ensure that the connectors match the size and type of the cable being used. Proper connectors are necessary to establish a secure and reliable connection, ensuring optimal signal transmission and integrity.

Sources:

• “What to Know About Coaxial Cables and Connectors” – First Source Wireless (https://firstsourcewireless.com/blogs/blog/how-to-identify-the-right-coax-cables-connectors)
• “Understanding Coaxial Cables: The Complete Guide” – Wilson Amplifiers (https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/blog/understanding-coaxial-cables-the-complete-guide/)
• “The Different Types of Coaxial Cables: All You Need to Know” – SatMaximum (https://satmaximum.com/the-different-types-of-coaxial-cables-all-you-need-to-know.html)

FAQs

What are the different sizes of coaxial cable?

Coaxial cables come in various sizes, each designed for specific applications and signal requirements. Some common sizes of coaxial cables include:

What does the “RG” designation in coaxial cables mean?

The “RG” designation in coaxial cables stands for “Radio Guide.” It is followed by a number that indicates the specific type and size of the cable.

What is the purpose of RG-6 coaxial cable?

RG-6 coaxial cable, with a diameter of approximately 6.15mm, is commonly used for cable TV and satellite installations. It provides reliable signal quality and is suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

When should I use RG-11 coaxial cable?

RG-11 coaxial cable, with a diameter of around 10.30mm, is a thicker cable that is often used for long-distance applications and high-frequency signals. It is suitable for CATV, CCTV, and other video distribution systems.

What is the typical application of RG-58 coaxial cable?

RG-58 coaxial cable, with a diameter of approximately 4.95mm, is commonly used for shorter cable runs and lower-frequency applications. It is often utilized in amateur radio, wireless communication, and Ethernet connections.

What is RG-59 coaxial cable used for?

RG-59 coaxial cable, with a diameter of around 6.15mm, is commonly used for video and CCTV applications. It is suitable for transmitting composite video signals and is widely used in surveillance systems, video production, and TV installations.

What are the applications of RG-62 coaxial cable?

RG-62 coaxial cable, with a diameter of approximately 6.15mm, is commonly used for computer networking applications. It is designed for carrying digital signals and was often used in early computer networks and data communication systems.

When should I use RG-12 coaxial cable?

RG-12 coaxial cable, with a diameter of around 14.10mm, is a thicker cable that is often used for high-power applications. It is suitable for transmitting high-frequency signals over long distances, such as in cell phone signal boosters and professional radio systems.

What are the typical applications of RG-213 coaxial cable?

RG-213 coaxial cable, with a diameter of approximately 10.33mm, is commonly used for high-power and long-distance applications. It is suitable for applications such as amateur radio, long-range Wi-Fi systems, and military communication systems.