Coaxial Cables Selection Guide
Coaxial cables split by impedance into 75 ohm and 50 ohm; cable, connector and device impedance must match, and RG6, RG11, RG59 are chosen by job type.
This guide explains what to check when selecting products in the Coaxial Cables category.
The difference between 75 ohm and 50 ohm coaxial cable
75 ohm cables are used in television and radio broadcast distribution, and 50 ohm cables in two-way radio communication such as two-way radios. If the cable, connector and device are not the same impedance, part of the signal is reflected back; the reflection creates a standing wave and increases loss.
- Satellite-TV broadcast cables: 75 ohm RG6, RG11 and thin Mini types.
- CCTV camera cables: Cables that carry supply conductors alongside a 75 ohm coaxial core.
- 50 ohm coaxial cables: RG213 and LWR types for the antenna lines of radio and wireless communication systems.
Which RG type is used for which job
- RG6: Used in indoor TV distribution and satellite dish connections. In Mekas product names, the inner conductor diameter is given as 1.02 mm.
- RG11: A thicker cable with a 1.63 mm inner conductor, and it attenuates less at the same frequency. In the values published by Mekas, the highest attenuation at 2150 MHz is 32.50 dB/100 m for RG6 U6 and 22.32 dB/100 m for RG11 U6. It is preferred over long distances such as a main distribution line.
- RG59: A 75 ohm video cable with a thin inner conductor. It is used for baseband video signals such as camera images; its loss at high frequency is too great for long distances, so in broadcast distribution it gives way to RG6 and RG11. In this category it appears as Reçber RG 59 cables and as the RG 59 Mini core of CCTV cables.
- RG58 and RG174: Thin cables with 50 ohm impedance. RG58 is common in radio communication and RG174 in short interconnect cables; RG174 is more flexible, but its loss is higher than RG58.
- RG213: A thick cable with 50 ohm impedance and a stranded inner conductor; its loss is lower than RG58, and it is used in radio and wireless communication systems.
1+2 and 1+4 in CCTV cables
CCTV cables have additional cores for power, audio or alarm alongside the coaxial core that carries the image; 1+2 in the product name indicates two additional cores and 1+4 indicates four. In a product that reads "2x0.50 mm2+2x0.22 mm2", two of the additional cores have a 0.50 mm² cross-section and two have 0.22 mm². As the supply line gets longer, the voltage reaching the camera drops; choose the cross-section of the supply core according to the line length and the current the camera draws. These cables are for analog cameras with a coaxial input; IP cameras are connected with a data cable, and CAT6 cables are in a separate category.
Abbreviations in product names
- U-4 and U-6: Construction options of the same RG type. In the product names in this category, U-6 options are Cu/Cu, and U-4 options are Cu/Al, CCS/Al or tinned copper braid (Cu/CuSn, Cu/SnCu). Take the outer diameter and shield details from the manufacturer's datasheet; the connector is selected according to the cable dimensions.
- Physically foamed: Indicates that the dielectric is foam polyethylene; its attenuation is lower than that of solid polyethylene.
- Trishield and Class: Trishield is a three-layer shield construction, and Class is the shielding class. In this category, Class A+ products are Trishield, Class B products are mostly Cu/Cu, and Class C products are Cu/Al; read the screening attenuation (dB) that the class corresponds to from the datasheet.
- Eca, Dca, Cca, B2ca: The cable's reaction-to-fire class (Euro-Class); it does not indicate shielding or fire resistance. Take the class required in the project from the specification.
What to look at when choosing coaxial cable
- Frequency and distance: Attenuation is given in datasheets by frequency and in dB/100 m. From the value at the system's highest frequency, calculate the loss along the line and compare it with the loss the device allows.
- Inner conductor material: Copper-clad steel (CCS) conductor carries the high-frequency signal, but its DC resistance is higher than copper. If a device such as a satellite dish LNB will be powered through the same cable, consider types with a copper inner conductor on long lines.
- Shield: On lines passing near a transmitter or motor drive, constructions with a high shielding class and braid coverage are chosen.
- Sheath and environment: PE sheath is made for outdoor and underground installation, and halogen-free (HFFR, HF) sheath for buildings where fire conditions are considered. A halogen-free sheath does not make the cable fire-resistant; for the distinction, see the article is halogen-free cable fire-resistant.
- Installation: If a coaxial cable is crushed or bent sharply, its cross-section is distorted and its impedance changes at that point. In the Mekas RG6, RG11 and RG213 data, the minimum bending radius is 10 times the cable outer diameter; for other products follow the manufacturer's value.
Brands in this category
- Reçber Kablo: RG 6, RG 11 and RG 59 cables, 50 ohm RG 58, RG 174, RG 213 and LWR cables, CCTV cables with RG 59 Mini core.
- Mekas Kablo: RG6, RG11 and Mini satellite cables, 50 ohm RG213 U, indoor and outdoor type mini coaxial camera cables.
- Erse Kablo: RG 6 and RG 11 cables (PVC, HFFR and PE sheath options) and CCTV cables.
- 2M Kablo: physically foamed 75 ohm RG 6 and RG 11 cables; PVC and HFFR sheath options.
- Birtaş Kablo: RG6 and Rx11 cables; halogen-free (HF) and PE-sheathed versions.
Order notes
Products are sold by the meter. Sheath and conductor options of the same type are listed as separate products; before adding to the cart, check the sheath (PVC, PE, HFFR) and conductor (Cu/Cu, Cu/Al) wording in the product name. Some of the products are listed as made-to-order; for these products the lead time is confirmed before the order.
Comparison and selection table
| Selection Criterion | RG6 (U4 / U6) Coaxial Cable | RG59 / Composite CCTV (RG59 + Power) | RG11 Trunk Coaxial Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impedance & Center Core | 75 Ohm, ~1.02 mm solid center conductor (Cu or CCS) | 75 Ohm flexible coax + 2×0.50/0.75 mm² DC power cores | 75 Ohm, ~1.63 mm heavy center conductor (low attenuation) |
| Transmission Distance | 150 m – 300 m satellite IF, CATV & HD-over-coax | 50 m – 150 m analog/HD-TVI/AHD camera + 12 V DC feed | 300 m – 600 m long-haul backbone & inter-building runs |
| Shielding & Jacket | Foil + 64/96/128-wire braid, PVC / outdoor PE / LSZH | Flexible jacket for tight camera bracket routing | High-density braid screen, indoor PVC or outdoor PE |
| Typical Application | SMATV satellite distribution, residential TV drops | Analog & HD-over-coax security camera installations | Campus distribution trunks & long RF feeder lines |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RG6 and RG11 cable?
Both are 75 ohm and are used in TV and satellite broadcast distribution. RG11 has a larger inner conductor and outer diameter, so it attenuates less per meter at the same frequency. In the Mekas data, the inner conductor is 1.02 mm for RG6 and 1.63 mm for RG11. RG6 is preferred inside apartments and on short lines, and RG11 on long lines such as a main distribution line; because RG11 is thicker, its minimum bending radius is also larger.
Can RG59 cable be used on a satellite or antenna line?
RG59 is also 75 ohm, but its inner conductor is thin and its loss at high frequency is too great for long distances. For this reason it is used for baseband video signals such as camera images. In satellite and terrestrial broadcast distribution the frequency is much higher, so RG6 is chosen, and RG11 on long lines. Even for a short connection, the decision should be made from the attenuation value in the datasheet and the line length.
Can 50 ohm cable be used instead of 75 ohm cable?
It should not be. On a coaxial line, the impedance of the cable, connector and device must be the same. When the impedance does not match, part of the signal is reflected back, a standing wave forms and loss increases; distortion appears in the picture or the communication. TV, satellite and camera devices work with 75 ohm cable, and radio and wireless communication devices with 50 ohm cable. Go by the impedance value on the device label or in its manual.
What is the difference between coaxial cable with a CCS conductor and cable with a copper conductor?
CCS means a copper-clad steel inner conductor. Because the high-frequency signal flows on the surface of the conductor, the copper cladding carries the signal; however, because of the steel core the DC resistance is higher than a copper conductor. If a device is also powered through the cable, for example a satellite dish LNB, the supply voltage drops more on a long line. On such lines, types with a copper inner conductor are considered.
What does CCTV 1+4 cable mean?
It is a camera cable in which one coaxial core and four additional cores are in the same sheath. The coaxial core carries the image; the additional cores are used for the camera supply and for signals such as audio or alarm. The product name also states the cross-section of the additional cores, for example 2x0.50 mm² and 2x0.22 mm². 1+2 cables have only two additional cores. This construction is for analog cameras with a coaxial input.