{"id":5397,"date":"2022-09-01T14:05:25","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T14:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/?p=5397"},"modified":"2023-01-16T06:22:31","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T06:22:31","slug":"rg-6-vs-rg-59","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/rg-6-vs-rg-59\/","title":{"rendered":"RG-6 vs RG-59: What is the Difference Between Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Most equipment around you might be working on coaxial cables<\/a> since they can handle high-speed data transfer. Although they look the same, there are still many variations in coaxial cables as the conductor size changes. Two of the common types of it are RG59 and RG6. Often mistaken as one, RG6 and RG59 work on impedance values of 75 Ohm. Moreover, both of them use some connector, the F-type one. However, the question arises can you use them interchangeably? Also, do they have specific properties that you need to consider while choosing RG-6 vs. RG-59<\/strong>?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n RG6 and RG59 cables mostly have similar construction. They both have a center conductor, a dielectric, a shield, and an outer jacket. However, these parts have few differences in them. <\/p>\n\n\n CCS, an acronym for copper-clad steel<\/a>, is the most common material used for the center conductor. RG6 cables, on the other hand, are significantly thicker than RG59 cables. The center conductor of an RG6 cable is typically 18 AWG<\/a> in size, but the center conductor of an RG59 cable is 20 AWG in size.<\/p>\n\n\n One thing that all coaxial cables have is how you categorize their insulation. The typical coaxial cable is rated MIL-C-17<\/a>, the standard grade needed to protect the insides from damage from environmental causes. Since these cables are often outside, you must consider rain, snow, and other weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other coaxial cables, like those used in harsher environments, have the military-grade heavy-duty rating of M17\/74. M17\/74 insulation breaks down much more slowly than MIL-C-17 insulation, so it protects the signal better. Such insulations are also good for running the cables underground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, RG 6 has thinker insulation than RG 59.<\/p>\n\n\n Shielding keeps ‘noise’ out of your transmission, preserving the quality of your signal. Braid and foil shielding are the most common choices for coaxial cable manufacturers. Most coaxial cables are equipped with a pair of conductors (although few RG-59 cables use a single shield). Most cables function better over long distances if they are shielded. However, there are exceptions depending on the type of data being transmitted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Mylar or aluminum foil connects to a dielectric, and a metal braiding surrounds a foil shield. Also, strong electromagnetic interference or EMF can be effectively shielded by foil. Many tiny wire strands are braided around the dielectric (and foil). The braid can block low signal interference. Copper braiding is used in RG 59 cable, while you can use copper or aluminum braid in RG 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find a cable with an additional layer of metal and braided shielding called “quad-shielded” that can provide superior protection. However, some coaxial cables perform better, even without the additional thickness and mass of quad cables, using a 95 percent braid.<\/p>\n\n\n RG 59 and RG 6 can have different jackets and may or may not be rated for your chosen installation.<\/p>\n\n\n Plenums are air-circulating areas above or below the ceiling. Because they have higher oxygen gas and fewer fire barriers, these spaces are vital for airflow in office spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Improper cabling in the plenum space can cause fire, and smoke spreads quickly. Therefore, you must use plenum cables since they are flame-retardant and have special plastics. Moreover, it doesn’t release harmful gases or smoke like regular plastics. Thus, any cable used in plenum spaces must have a plenum rating.<\/p>\n\n\n If you run wire outside, it requires weatherproofing, so outer cables are weather resistant. Also, Polyethylene (PE)<\/a> jackets replace UV-resistant PVC in outdoor cables. Thus, the cable’s outer jacket resists cold, dampness, chemicals, cuts, and abrasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moisture becomes a bigger problem when burying coaxial cable. Without shielding, moisture and impurities can corrode the shields and conducting material. Direct burial cable contains the same PE jacket as outdoor coax and a gel-type material that prevents water from eroding the metal and harming the signal.<\/p>\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n
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Construction of RG-6 vs RG-59<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
Conductor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Insulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Shielding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Cable Jacket<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Plenum Rating<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
Direct or Outdoor Burial Coax<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n