Choosing a Coaxial Cable: RG6 vs. RG 11 vs. RG59
The most commonly mentioned coax cables are RG6, RG 11, and RG 59. This blog highlights the differences between the three to help you make the right choice for your transmission lines.
All three are 75 Ohm cables with a copper-clad steel conductor, some variation of polyethylene insulation, and a 30V voltage rating. Interestingly, each name doesn't have the word "coax" in it. Instead, the term "RG" is used, which is the abbreviation for radio guide. The radio guide was the original specification used to distinguish between the cables carrying radio frequency signals used by the US military since the 1930s. The numbers 6, 11, and 59 in coax cable specifications are primarily random and do not mean that these cables were released in any particular order.
RG6 - The Universal Coaxial Cable Good For Most Applications
RG6 is the market's most widely used coaxial cable that works well with most contemporary applications. RG6 is capable of carrying signals over long distances. It is also capable of operating at higher frequencies than other cables of the range. RG6 is commonly used in radio antennas along with RG59.
RG6 is marketed as a baseband transmission line cable. The cable possesses a high attenuation level. The cable is also good value for money and is flexible. Overall, you will not be disappointed with RG6 for any indoor application, whether it is the radio antennas, internet, CCTV, or cable tv. The gauge of the RG6 cable is 18 AWG.
RG11 - A Cable For Outside Use When Specifications Call For Something Extra
Rg11 is a coaxial cable that is used mainly in harsh conditions outside. It works best in specific cases, such as direct burial or cables running for hundreds of meters. For the most part, Rg11 is suitable for indoor applications because it is heavier, not flexible, and more difficult to install.
However, it is a perfect cable for long runs outdoors. The cable has a low attenuation level, which means it can last for over a kilometer. Because Rg11 is made extra thick to fit the harsh environmental conditions, it is also a more expensive cable than RG6 and RG 11. The price of installation will also be higher because of the installation difficulty. The size of RG11 is 14 AWG.
RG59 - An Old-Fashioned Cable Still Used For Radio Antennas
Rg59 is a similar cable to RG6, but the latter works better for most applications. The thing is that the signal loss of an RG59 is too high for most contemporary applications, and the cable does not do well at high frequencies. However, this cable still works well with most antennas. It is marketed as a cable for security cameras and CCTV, but RG6 might still be a better option for those applications. As a rule, the gauge of RG59 is 22 AWG.
The Bottom Line
- Use Rg6 for most projects that involve coax cables
- Use Rg11 for outdoor projects at long lengths
- Use RG59 for antennas or skip it altogether
