RG6 vs. RG6U Coax Cable: Are There Any Differences?
RG6 is the most popular and most versatile type of coaxial cable on the market. Depending on where you buy your Rg6 cable, you may or may not see the designation RG6U for this type of cable. Are there any noticeable differences between the two? Read this blog to find out.
What Is an RG6 Cable?
Rg6 is a universal coax cable for indoor coax applications. RG6 cable has 75 Ohm impedance, and it is sized 18 AWG. It is commonly used in:
- Radio Antennas
- Radio Frequency Signals
- Ethernet Networks
- Cable Television
- HDTV
- Digital Audio Systems
- Live Broadcasting
- Military, Aerospace, And satellite applications as long as the cable possesses the right jacket/conductor/insulation type.
RG 6 Is A General Term, Not A Cable With a Particular Type Of Shielding Or Insulation
In general, while RG6 possesses common characteristics that make it different from other coax cables like RG59 and RG11, RG6 is still a generic umbrella term. RG6 cables may have different features depending on the manufacturer, including types of insulation, jacket, shielding, conductor, or other materials used in cables. Rg-6 is a high-frequency coaxial cable that operates at long distances, but what's inside the cable may differ depending on the manufacturer. If your application calls for a specific type of shielding or jacket, it is best to check the product you need on the manufacturer's website directly.
What Does RG6/U Mean?
There is much conflicting information online regarding what the RG6/U term actually stands for. Some say that this indicates a particular type of cable insulation. Conflicting educated guesses include "underground," "universal," and "UV resistant." None of these terms are accurate. While the term "universal" is not particularly harmful, words like "underground" and "UV resistant" might create confusion because they imply that the cable can be directly buried or used outdoors, which is not the case for RG6 cables. RG6 are used outdoors, while RG6 is an indoor cable. The coax cable that is suitable for outdoor use is RG11.
RG6/U also does not stand for a quad-shielded RG6 cable. A quad-shielded RG6 cable has its own term, RG6Q.
In reality, RG6/U simply means "general utility coax cable." This refers to all typical applications of an RG6 cable, such as radio antennas, radio frequency signals, ethernet networks, and everything else. The cable is suitable for versatile residential and commercial use.
All in all, there are no real differences between RG6 and RG6/U. It is essentially the same cable. When buying a cable, you do not have to worry about RG6 vs. RG6/U. Simply check the specs if you need particular shielding/jacket/other features.
Key Takeaways
- RG6/U does not stand for underground or UV resistant. The cable is mostly used indoors.
- RG6/U is a general utility coax cable, which is meant to refer to a wide range of applications.
- RG6/U and RG6 are the same. Manufacturers use the terms interchangeably.
- The shielding/ jacket/ insulation may be different.
