RG6 vs RG59 Coaxial Cable: Key Differences and Uses

If you want good signal, you should know the difference between RG6 vs RG59 cables. RG6 cables are better for high-frequency signals and long distances. They have a thicker center wire and more insulation compared to RG59 cables, which work for low-frequency uses but lose more signal if the cable is long. You use coaxial cables to connect TVs, internet, or security systems. The letters 'RG' mean "Radio Guide," which helps you understand what kind of cable it is.

• RG6 cables lose less signal and work well for HD content.

• RG59 cables lose more signal and are best for short, low-frequency connections.

Key Takeaways

• RG6 cables are great for high-frequency signals and long distances. They are good for HD TV and fast internet.

• RG59 cables are best for short, low-frequency connections. They are often used for CCTV systems. This is because they have thinner wire and less shielding.

• Always look at the RG rating before you buy a coaxial cable. This helps make sure it fits your needs for signal quality and distance.

• For outdoor use or places with lots of electronic noise, pick RG6 with dual shielding. This gives better protection from interference.

• Think about where you will install the cable and how long it needs to be. This helps you choose between RG6 and RG59 for the best performance.

RG6 vs RG59: Main Differences

Construction

When you look at rg6 and rg59, you see they are built differently. RG6 coaxial cable has a bigger center wire, usually 18 AWG. RG59 has a smaller wire, often 20 or 22 AWG. The thicker wire in rg6 lets more signal move with less trouble. RG6 coaxial cable also has thicker insulation. This extra layer helps keep the signal safe from outside noise. RG6 usually has both foil and braided shielding. RG59 often has just braided shielding. These things make rg6 coaxial cable stronger and better for fast data.

Feature	RG6	RG59
Conductor Material	Larger conductor (18 AWG)	Smaller conductor (20/22 AWG)
Insulation Thickness	Thicker dielectric insulation	Thinner dielectric insulation
Shielding	Foil and braided shielding	Braided shielding only
Performance	High-bandwidth applications	Low-bandwidth applications

Tip: If you want a cable for HD TV or internet, pick rg6 coaxial cable. It can carry more data and keeps your signal strong.

Signal Loss

Signal loss means the signal gets weaker as it moves through the cable. In the rg6 vs rg59 choice, rg6 is better for long cables. The bigger wire and thicker insulation in rg6 coaxial cable help keep signal loss low. RG59 loses more signal, especially if the cable is long or the signal is high-frequency. You can see the difference in the table below:

Coax Type	Frequency	Loss (dB/100 ft)
RG-6	Channel 2	1.5
RG-6	Channel 13	3.0
RG-6	Channel 14	4.5
RG-6	Channel 51	5.6
RG-6	950 MHz	6.4
RG-6	2150 MHz	9.7
RG-59	General Use	≈ 6.0

RG6 coaxial cable loses less signal than RG59 at every frequency. For example, at 100 MHz, RG6 loses 6.5 dB per 100 meters. RG59 loses 8.5 dB at the same length. This means rg6 keeps your signal clear for longer distances.

Frequency Range

The frequency range tells you what signals the cable can carry. RG6 coaxial cable works up to 3 GHz. RG59 works up to 1 GHz. This is important when you need to send high-frequency signals, like satellite TV or fast internet. RG6 vs RG59 shows rg6 is better for new uses. RG59 fits older or low-frequency systems.

Feature	RG59	RG6
Maximum Frequency	1 GHz	3 GHz

Coaxial Cable	Frequency Range	Suitable Applications
RG6	Up to 3 GHz	Cable television, satellite receivers, broadband Internet
RG59	Up to 2 GHz	CCTV systems, low-frequency applications
RG59	Below 50 MHz	Ideal for transmitting signals under this threshold

Note: If you need a cable for fast internet or HD TV, rg6 coaxial cable is the best pick. RG59 works well for CCTV or old analog systems.

Coaxial Cable Basics

What Is a Coaxial Cable?

You can find coaxial cables behind your TV or with internet. A coaxial cable moves signals between devices. Its design helps keep signals strong and clear. The cable’s layers block outside noise. This makes your connection steady.

Here is a table that shows the main parts of a coaxial cable:

Layer	Description
Central Conductor	A central copper wire, either solid or multi-strand, that carries the signal.
Insulating Layer	A plastic insulator that separates the central conductor from the shielding.
Shielding Layer	A mesh conductive layer that protects against external interference.
Outer Sheath	An outer layer, typically made of PVC, that protects the cable from environmental damage.

Each layer does something important:

• The central conductor sends signals through the cable.

• The insulating layer stops the signal from leaking out.

• The shielding layer blocks bad signals from outside.

• The outer sheath keeps the cable safe from water and heat.

Coaxial cables keep your signal safe and steady. This makes them great for TV, internet, and security systems.

What Does 'RG' Mean?

When you buy coaxial cables, you see labels like RG6 or RG59. "RG" means "Radio Guide." This name comes from old military rules. The number after "RG" tells you the cable’s size and use. For example:

• RG6 works well for high-frequency signals.

• RG59 is good for low-frequency jobs.

You pick the right cable by looking at the RG number. Each type works best for certain tasks.

Tip: Always check the RG rating before buying a coaxial cable. Picking the right one helps your devices work better.

RG6 vs RG59 Comparison

RG6 Coaxial Cable Features

RG6 cables are used in homes and offices. They work well when you need strong signals. The cable has a thick 18 AWG center wire. It uses both foil and braided shielding to block outside noise. This helps keep your signal safe from interference. RG6 has a 75 Ohm impedance. It is good for cable TV, satellite TV, and internet. The thick insulation and strong shielding lower signal loss. This is helpful for long cable runs. RG6 is also good for outdoor use and high-frequency signals.

Feature	Description
Gauge	Heavier gauge cable designed for high-bandwidth, high-frequency applications
Shielding Type	Combination of foil and braided shielding
Impedance	75 Ohm
Center Conductor	18 AWG center conductor
Recommended Use Cases	Internet, cable TV, satellite TV signals
Signal Protection	Protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI)

Tip: Pick RG6 if you want less signal loss and strong performance for TV or internet.

RG59 Coaxial Cable Features

RG59 coaxial cable is found in old setups and security systems. It has a thin 22 AWG center wire. The shielding is usually just braided. This means it does not block outside noise as well. RG59 also has a 75 Ohm impedance. It works best for short cables and low-frequency signals. The cable is more flexible, so it fits in tight spaces. But signal loss happens faster with longer cables.

Specification	RG6	RG59
Industry Standard	Cable TV, satellite TV, internet	Security cameras, CCTV, radio antennas
Construction	Thicker, better quality	Thinner, less expensive
Applications	Outdoor use	Indoor use
Frequency Handling	High-frequency signals	Limited for long distances
Impedance	75 ohm	75 ohm
Gauge	18 AWG	22 AWG

Note: Use RG59 coaxial cable for CCTV or radio antennas if the cable is short.

RG59 vs RG6: Performance

RG59 and RG6 cables work differently. RG6 has better shielding with foil and braid layers. This means less signal loss and better protection. RG59 only has braided shielding. So, signal loss happens faster, especially with long cables. RG6 is not as flexible because of its thick core. But it gives you a strong signal for long cable runs. RG59 bends more easily and is simple to install. But it does not work well for high-frequency signals or long cables.

Attribute	RG6	RG59
Shielding Effectiveness	Better shielding with both braided and foil	Braided shielding only
Flexibility	Less flexible due to thicker core	More flexible with thinner core
Maximum Recommended Run Length	Preferred for longer runs due to lower attenuation	Not explicitly stated, less effective for long runs

Remember: For long cables and high-frequency signals, use RG6 for best results. Use RG59 for short, indoor cables where bending is important.

Uses and Applications

RG6 for TV and Internet

RG6 is the top coaxial cable for tv and internet. You can use it inside or outside your home. RG6 connects your tv to satellite or cable services. It also works for broadband internet and digital tv. The thick wire and strong shielding help keep signals clear. This is true even when the cable is long. RG6 is great for HD tv, cable internet, and digital video.

Common uses for rg6 include:

• Hooking up your tv to satellite or cable services

• Giving fast internet to homes or offices

• Helping security cameras get strong signals

• Setting up satellite dishes for digital tv

• Working well inside and outside buildings

RG6 works better than rg59 for tv and internet. The table below shows how rg6 is stronger in important ways:

Feature	RG6	RG59
Conductor Thickness	Thicker	Thinner
Shielding	Superior	Standard
Signal Loss	Lower over longer distances	Higher over longer distances
High-Frequency Performance	Better	Adequate

Pick rg6 if you want good cable internet, digital tv, or satellite tv. Its design gives you better signal and less loss, especially for long cables. You also get more protection from outside noise because of the strong shielding.

Tip: For tv and internet, rg6 is the best coaxial cable. You will see clearer pictures and faster internet.

RG59 for CCTV and Video

RG59 is mostly used in cctv systems and analog video. This cable is thin and bends easily, so it fits in small spaces. RG59 is good for short cables and low-frequency signals. You can use it to connect cameras to screens or recorders in cctv setups. It is also found in home theaters and some pro video setups.

Application Type	Description
CCTV Systems	Connects cameras to screens or recorders, sending video over medium distances.
Broadcast and Television	Used in pro video work to send video from cameras to other gear.
Home Theater Systems	Connects things like DVD players to TVs, giving steady video signals.

RG59 is a smart pick for analog video and cctv when you do not need long cables. It can send digital video in old setups, but it is not as good as rg6 for fast signals.

The table below compares rg59 and rg6 for video watching:

Feature	RG59	RG6
Frequency Range	Lower-frequency applications	Higher-frequency applications
Signal Quality	Good for analog video	Great for fast signals
Distance Rating	700 feet for analog CCTV	1000 feet for analog CCTV
Construction	Thinner, less shielding	Thicker, better shielding

Use rg59 for short cables in cctv or when you need to bend the cable indoors. If you need longer cables or better signals, rg6 is a better choice.

Note: RG59 is still used in cctv, but for new setups or long cables, rg6 is often better.

Choosing the Right Cable

Think about what you need before picking a coaxial cable. The best cable depends on the signal type, cable length, and where you use it. Use this table to help you choose:

Factor	RG6 Characteristics	RG59 Characteristics
Installation Distance	Best for cables over 100 feet with less signal loss	Good for short cables
System’s Frequency Range	Great for high-frequency systems like HD satellite	Works for low-frequency systems
Environment	Strong shielding for outdoor use	Good for indoor setups
Equipment Type	Needed for new devices	Works with older equipment

Pick rg6 for cable tv, cable internet, and digital tv. It handles high frequencies and long cables without losing signal. RG6 is also good outside because of its strong shielding. If you need a cable for cctv, analog video, or short indoor runs, rg59 is a good choice. It bends easily and fits in tight spots.

Remember these points:

• RG6 is best for long cables and fast signals.

• RG59 works for short cables and slow signals.

• Where you install the cable matters. RG6 does better where there is lots of outside noise.

Remember: Always match the cable to your needs. RG6 is usually best for tv and internet. RG59 works well for cctv and analog video if the cable is short.

Other Factors

Shielding Types

Shielding helps keep your rg6 or rg59 cable safe from outside signals. Coaxial cables can have different shielding types. Single shielding has one layer, usually a braid. Dual shielding adds a foil layer with the braid. Quad shielding uses two foil layers and two braids. More layers give your signal better protection, especially where there is lots of electronic noise.

Feature	Dual Shield Coaxial	Quad Shield Coaxial
Construction	Center wire, insulation, foil tape, and wire braid	Same parts plus extra foil tape and wire braid
Shielding	One foil tape and one wire braid	Two foil tapes and two wire braids
Applications	Good for homes	Best for places with lots of interference like offices or antennas

Quad shielding gives your cable stronger protection. RG6 cables often use both foil and braid. This blocks both high and low-frequency interference. RG59 cables usually have only braided shielding. They work best for lower frequencies. If you put a cable in a busy area with lots of electronics, quad shield rg6 is the best choice.

Tip: Use quad shield rg6 in places with lots of electronics or radio signals.

Jacketing

The jacket covers your cable and keeps it safe. The jacketing material helps your rg6 or rg59 cable last longer. Some jackets stop water from getting inside and hurting your signal. Others block sunlight so your cable does not crack outside. Good jacketing also protects against heat and cold. This keeps your cable strong all year.

• Jacketing materials protect your cable from hot and cold.

• Jackets that resist moisture keep water out.

• UV-resistant jackets stop sunlight from hurting your cable.

If you use a cable outside, pick one with strong jacketing. Indoor cables do not need as much protection. Outdoor cables must handle rain, sun, and changing temperatures.

Compatibility

You want your rg6 or rg59 cable to fit your devices. Most coaxial cables use F-type connectors. These connectors work with cable modems, satellite receivers, and TVs. You can get straight, right-angle, or bulkhead styles for different setups. Both rg6 and rg59 cables use these connectors. You can connect them to many devices.

• F-type connectors fit rg6 and rg59 cables.

• You use these cables with TVs, modems, and satellite receivers.

• Different connector styles help you install cables in small spaces.

Check your device before you buy a cable. Make sure the connector matches your equipment. RG6 works best for new devices and long cables. RG59 fits older systems and short connections.

You can see RG6 and RG59 cables have different strengths. RG6 uses a thicker wire and better shielding, so you get stronger signals for TV and internet. RG59 works for short runs and older systems. Check this table to compare:

Factor	RG6	RG59
Wire Gauge	18 AWG	20 AWG
Shielding	Foil and braided	Single braided
Signal Quality	Better	Lower
Frequency Range	Higher	Lower

Choose RG6 for most projects. Always look at shielding, jacketing, and device compatibility before you buy.

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.

 

AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic   components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.

 

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