RG59 Vs. RG6 – Technical Facts and How to Choose the Right One for Cable TV
If you want to hook up cable TV, satellite, or internet in your place, you’ve probably seen the terms RG59 and RG6 coaxial cables mentioned. I know they seem nearly identical — but there are some key differences between them.
So cable companies had to develop a new modern cable. That’s exactly what RG6 does.
This new coax cable featured a larger conductor and thicker insulation to accommodate digital TV and broadband internet. It did a much better job of preserving the signal over long distances than RG59.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about RG59 and RG6 coax cables!
What Are They?
The RG (Radio Guide) rating system came from the military term Radio Guide. The numbers that follow “RG” are assigned at random to distinguish one type of cable specification from another. RG59And there are literally hundreds of different RG rated cables but we’ll stick with the most common ones for consumer applications, RG59 and RG6.
RG59
RG59 is an old timer. It was the same kind of cable used by technicians to get cable TV services up and running in the old days. The braiding worked well for longer-wavelength, lower-frequency signals that were used by old analog TV.
But as the tech marched on RG59 began to show its age. When the switch to all digital broadcasts happened, along with the offering of internet service by most cable companies, RG59 just became out-modified. Ripple Effects: And now the signals were at much higher frequencies that RG59 wasn’t built for!
RG6
RG6 is the latest star, and RG59 is on the bench. But RG59 still has a couple roles where it’s useful which we’ll discuss next.
Let us now see what applications are best suited for each cable.
What RG59 Is Good For
Don’t count RG59 out completely! It might not be the best fit for modern TV and internet signals, but it can still process:
- Vintage analog video hardware
- Security cameras CCTV
- Low frequency transmissions less than 50MHz
This is because RG59 (which has a thin 18AWG conductor) performs better when used for shorter wiring runs. For example, hooking up an out-dated VCR or CCTV setup in a home or business building.
It’s also inexpensive these days, so it’s good for low-bandwidth, noncritical video usage where you don’t need much bandwidth.
Some RG59 uses a simple copper braid shield. But some of the better ones also have a layer of extra foil shielding. This allows for interferences at those low frequency signals more susceptible to being blocked.
One added benefit of RG59, though, is that it’s really easy to work with. There is “Siamese” coax, where a run of RG59 coax is bundled with an 18AWG power wire. This enables you to send both video and power to devices like security cameras over a single cable. Sweet!
But for most use cases nowadays, you will want to check out RG6 instead.
Why RG6 is the New Preferences
RG6 was designed for success in the digital age. It is optimized to transmit the gigahertz frequency signals upon which cable, satellite and broadband internet depend.
Here’s why RG6 is king of the hill today:
- Thicker Conductor – 16AWG thickness resists signal loss
- A thicker insulation to protect against interference
- Multi-layered shields prevent signal leakage
That duet translates to rock solid 4K video streaming and reliable high-speed internet connectivity. And where RG59 chokes on data above 50MHz, RG6 is asking for a buffet of data.
RG6 was originally made using a 60% copper braided shield. However, many current-day cables rely on an even thicker 95%+ weave. This offers optimum interference shielding without the expense of going full quad-shield.
All in all, RG6 is reliable and makes sure that you have a future-proof performance. No surprise it instantly became the norm for any new nearby TV or the internet, only to set up.
Other Cable Features To Consider
Choosing between RG59 and RG6 is only part of the choice. You also have to think about shielding, signal loss, and special ratings for plenum or outdoor applications.
Don’t Be Confused by RG6/U
You may see cable marked “RG6/U” — the U doesn’t mean much of anything. Some people say “universal,” but there’s no one definition.
RG6 versus RG6/U equals same basic cable type. ZOJI Just read the specs close if you need a particular jacket type or ratings.
Greater Shielding = Lower Interference
Shielding is what prevents outside signals from interfering with your signal transmission. In fact, two main types are used in coax cables:
- Foil shielding – Aluminum or mylar foil bonded to the inner insulation. It blocks high frequency interference.
- Braided shielding – Small woven copper wire around the cable. That protects you from lower frequency interference.
- RG59 is just a copper braid – RG59 only takes a simple copper braid But RG6 uses dual foil AND braided shielding for top-notch shielding.
The more shielding a cable has, the better it will generally perform. Particularly over long distances where noise has the opportunity to enter the system.
“Quad shield” coax adds 2 more of each type of shield – but it’s overkill for the vast majority of homes. A similar new RG6 cable with better than 95% braided coverage is almost as good.
Signal Fades Over Distance
Physics tells us that some signals will be lost in the length of any cable. The longer the runs of cable, the more degradation you’re likely to see.
The lower loss and higher capacity of RG6 allows it to retain a stronger signal over greater distances. Approximately (the approximate amount of loss per 100 feet of cable is):
- RG59: 6.6dB loss
- RG6: 3.9dB loss
So, if you have long cable runs to make from an antenna or satellite dish, use RG6.
Unique Ratings for Unique Industries
Your coax cable installation location will determine which of the following ratings you need to look for:
- Plenum – Plenum insulation is needed by code for cables that run through air-handling spaces like drop ceilings. It uses a unique low-smoke, flame retardant material.
- Direct Burial – If burying in the ground, search for an outdoor PE jacket and watertight gel inside. This helps protect the cable from moisture damage.
Get cable with an appropriate rating to keep your setup safe and code-compliant.
Final Verdict
Now, let’s recap when to use each kind of cable:
Use RG6 For:
- Cable TV
- Satellite service
- Off-air antenna TV
- Broadband internet
Use RG59 For:
- Analog video gear
- CCTV cameras
- Under 50MHz signals
And make sure to check the:
- Shielding rating
- Conductor gauge – 16AWG vs 18AWG
- Type of jacket — plenum, direct burial, etc.
Getting the correct coax will result in stunningly clear signals. And so making solid connections is time well spent — use a proper crimping tool to snap those F-connectors in tightly!
FAQs
Do you need plenum cable for residential applications?
No, plenum ratings only apply where building codes require cables in ventilation spaces. Standard residential coax cable is perfectly fine for in-home use even if routed through attics or crawl spaces.
What temperature range can RG6 withstand?
RG6 is a well rounded cable that can operate from -4F to 140F and maintains flexibility at cold temperatures due to the use of a polyethylene jacket. RG6 can withstand most outdoor temperature swings, as long as you’re not constantly exposing it to extreme heat.
Can I bury coax cable directly in the ground?
Exposed joins are sure to rot to death — use only direct burial cable, shielded and gel-filled waterproofing. AND bury below code threshold to avoid damage
Is RG6 more susceptible to lightning strikes?
RG6 is no more or less susceptible to lightning-induced damage than RG59. The best protection for all types of coax cable against lightning is proper grounding at entry points.
