RG6 Cable: The Default Coax
Quick answer / TL;DR: Short answer: use RG6 for satellite and cable feeds – its 75-ohm impedance and shield construction suit the frequencies involved. Choose tri-shield or quad-shield where interference is a risk, terminate with compression F-connectors, and keep runs within the loss budget at the highest frequency used.
Three coaxial families: BNC for CCTV, F-type for TV, N for RF – each with its impedance.RG6 is the 75-ohm coaxial cable used for terrestrial, cable and satellite television: a copper-clad steel or copper centre conductor, a dielectric, and a foil-plus-braid shield. Its swept frequency performance suits satellite frequencies that thinner cable cannot carry.
This is the RG6 guide: what distinguishes it, the shield types, and the connector and length rules for a reliable feed.
What Distinguishes RG6
| The feature | RG6 | The alternative |
|---|
| Impedance | 75 ohm | RG59 is also 75, thinner |
| Centre conductor | Copper-clad steel or copper | Stiffer than RG59 |
| Shield | Foil plus braid | Quad-shield options |
| Use | Satellite, cable, aerial | RG59 for short CCTV runs |
RG6's advantage is loss at high frequency, which is why satellite installers specify it rather than the thinner RG59.
Shield and Connector
- Tri-shield or quad-shield for noisy environments
- Compression F-connectors, not twist-on
- Weatherproofing at exterior joints
- No tight bends at the cable entry
The connector is where most aerial faults originate, and compression fittings outperform twist-on types decisively.
Standards and Verification
| The reference | The relevance |
|---|
| 75-ohm impedance | Aerial and satellite systems |
| IEC 61169 | F-connector standards |
| Field test | Signal level and quality at the receiver |
Per-SKU loss figures are not provided in the knowledge base. The cable type is standard; measure at the receiver rather than assuming loss.
Practical Notes
A kinked RG6 cable is permanently degraded: the dielectric deforms and the impedance changes. Handle reels with a large bend radius, and reject any cable that has been sharply folded.
Real-World Applications
The satellite install
A dish feed run in quad-shield RG6 with compression connectors: signal quality stable in rain – the shield and the joints doing the work.
The kinked reel
A reel stored against a corner: one section deformed. The affected length cut out – the impedance change would have caused intermittent loss.
Related reading: coax cable — blogs/news/coax-cable
Related reading: rg6 vs rg59 cable — blogs/news/rg6-vs-rg59-cable
Related reading: rg6 75 ohm coax — blogs/news/rg6-75-ohm-coax
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RG6 used for?
Aerial, cable and satellite television feeds.
RG6 or RG59?
RG6 for satellite and long runs; RG59 for short CCTV links.
Which connectors?
Compression F-connectors.
Does bending damage it?
Yes – a sharp fold deforms the dielectric permanently.
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