More about Coaxial Cables

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Used to transmit various high-frequency signals, coaxial cables are well-insulated electrical cables that encounter minimal signal interference. From the center outward, they consist of a solid copper core wire, an inner insulator, a conductive sheath, and an outer insulator. The conductive sheath is typically made of braided copper, but can also be a solid copper layer, such as a foil. In a coaxial cable, the outer copper sheath acts as an electrical ground while the central cable carries the signal. Heavy duty coaxial cables, which are often used in telecommunications applications, may include additional layers of shielding and insulation, and are often less flexible than standard cable.

Regularly employed in cable television transmission and computer networking functions, coaxial cables are a durable means of relaying certain signal types over considerable distances. Due to the nature of their design, the electromagnetic waves that travel along transmission lines are kept within the cable, thereby preventing unwanted disturbances along the line. In addition, coaxial cables will not induce current into surrounding materials.

The inner insulator of a coaxial cable is typically made from polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), both of which are highly resistant to electric current; these materials are known as dielectrics. Various environmental factors will cause the dielectric material to degrade over time, thereby rendering the cable ineffective. Any small breaks in the dielectric material can also lead to cable failure, as contact between the outer copper sheath and central copper wire will stop signal transmission.

Coaxial cable is typically categorized by its RG number, which designates its approximate impedance, capacitance and gauge. Other important measurements are length and temperature capacity. A wide variety of connectors and splitters are available for coaxial cable, designed to correspond to specific RG numbers. The cable’s RG number also plays an important role in its effectiveness for certain applications, and should be considered during selection.