What are RG58 Coaxial Cables?

RG-58 Coaxial Cables are a type of cable that forms an essential component in many electronic systems and networking installation applications. They offer excellent signal integrity and low signal loss, making them suitable for long-haul communication links. A high degree of durability and flexible design makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor scenarios.

RG-58/U

RG-58/U Cable Structure

The RG58/U is a 53.5-ohm coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 0.195 inches and has a voltage rating of up to 1900 Vrms. It has an internal bare copper conductor (carrying the electrical signal), which is enclosed by an insulation layer made of Polyethylene (PE). The insulation layer is then completely enclosed by 1 tinned copper braid shield that forms the outer conductor and also provides shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer - called a jacket - made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-I). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG58/U cable exhibits capacitance of approximately 28.8 pF/ft (94.73 pF/m), signal attenuation of around 11.7 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depending on the frequency) and has a velocity of propagation of 66%. It has a center conductor measuring 0.032 inches (0.82 mm) in diameter and an insulation layer measuring 0.116 inches (2.95 mm) in diameter. This cable is ideal for use in broadcasting equipment, HF and VHF line-of-sight radio transmission antennas as feed cables, electronic equipment, and closed-circuit TV circuits.

Key Specifications of RG-58/U Coaxial Cables

RG-58A/U

RG-58A/U cable structure and cross-section view

The RG-58A/U is a 52-ohm coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 0.195 inches and a voltage rating of up to 1900 Vrms. It has an inner tinned copper wire (carrying the electrical signal) with 19x33 stranding construction. The inner conductor is enclosed by an insulation layer made of Polyethylene (PE). The insulation layer is then completely enclosed by 1 tinned copper braid shield that forms the outer conductor and also provides shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer - called a jacket - made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-I). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG-58A/U cable exhibits capacitance of approximately 30 pF/ft (98.68 pF/m), signal attenuation of around 13.2 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depends on the frequency), and has a velocity propagation of 66%. It has a center conductor measuring 0.035 inches (0.89 mm) in diameter and an insulation layer measuring 0.116 inches (2.94 mm) in diameter. This cable is ideal for use in data transmission, RF communication, broadcast, and computer applications. 

Key Specifications of RG-58A/U Coaxial Cables

RG-58B/U

The RG58B/U is a 53.5-ohm coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 0.195 inches and a voltage rating of up to 1900 Vrms. It has an internal bare copper conductor (carrying the electrical signal), which is enclosed by an insulation layer made of Polyethylene (PE). The insulation layer is then completely enclosed by 1 tinned copper braid shield that forms the outer conductor and also provides shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer - called a jacket - made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-IIA). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG58B/U cable exhibits capacitance of approximately 28 pF/ft (92.1 pF/m), and signal attenuation of around 14.0 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depending on the frequency). It has a center conductor measuring 0.032 inches (0.82 mm) in diameter and an insulation layer measuring 0.116 inches (2.95 mm) in diameter.

Key Specifications of RG-58B/U Coaxial Cables

RG-58C/U

RG-58C/U Cable Structure

The RG-58C/U is a 50-ohm coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 0.195 inches and a voltage rating of up to 1900 Vrms. It has an inner tinned copper wire (carrying the electrical signal) with 19x33 stranding construction. The inner conductor is enclosed by an insulation layer made of Polyethylene (PE). The insulation layer is then completely enclosed by 1 tinned copper braid shield that forms the outer conductor and also provides shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer - called a jacket - made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-IIA). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG-58C/U cable exhibits capacitance of approximately 31 pF/ft (101.97 pF/m), signal attenuation of around 14.0 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depends on the frequency), and has a velocity propagation of 66%. It has a center conductor measuring 0.036 inches (0.91 mm) in diameter and an insulation layer measuring 0.116 inches (2.94 mm) in diameter. 

This cable is ideal for use in many military & civil radio frequency (RF) operations, including cable television (CATV/MATV), telecommunications, WiFi/network antennas, laboratory benches, and ham/CB/other radio setups, as well as any other signal transfer applications in fields such as aerospace, scientific and medical. Also, this cable type is approved for direct burial.

Key Specifications of RG-58C/U Coaxial Cables