What are RG8 Coaxial Cables?

RG8 coaxial cables are a type of coaxial cable commonly used in telecommunications and networking applications. They are designed to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals over long distances with minimal signal loss. RG8 cables are commonly used for base station antennas, long-haul communication links, and other applications where low loss and high performance are required.

The letters A/B/C indicate a specification modification or revision. For instance, RG 8/U is superseded by RG 8A/U.

RG-8/U

 RG-8/U structure 

The RG-8/U is a 50-ohm double-shielded coaxial cable with an outside diameter of 0.405 inches and a maximum working voltage of 4000 Vrms. It has an inner 7-stranded bare copper conductor (carrying the electrical signal), which is enclosed by an insulation layer typically made of low-density solid Polyethylene (PE). The insulation layer is then entirely enclosed by the shield layer made of bare copper braid or a combination of bonded aluminum foil & bare copper braid. The shields form an outer conductor and also provide a shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer called a jacket made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG-8/U cable exhibits a capacitance from 23.7 to 29.6 pF/ft, signal attenuation of around 3 to 6 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depends on the frequency) and has a velocity propagation of up to 85%.

The RG-8/U cable is ideal for use in point-to-point & point-to-multipoint wireless antenna communication, wireless microphones, two-way radios, amateur (Ham) radio, low power FM, GPS, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and a variety of residential & commercial applications.

Key Specifications of RG-8/U Cables

RG-8X/U

The RG-8X/U is a 50-ohm coaxial cable with an outside diameter of 0.242 inches and has a maximum working voltage of up to 2500 Vrms. It has an inner stranded bare copper conductor with 19 x 29 stranding (carrying the electrical signal), which is enclosed by an insulation layer typically made of Form Polyethylene (PE). Then the insulation layer is completely enclosed by the shield layer made of bare copper braid or a combination of aluminum foil & Tinned braid. The shields form an outer conductor and also provide a shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer called a jacket made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG-8X/U cable exhibits approximately 24.8 to 28 pF/ft capacitance and can have signal attenuation of around 6 to 6.6 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depends on the frequency). This cable has an inner conductor diameter of 0.056 inches (1.42 mm), an insulation diameter of 0.155 inches (3.94 mm), and a velocity propagation of 78 % to 82 %. It typically exhibits nominal inductance of 65 nH/ft and has an operating temperature from -40 to + 80°C.  

The RG-8X/U cable is ideal for use in video, wireless mic distribution, point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint wireless antenna communication, wireless microphones, two-way radios, Amateur (Ham) radio, low power FM, GPS, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). 

Key Specifications of RG-8X/U Cables

RG-8A/U

RG-8A/U structure (image credit: Pasternack Enterprises)

The RG-8A/U is a 50-ohm coaxial cable with an outside diameter of 0.405 inches and has a maximum working voltage of up to 5000 Vrms. It has an inner 7-stranded bare copper conductor (carrying the electrical signal), which is enclosed by an insulation layer typically made of low-density solid Polyethylene (PE). Then the insulation layer is completely enclosed by the shield layer made of bare copper braid or a combination of bonded aluminum foil & bare copper braid. The shields form an outer conductor and also provide a shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Finally, the structure is covered with an outermost layer called a jacket made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The jacket protects the cable core from mechanical, moisture, and chemical issues.

The RG-8A/U cable exhibits approximately 29.5 to 30.8 pF/ft capacitance and can have signal attenuation of around 3 to 6 dB/100 ft at 400 MHz (signal attenuation of the cable depends on the frequency). This cable has an inner conductor diameter of 0.085 inches (2.16 mm), an insulation diameter of 0.285 inches (7.23 mm), and a velocity propagation of 66 % to 85 %. It typically exhibits nominal inductance of 79.8 nH/ft and has an operating temperature range from -40 to + 80°C.  

The RG-8A/U cable is ideal for use as the connection cable for two-way radio communication, data processing equipment, information system, CB radio & antenna systems, etc.

Key Specifications of RG-8A/U Cables