What Does RG Mean in Coax Cable?

As you learn about the different types of coaxial cables you have at your disposal, you’ll see the same two letters over and over, followed by a different number. So, what does RG mean in coax cable?

This stands for “Radio Guide”, and refers to a system developed for military communications during World War II. While it’s still used today, it has evolved into a standard shorthand for the size, impedance, and shielding of different coax cables. 

Each RG number corresponds to specific characteristics that make the cable ideal for particular uses, such as internet, TV, or data transmission. From RG-6 to RG-213, there are a ton of options to choose from, and we hope to help you figure out which is right for you by the end of this guide.

After all, AudioVideoElectric.com is your trusted source for all your coax cable bulk needs! You can also get in touch with our helpful, friendly customer service team for a personalized recommendation on which of our top-tier, affordable solutions is right for you.

In the meantime, let’s get into the details - what does RG mean in coax cable designation?

What Does RG Mean in Coax Cable? Explaining “Radio Guide” Designations

The Radio Guide classification system originated with the U.S. military during World War II. It was used to standardize coaxial cables for military communication equipment. It helped identify different types of cables based on their size, impedance, and construction.

Fast forward to the present day and the RG system has been adopted into the commercial and consumer sectors, where it became a shorthand for describing coaxial cables.

The number following the “RG” (be it RG-6, RG-59, or RG-11) dictates the specific characteristics of the cable in question - like its thickness, insulation type, and shielding. All of these are essential specifications for choosing the right cable in a given use case.

For example, RG-6 is commonly used in homes for television and internet connections for its balance of cost, durability, and performance. On the other hand, RG-11 is thicker and thus better suited for longer cable runs where signal loss is a concern.

That being said, let’s take a closer look at all the different RG cables you can choose from.

The Different RG Cable Types You Have Access to Today

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different RG designations, but there are really just 5 you need to know about - and chances are, there’s one that aligns most closely with your specific application. These are:

• RG-6: This is the standard for home installations like cable TV, satellite, and internet connections. It offers a good balance between performance and cost. It’s ideal for indoor and outdoor use with relatively short runs.
• RG-59: More flexible than RG-6 although it may not be as effective for high-frequency signals. Instead, it’s preferred for short distances in settings where flexibility is important - like CCTV systems and other low-frequency applications. 
• RG-11: This cable is much thicker than RG-6 or RG-59 and is often used for long-distance runs. Its larger size reduces signal loss over extended distances, making it a perfect choice for outdoor and underground installations.
• RG-62: Used primarily in older computer networks and specific industrial applications. It has a unique impedance (93 ohms) that is uncommon in modern consumer setups.
• RG-213: Often found in military and heavy-duty industrial applications. It’s thicker and more durable than other RG cables, which is why it’s used in scenarios where the cable will be exposed to harsh environmental conditions and needs to carry strong signals over long distances.

If you’re still not sure which of these RG cable designations is right for your specific needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. But first, let’s talk about a few other important considerations when sourcing cables.

Other Considerations Beyond RG Designation When Choosing Coaxial Cables

We know you came here specifically to learn about what RG means in coax cable ratings, but this is just one of the many things to consider. Other important criteria include:

• Impedance: The most common values are 50 ohms and 75 ohms. Applications like TV and internet use 75 ohm cables as the standard, while 50 ohms are often used in radio transmission and data communications.
• Shielding: Coaxial cables come with various levels of shielding (braided, foil, or both) to prevent signal interference. You’ll need more heavily shielded cables in environments with high electromagnetic interference (EMI), like industrial settings.
• Cable Jacket: The jacket material can vary, with options like PVC for general indoor use and polyethylene (PE) for outdoor applications where resistance to moisture and UV light is a concern.
• Signal Loss (Attenuation): The longer the cable, the more signal loss you’ll experience - so think about what ihe coaxial cable is used for. Thick cables, like RG-11, minimize loss over long runs, while thinner cables like RG-59 will work fine for shorter distances.
• Connector Type: Make sure the connectors align with your equipment. Standard types include F-type, BNC, and N-type connectors depending on your application.

Other considerations include cost, flexibility, frequency range, the cable length/gauge. There’s clearly a lot to take into account when choosing cables, but don’t let this stress you out. Expert guidance is right here waiting for you at AudioVideoElectric.com!

Discover the Different RG Cable Styles and All Your Other Wiring Needs at AudioVideoElectric.com!

Hopefully you have a solid grasp of which cable aligns with your unique needs at this point. The only thing left to do now is find it here at AudioVideoElectric.com!

We’ve earned the trust of thousands of businesses and individuals alike over the years with our reliable wiring solutions and unbeatable prices backed by even better customer service. 

Our Belden equals give you access to the dependable performance you deserve without the egregious price tag of the branded style. They’re identical in fit and form with spec sheets to back it up, so you can save big without compromising on quality whatsoever.

Don’t just take our word for it. We’ve had customers trim as much as $86,000 from their annual wiring budget while eliminating the hassle of stocking or delays. Other customers have managed to cut a whopping 65% off their costs annually! See more case studies here. 

We also have the branded cables if you’re committed. And, you can find more than just coax cables here as well - like our multi conductor cable collection, which features: 

• Multi-conductor cable 12 AWG
• Multi-conductor cable 14 AWG
• Multi-conductor cable 16 AWG
• Multi-conductor cable 18 AWG
• 20 AWG multi-conductor cable
• Multi-conductor cable 22 AWG
• 28 AWG multi-conductor cable

You need it, we’ve got it - and with prices this low and service this good, what more could you ask for? Browse our catalog today or get a personalized recommendation from our customer service team now.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to What RG Means in Coaxial Cables

So, what does RG mean in coax cable? We hope you have a clear understanding of the Radio Grade designation and how to choose the optimal cable for your specific application.

From signal strength to durability, the right cable can make all the difference in performance. As you consider your specific needs - whether for home entertainment, data transmission, or industrial use - remember that AudioVideoElectric.com has what you need at the lowest prices.

Learn more about how to test a coaxial cable, multi-conductor cable types, how to calculate conduit fill, single conductor vs multi conductor cable, what is Belden cable, how to strip multi-conductor cables, or the advantage of stranded conductor over solid conductor in our blog.

Or, explore our full catalog and set yourself up for success in bringing any project to life with the best coaxial cables online. Experience the best of both worlds in performance and cost today!