Aerial Cable

Aerial Cable: Professional Grade Signal Transmission

Coaxial cable remains the standard medium for distributing television and satellite signals throughout residential and commercial properties. This RG6 aerial cable is engineered to deliver exceptional signal quality with minimal loss, ensuring crystal-clear reception for all your entertainment needs.

The RG6 specification represents an industry standard for high-frequency signal transmission. It offers superior performance compared to older RG59 cable, particularly over longer cable runs and at higher frequencies used by satellite television and broadband services .

Aerial Cable: Key Specifications

Aerial Cable: Understanding RG6 and 120AL

RG6 is a specification for coaxial cable that defines its physical and electrical characteristics. It has become the standard choice for modern television and satellite installations due to its superior performance at higher frequencies . The larger conductor and dielectric compared to RG59 allow it to carry signals over greater distances with less loss.

The 120AL designation refers to the cable’s screening effectiveness, measured in decibels (dB). A rating of 120dB indicates excellent shielding against external interference . This is particularly important in areas with high electromagnetic interference or for installations where cables run alongside power cables. The higher the dB rating, the better the cable rejects unwanted interference.

Aerial Cable: Construction and Materials

This cable is constructed from high-quality materials to ensure reliable performance and long service life.

Inner Conductor: The 1.02mm inner conductor is made from Copper Clad Steel (CCS). This combines the conductivity of copper with the strength of steel, providing excellent signal transmission while maintaining mechanical robustness and resistance to breakage .

Dielectric: Surrounding the inner conductor is a layer of foam polyethylene (Foam PE). This insulating layer maintains the precise spacing between the inner conductor and outer shield, which is critical for maintaining the correct 75 Ohm impedance. The foamed structure reduces signal loss compared to solid dielectric .

Shielding: The cable features multiple shielding layers for outstanding protection against interference. This typically includes an aluminum foil layer and a high-coverage aluminum braid. The combination provides both excellent screening and flexibility .

Outer Sheath: The black PVC outer sheath provides robust protection against moisture, UV radiation, and physical damage, making the cable suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation.

Aerial Cable: Screening Effectiveness Explained

The 120dB screening rating is a measure of how well the cable rejects external interference and prevents signal leakage. This is particularly important for:

• Satellite Signals: High-frequency satellite signals are more susceptible to interference.

• Digital Television: Digital signals require good signal quality for reliable reception.

• Urban Environments: Areas with many radio transmitters and electrical noise benefit from high screening.

• Shared Cable Runs: When aerial cables are run alongside power cables, good screening prevents mains hum and interference.

Aerial Cable: Applications

This professional-grade RG6 cable is suitable for a wide range of signal distribution applications:

Television Reception: Connecting roof aerials to TV points throughout a property for Freeview and terrestrial television.

Satellite Distribution: Ideal for connecting satellite dishes to receivers, including Sky, Freesat, and other satellite services. The high screening ensures reliable reception even over longer cable runs.

FM and DAB Radio: Distributing radio signals from a loft or roof aerial to multiple rooms.

Broadband Internet: Suitable for cable broadband connections (cable modem) where RG6 is often specified.

CCTV Systems: Used for analogue CCTV camera installations where video signals need to be transmitted over distance.

Shared Aerial Systems: In blocks of flats and apartments, RG6 is the standard cable for communal TV distribution systems.

Aerial Cable: Attenuation and Signal Loss

All coaxial cables lose a small amount of signal over distance, known as attenuation. RG6 cable is designed to minimise this loss. Typical attenuation values at various frequencies are:

These figures demonstrate that higher frequencies experience greater loss, which is why good quality cable and proper installation are essential for satellite and broadband services .

Aerial Cable: Installation Guidelines

Proper installation ensures optimal performance and longevity:

Bending Radius: Avoid sharp bends that could crush or deform the cable. The minimum bending radius should be observed to maintain internal geometry and impedance.

Connector Termination: Use high-quality compression fit connectors designed for RG6 cable. Ensure the inner conductor extends to the correct length and that no stray braid wires short the shield to the inner conductor.

Weatherproofing: For outdoor connections, use weatherproof connectors and consider sealing with self-amalgamating tape to prevent moisture ingress.

Separation from Mains Cables: While the high screening helps, it’s still good practice to cross mains cables at right angles rather than running parallel for long distances.

Aerial Cable: Colour and Identification

The black outer sheath makes this cable unobtrusive when installed externally against walls, soffits, or downpipes. Inside the home, it can be concealed in trunking or behind furniture. The cable is typically marked with the type designation (RG6) and screening rating along its length for easy identification.

Aerial Cable: Quality and Compliance

This Astel 120AL cable is manufactured to meet relevant industry standards for coaxial cable performance. It complies with the electrical and mechanical specifications expected of professional-grade RG6 cable, including correct 75 Ohm impedance, consistent attenuation characteristics, and effective screening.

When installed correctly with appropriate connectors and accessories, this aerial cable provides a reliable, high-performance distribution system for television, satellite, and radio signals throughout your property.