Overview
IEC 61196-5:2022 is the fourth edition sectional specification for coaxial communication cables used in CATV trunk and distribution networks. It applies to coaxial cables for analogue and digital one- and two-way signal transmission - including CATV, MATV and SMATV systems - in the frequency range 5 MHz to 2000 MHz and for operating temperatures from −40 °C to +65 °C. This edition updates and replaces the 2018 edition and adds formal cable identification and marking rules plus a table of preferred cable types.
Key topics and requirements
The standard focuses on construction, testing and quality for trunk and distribution coaxial cables:
- Cable construction and materials: inner conductor, dielectric, outer conductor/screen, sheaths, moisture barriers, fillers, metallic protection, and optional messenger wires.
- Identification and marking: required type names, variants, screening classes and sheath marking (new in 2022).
- Electrical tests: low-frequency/DC measurements and high-frequency transmission tests (return loss, characteristic impedance, attenuation, delay) as referenced to IEC 61196‑1 series test methods.
- Environmental tests: climatic, thermal cycling, water penetration, UV stability and damp heat per referenced IEC methods.
- Mechanical tests: ovality, eccentricity, tensile, torsion, bending, crush and maximum pulling force requirements.
- Fire performance and quality assessment: specified fire requirements and guidance for factory testing, delivery and storage.
- Annexes: Annex A on cable identification/marking (normative) and Annex B with preferred nominal dimensions and cable types (informative).
Applications and who uses it
IEC 61196-5:2022 is essential for:
- Cable manufacturers specifying and verifying CATV trunk and distribution products.
- Network operators and system integrators designing and deploying cable-TV, broadband and two-way interactive services.
- Test laboratories and conformity assessors performing electrical, environmental and mechanical tests.
- Procurement, installation and maintenance teams ensuring installed cable meets performance and marking requirements.
Practical benefits include consistent product performance across the 5 MHz–2000 MHz band, reliable two‑way signal transport, predictable environmental durability (−40 °C to +65 °C), and traceable cable identification for network lifecycle management.
Related standards
IEC 61196-5 references and aligns with other standards for system and test methods, including:
- IEC 61196‑1 series (generic coaxial cable test methods)
- IEC 60728 series (cable networks for television and interactive services)
- ISO/IEC 11801‑1 and 11801‑4 (structured cabling interfaces)
Keywords: IEC 61196-5:2022, coaxial communication cables, CATV trunk and distribution cables, cable testing, cable identification and marking, 5 MHz–2000 MHz, −40 °C to +65 °C.