Overview
IEC 61196-6-3:2018 is the International Electrotechnical Commission detail specification for 75-5 type CATV drop coaxial communication cables. It complements the generic and sectional specifications in IEC 61196-1:2005 and IEC 61196-6:2009 and defines construction, electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements for cables used in CATV distribution, surveillance/control, satellite TV reception and bidirectional HFC (hybrid fibre coax) systems. The standard targets cables operating from 5 MHz to 3 000 MHz and a nominal characteristic impedance of 75 Ω.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Cable constructions: Defines 75-5 variants - dual-shield (75-5S), tri-shield (75-5T) and quad-shield (75-5Q) including inner conductor (BC or CCS), foamed PE dielectric, layered aluminium/tinned copper shields and PE/PVC/LSZH jackets.
- Dimensional limits: Inner conductor and dielectric diameters, maximum outer diameters (examples: ~5.55 mm to 7.54 mm depending on variant), and sheath minimum thickness (0.50–0.60 mm).
- Electrical performance:
- Nominal impedance: 75 Ω ± 3 Ω (measured at 200 MHz).
- Characteristic propagation velocity: ~85% (nominal).
- Conductor resistance limits (examples): inner BC ≤ 21.10 Ω/km; CCS ≤ 102.00 Ω/km.
- Insulation resistance: ≥ 10 000 MΩ·km (voltage test conditions specified).
- Return loss (uniformity of impedance): specified minima across bands (e.g., ≥ 20 dB from 5 MHz to 1 000 MHz).
- Screening/transfer impedance: Screening attenuation and transfer impedance targets after flexure differ by shield type:
- Dual-shield: screening class C/B/A thresholds (e.g., ≥ 85 dB from 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz after flexure).
- Tri- and quad-shield: progressively stricter classes (quad-shield reaches A+ with ≥ 95 dB from 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz).
- Mechanical & environmental:
- Minimum bending radius: 10 × cable diameter.
- Operating temperature ranges by sheath material (e.g., PE: −40 °C to 70 °C).
- Tests: flexure, cold bend, climatic sequence, damp heat, UV and thermal ageing with limits on changes in attenuation and physical damage.
- Testing methods referenced: IEC 61196-1-115 (impedance regularity), IEC 61196-1-314 (bending), IEC 62153-4-3/4 (screening attenuation / transfer impedance).
Applications and users
Who uses IEC 61196-6-3:2018:
- Cable manufacturers and designers specifying 75-5 CATV drop cables
- System integrators and network engineers for CATV and HFC deployments
- Test laboratories and quality assurance teams for conformity and acceptance testing
- Procurement/specification teams and certification bodies ensuring compliance in surveillance, satellite and distribution systems
Related standards
This standard is essential for ensuring consistent electrical performance, mechanical robustness and electromagnetic screening in 75-5 CATV drop cables used across modern coaxial distribution and HFC networks.