IEC 61196-5:2018

Overview

IEC 61196-5:2018 is the third edition (2018) sectional specification for CATV trunk and distribution coaxial cables. It applies to coaxial cables used for analogue and digital one‑ and two‑way signal transmission in cable networks (television, sound and interactive services), including transmission of BCT signals via CATV, MATV or SMATV systems. The standard defines test procedures and requirements for trunk and distribution cables over a temperature range of −40 °C to +65 °C and a frequency range of 5 MHz to 2000 MHz.

This edition updated the frequency range, added dielectric life‑expectancy verification using the oxidative induction time (OIT) test (per IEC 60811‑410), and introduced preferred cable types in Annex A.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & applicability: Requirements for CATV trunk and distribution coaxial cables used in fixed cable networks for broadcast and interactive services.
• Materials & construction: Rules for inner conductor, dielectric, outer conductor/screen and sheath; completed cable construction must meet relevant detail specifications.
• Electrical tests: Low‑frequency and DC tests (conductor resistance, insulation resistance, withstand voltages) and finished‑cable electrical checks.
• High‑frequency tests: Transmission performance across 5 MHz–2000 MHz (characteristic impedance, return loss/uniformity of impedance, attenuation, phase/group delay) with procedures referenced to IEC 61196‑1 series.
• Environmental tests: Thermal ageing, damp heat, cold‑bend, water penetration and climatic sequence tests appropriate for −40 °C to +65 °C operation.
• Mechanical tests: Ovality, eccentricity, tensile, torsion, bending, crush and abrasion resistance.
• Material endurance: Dielectric life expectancy assessed by OIT before and after ageing (IEC 60811‑410).
• Fire performance, marking and quality assessment: Requirements and procedures for labelling, delivery, storage and conformity assessment.

Applications

IEC 61196‑5:2018 is directly applicable to:

• Design and manufacture of CATV trunk and distribution coaxial cables.
• Validation and type‑approval testing in manufacturing test labs.
• Procurement specifications for network operators and infrastructure projects.
• System planners and installers specifying cables for cable television, broadband, MATV/SMATV, and interactive two‑way services.

Who should use this standard

• Cable manufacturers and R&D teams
• Test laboratories and quality assurance engineers
• Network operators, system integrators and specifiers
• Procurement and compliance officers in broadcast and broadband industries

Related standards

• IEC 61196‑1 series (generic coaxial cable requirements and test methods)
• IEC 60728 series (cable networks for television and interactive services)
• IEC 60811‑410 (OIT for dielectric oxidative degradation)
• ISO/IEC 11801 parts referenced for cabling systems

By following IEC 61196‑5:2018, stakeholders ensure consistent mechanical, electrical and environmental performance of CATV trunk and distribution coaxial cables across the extended broadband frequency range, helping guarantee reliable signal distribution in modern cable networks.