IEC 61196-5:2022

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.