IEC 61196-5-1:2012

Overview

IEC 61196-5-1:2012 is an International Electrotechnical Commission blank detail specification for CATV trunk and distribution coaxial communication cables. It applies specifically to drop cables used in cabled television distribution networks operating between −40 °C and +65 °C and across the frequency range 5 MHz to 1 002 MHz (as described in IEC 61196-5). The document provides a pro‑forma template manufacturers use to declare construction, electrical, mechanical and environmental characteristics and to state manufacturer‑specific values or minimal requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Cable scope and template: a blank detail specification layout with fields for manufacturer, product type, related IEC references and mandatory entries (use of NA/NS where appropriate).
• Cable construction parameters:
  • Inner conductor, dielectric (solid, air‑spaced, semi air‑spaced, gas‑injected cellular polymer), outer conductor (types, braid angle, coverage), sheath/jacket and optional integral messenger.
• Electrical and high‑frequency tests:
  • Characteristic impedance: 75 Ω ± 2 Ω (unless otherwise specified).
  • Return loss: IRLI ≥ 26 dB across 5 MHz–1 002 MHz (measurement uncertainty <1 dB).
  • Attenuation: specified as dB/100 m (frequency dependent); Annex A defines maximum attenuation values at reference frequencies (e.g., 200 MHz, 800 MHz).
  • Regularity of impedance, transfer impedance (Class A / A+ / A++ limits) and screening attenuation (Class A ≥85 dB, A+ ≥95 dB, A++ ≥105 dB from 30 MHz to 1 002 MHz) using IEC 62153 triaxial methods.
  • Conductor resistance, insulation resistance (≥10 MΩ·km), and dielectric/sheath withstand voltages.
• Mechanical and environmental requirements:
  • Cold bend, water penetration, climatic sequence, damp heat, UV stability (no visual cracks; elongation/tensile changes ≤20% after 720 h), thermal ageing and carbon‑black content where applicable.
  • Mechanical tolerances: ovality, eccentricity, tensile/elongation, torsion, adhesion and crush resistance.
• Test references and methods: linked normative references (IEC 61196‑1, IEC 61196‑5, IEC 61196‑1‑314, IEC 62153 series, etc.).

Applications and users

IEC 61196-5-1 is intended for:

• CATV cable manufacturers preparing product detail specifications and quality control criteria.
• Network designers, system integrators and operators specifying drop cables for cable TV distribution.
• Test laboratories and procurement teams verifying compliance with electrical, mechanical and environmental test requirements.
• Regulatory and standards engineers aligning product declarations with IEC family requirements.

Related standards

• IEC 61196-1 (generic coaxial cable spec)
• IEC 61196-5 (sectional specification for CATV trunk & distribution)
• IEC 61196-1-314 (bending/flexure tests)
• IEC 62153-4-3 and IEC 62153-4-4 (triaxial screening/transfer impedance tests)
• Environmental and material tests (IEC 60068‑1, IEC 60811 series)

Keywords: IEC 61196-5-1, CATV cables, coaxial communication cables, blank detail specification, drop cables, characteristic impedance, attenuation, screening attenuation, transfer impedance.