IEC 61196-6-2:2020

Overview

IEC 61196-6-2:2020 - "Coaxial communication cables - Part 6-2: Detail specification for 75-4 type CATV drop cables" is the second edition (2020) of the IEC detail specification for 75-4 CATV drop cables. It specifies construction, electrical and mechanical requirements, and test methods for 75-4 type CATV drop cables used in CATV distribution, surveillance & control systems, satellite TV reception and bidirectional hybrid fibre coax (HFC) systems. The standard covers operating frequencies from 5 MHz to 3 000 MHz and is intended to be used together with IEC 61196-1 and IEC 61196-6.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Cable types and variants: 75-4S (dual), 75-4T (tri-shield), 75-4Q (quad-shield) with variant designation format (e.g., 75-4S-Y-Z-A-B) and detailed construction options.
• Materials and dimensions: specified inner conductors (BC or CCS), foamed PE dielectric, multiple shield constructions (AL tape, TC, braided layers), and sheath options (PVC, PE, LSZH). Typical inner conductor diameter ≈ 0.81 mm; dielectric ≈ 3.66 mm.
• Electrical properties:
  • Characteristic impedance: 75 Ω ± 3 Ω (measured at 200 MHz).
  • Operating frequency: 5 MHz–3 000 MHz.
  • Return loss and attenuation limits (Annex B) and regularity of impedance (≥ 40 dB or ≤ 1 %, IEC 61196-1-115).
  • Conductor resistance, insulation resistance (≥ 10 000 MΩ·km) and withstand voltages specified.
  • Current-carrying capacity for BC and CCS conductors (given values at 20 °C and 40 °C).
• Screening and EMC:
  • Defined screening classes (A, A+, B, C) with transfer impedance and screening attenuation thresholds across frequency bands (measured per IEC 62153-4-3 and IEC 62153-4-4).
• Mechanical and environmental tests:
  • Bending/flexure tests (IEC 61196-1-314) - note: bending test requirement applies only to flexible cables in this edition.
  • Cold bend, damp heat, climatic sequence, and water penetration (where applicable) with limits on physical damage and attenuation change (≤ 7 %).
• Notable changes from the 2018 edition: designation of variants with construction detail, consistent screening classes, and bending test limited to flexible cables.

Practical applications and users

IEC 61196-6-2 is used by:

• Cable manufacturers for design, production and quality control of 75-4 CATV drop cables.
• HFC and CATV network designers and operators specifying in-building and drop-cable performance.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing electrical, screening and environmental testing.
• Installers and system integrators for compliance checks in satellite TV, surveillance, and broadband hybrid fibre-coax deployments.

Related standards

• IEC 61196-1 (Generic specification)
• IEC 61196-6 (Sectional specification for CATV drop cables)
• IEC 61196-1-115 (Impedance regularity test)
• IEC 61196-1-314 (Bending test)
• IEC 62153-4-3 / IEC 62153-4-4 (screening/transfer impedance test methods)

Keywords: IEC 61196-6-2, 75-4 CATV drop cables, CATV distribution, HFC, screening attenuation, attenuation, characteristic impedance, return loss, cable construction.