IEC 61196-6-3:2018

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

• IEC 61196-1:2005 - Generic specification
• IEC 61196-6:2009 - Sectional specification for CATV drop cables
• IEC 61196-1-115 - Test for impedance regularity
• IEC 61196-1-314:2015 - Mechanical bending tests
• IEC 62153-4-3 / IEC 62153-4-4 - Screening attenuation / transfer impedance test methods

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.