RG6 coaxial cable is an 18 AWG option commonly used for CATV, CCTV, audio/video, and data communications, while RG11 is a thicker, low-loss cable suited to connecting antennas and amplifiers across longer runs. RG59 uses a 20 AWG conductor and supports 75-ohm applications such as digital and analog audio/video, HDTV, SDI, broadcast, and broadband video.

Use plenum-rated RF coax cable when the cable will run through air-plenum spaces, such as raised floors, air-handling ducts, drop ceilings, or other in-wall plenum and riser applications. Choose a cable marked CMP or plenum when the installation requirements call for that rating, and use a nonplenum option when the cable will not pass through those spaces and local codes permit it.

Shielding, such as a braid or dual-shield design, helps limit electromagnetic interference and signal leakage, which can support cleaner RF transmission in electrically noisy spaces. Conductor material and cable construction also affect resistance, loss, flexibility, and durability, so choose a cable type, impedance, jacket rating, and length that match the signal, installation environment, and equipment.

Choose a cable length that reaches between devices with enough routing slack, while keeping the run as short as practical to help limit signal loss. Match the cable’s impedance to the equipment, such as 75 ohms for many RG6 and RG59 video applications or 50 ohms for SC-400 systems, and select connectors that match the ports, such as F male or N male connectors.