Overview
IEC 61196-6-4:2018 is an International Electrotechnical Commission standard that defines the detail specification for 75-7 type CATV drop coaxial cables. It applies to coaxial communication cables described in IEC 61196-6 and is intended to be used together with IEC 61196-1:2005 and IEC 61196-6:2009. The standard covers cable construction, dimensions, electrical and environmental tests, marking and performance requirements for operating frequencies from 5 MHz to 3 000 MHz and nominal impedance 75 Ω.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Cable types and construction
- Variants: 75-7S (dual shield), 75-7T (tri-shield), 75-7Q (quad-shield); messenger variants available (e.g., 75-7T/M).
- Core materials: inner conductor (BC = bare copper or CCS = copper-clad steel), foamed PE dielectric, multilayer shields (aluminium/polymeric tape, aluminium alloy wire, tinned copper), sheath materials (PVC, PE, LSZH).
- Representative dimensions and tolerances are specified (e.g., inner conductor dia. ~1.63 mm, dielectric dia. ~7.11 mm, outer jacket dia. ~10.16–10.34 mm).
- Electrical and transmission parameters
- Characteristic impedance: 75 Ω ± 3 Ω (measured at 200 MHz).
- Operating frequency range: 5 MHz – 3 000 MHz.
- Conductor resistance, insulation resistance (≥ 10 000 MΩ·km), and withstand/spark test voltages are specified.
- Return loss and attenuation limits (detailed attenuation limits referenced in Annex B).
- Regularity of impedance / pulse return-loss requirements and measurement procedures (IEC 61196-1-115).
- Shielding and EMC
- Screening attenuation classes defined per shield type; numerical minimums (for example, dual/tri/quad shield classes with required dB ranges across specified bands).
- Transfer impedance limits after flex tests (measured according to IEC 62153 and IEC 61196-1-314).
- Environmental and mechanical tests
- Temperature ranges for different sheath types (PE: −40 °C to 70 °C; PVC and LSZH variants noted).
- Mechanical tests: minimum bending radius 10 × D, flexure procedures, cold bend, climatic sequence, damp heat, UV stability and thermal ageing with limits on attenuation change (typically ≤ 7%) and physical integrity.
- Identification and marking
- Cable identification, type naming and marking requirements are covered in Annex A.
Applications and users
IEC 61196-6-4 targets manufacturers, test laboratories, procurement/specification engineers, and installers in sectors such as:
- CATV distribution systems
- Satellite television receiving systems
- Surveillance and control systems
- Bidirectional Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) networks
Use this standard when specifying 75-7 CATV drop cables for performance, compliance testing, and procurement.
Related standards
Keywords: IEC 61196-6-4, 75-7 CATV drop cable, coaxial communication cables, 75 Ω coax, shielding, attenuation, HFC, CATV distribution.
Open preview (PDF)Coaxial communication cables - Part 6-4: Detail specification for 75-7 type CATV drop cables
