This document has been composed to provide a industry reference for the major coaxial cable groups and their nominal specifications. Cable grouping is important to ensure compatibility across different manufacturers. Rather than introduce a brand new cable type with unique dimensions, RF cable manufacturers typically produce their cable to align with a well known cable group. This ensures connectors from one company can be used on another company's cable.
This can sound confusing, so to help illustrate the point consider the following example. Powertec produce coaxial cables such as our PTL-240, which sits alongside others including CommScope CNT-240, Telegärtner G30, Times Microwave LMR-240, and many others, who all manufacture an "L-240" group cable.
Cable Groups by Attenuation (dB/m)
Cable Groups by Max. Frequency
Explore RF Cable Groups
| Illustration | Group | Description | Max. Freq. | Att. @ 1 GHz Sort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
L-300 |
L-300 is a 50 Ω mid-size coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 7.62 mm, providing a compromise between form-factor/bend radius, and attenuation/power handling. The double shielded outer conductor provides exceptional RF shielding exceeding 90 dB, and PE jacket for a service life in excess of 20 ... |
24.5 GHz | 0.21 dB/m |
|
RG-8 |
RG-8 is a type of RF coaxial cable commonly used in VHF/UHF applications such as ham radio or CB radio installations. It is characterised by its large diameter, good shielding and power handling, and low signal loss over distance, making it ideal for long-range transmissions. However, its size can ... |
6 GHz | 0.20 dB/m |
|
1/4 Corrugated |
Quarter-Inch (1/4") corrugated coaxial cable is a flexible, light duty jumper cable designed for short interconnections within large antenna systems. Quarter-Inch jumper cables are one of three main cable types used in Distributed Antenna Systems. While designs can vary between manufacturers, quarter ... |
18.6 GHz | 0.20 dB/m |
|
L-400 |
L-400, sometimes referred to as LMR-400, is a low loss coaxial cable with a 10.16 mm outer diameter. Supporting frequencies beyond 6 GHz it's a popular choice for entry- to intermediate-level wireless communications systems. Due to its braided outer conductor the cable cannot be used for PIM ... |
16.2 GHz | 0.14 dB/m |
|
3/8 Corrugated |
3/8-Inch (3/8") corrugated coaxial cable is a medium duty jumper cable designed for short interconnections within large antenna systems. 3/8-Inch jumper cables are one of three main cable types used in Distributed Antenna Systems. While designs can vary between manufacturers, 3/8-inch cables always ... |
13.5 GHz | 0.12 dB/m |
|
L-500 |
L-500 is a heavy duty 50 Ω full sized coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 12.7 mm and finds its use as a general purpose feeder cable for SCADA, WiFi, UHF, and other telemetry systems, although less popular than their L-400 and L-600 counterparts. The double shielded outer conductor provides ... |
12.6 GHz | 0.11 dB/m |
|
L-600 |
L-600 is a heavy duty 50 Ω full sized coaxial cable with an overall diameter of 14.99 mm and finds its use as a heavy duty feeder cable for SCADA, broadcast, cellular, UHF, and other telemetry systems. L-600 is occasionally used as a flexible drop-in replacement for corrugated half inch cables such ... |
10.3 GHz | 0.09 dB/m |
|
1/2 Corrugated |
Half-Inch (1/2") corrugated coaxial cable is a heavy duty feeder cable designed for integration into large antenna systems. Half-Inch feeder cables are one of three main cable types used in passive Distributed Antenna Systems. While designs can vary between manufacturers, half-inch cables always ... |
8.8 GHz | 0.07 dB/m |
|
7/8 Corrugated |
7/8-Inch (7/8") corrugated coaxial cable is a heavy duty feeder cable designed for lengthy runs within large antenna systems. 7/8-Inch jumper cables are commonly found within Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), along with older UHF and cellular base stations. While designs can vary between ... |
5.2 GHz | 0.04 dB/m |
|
1-5/8 Corrugated |
1-5/8-Inch (1-5/8") corrugated coaxial cable is a heavy duty feeder cable designed for large horizontal or vertical runs within major antenna systems. 1-5/8-Inch feeder cables, such as the popular CommScope AVA7-50 pictured, are commonly found within Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), along with ... |
2.7 GHz | 0.02 dB/m |