IEC 61196-6-1:2021

IEC 61196-6-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-08
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Coaxial communication cables –
Part 6-1: Blank detail specification for CATV drop cables

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IEC 61196-6-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-08
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Coaxial communication cables –
Part 6-1: Blank detail specification for CATV drop cables
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.120.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-4879-9

– 2 – IEC 61196-6-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references. 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Guidance for preparation of a detail specification . 5
5 Blank detail specification . 6
Annex A (normative) Cable identification and marking . 12
A.1 Cable identification . 12
A.1.1 Type name . 12
A.1.2 Variants . 12
A.1.3 Screening classes . 12
A.2 Cable marking . 13
Annex B (normative) Maximum attenuation . 14

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
COAXIAL COMMUNICATION CABLES –

Part 6-1: Blank detail specification for CATV drop cables

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes made to
the previous edition IEC 61196-6-1:2009. A vertical bar appears in the margin wherever a
change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.

– 4 – IEC 61196-6-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
IEC 61196-6-1 has been prepared by subcommittee 46A: Coaxial cables, of IEC technical
committee 46: Cables, wires, waveguides, RF connectors, RF and microwave passive
components and accessories. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2009. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Annex A, Cable identification and marking was added.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
46A/1497/FDIS 46A/1515/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 61196 series, published under the general title Coaxial
communication cables, can be found on the IEC website.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement,
available at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by
IEC are described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/standardsdev/publications.
It is to be used in conjunction with IEC 61196-1:2005 and IEC 61196-6:2021
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

COAXIAL COMMUNICATION CABLES –

Part 6-1: Blank detail specification for CATV drop cables

1 Scope
This blank detail specification applies to CATV coaxial communication cables as described in
IEC 61196-6. It specifies the requirements for drop cables for use in cabled television
distribution networks operating at temperatures between −40 °C and +70 °C and in the
frequency range from 5 MHz to 1 000 MHz or from 5 MHz to 3 000 MHz as described in
IEC 61196-6 and is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61196-1 and IEC 61196-6.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 61196-1:2005, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1: Generic specification – General,
definitions and requirements
IEC 61196-6:2021, Coaxial communication cables – Part 6: Sectional specification for CATV
drop cables
IEC 61196-1-310, Coaxial communication cables − Part 1-310: Mechanical test methods −
Test for torsion characteristics of copper-clad metals
IEC 61196-1-314:2015, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-314: Mechanical test methods
– Test for bending
IEC 62153-4-4, Metallic communication cable test methods – Part 4-4: Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) – Shielded screening attenuation, test method for measuring of the
screening attenuation "as" up to and above 3 GHz.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
4 Guidance for preparation of a detail specification
The detail specification shall be written in accordance with the layout of the pro-forma blank
detail specification that forms part of this document.

– 6 – IEC 61196-6-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
NOTE When a characteristic does not apply, in accordance with IEC 61196-6, then NA (for
Not Applicable) shall be entered in the appropriate space.
When a characteristic applies but a specific value is considered not necessary, then NS (for
Not Specified) shall be entered in the appropriate space.
When NS is used, the appropriate requirement in the sectional specification shall apply.
The numbers shown in brackets on this and the following pages correspond to the following
items of required information, which should be entered in the spaces provided.
[1] Name and address of the manufacturer of the cable
[2] IEC document number and date of issue
[3] Related IEC documents
[4] Product type/model of cable
[5] Any other reference standards (International, National, etc.) to the cable
[6] Parameter or characteristic of the cable
[7] Reference to the relevant subclause of the sectional specification
[8] Manufacturer specification of the cable
[9] Minimum requirements defined within the generic or sectional specification
[10] Manufacturer to insert any additional test parameters, methods, specifications, etc.
5 Blank detail specification
[1] Manufacturer and address: [2] Issue: IEC 61196-6-1
Date:
[3] Generic specification:  IEC 61196-1
Sectional specification: IEC 61196-6
[4] Product type/model: [5] Additional references:

[6] Parameter or characteristic [7] [8] [9]
Cable construction (dimensions in IEC 61196-6 Manufacturer Minimum
mm) Clause/Subclause specification requirement
Inner conductor 4.2
Material 4.2.1 NS
Diameter 4.2.2 NS
Tolerance 4.2.2 ± 0,03 mm
Dielectric 4.3
Material 4.3 NS
Diameter 4.3 NS
Tolerance 4.3 ± 0,15 mm
Outer conductor 4.4
Type and construction 4.4 NS
Material 4.4 NS
Diameter 4.4 NS
Tolerance 4.4 ± 0,20 mm
Sheath or jacket 4.5 NS
Material 4.5 NS
Thickness 4.5 NS
Diameter 4.5 NS
Tolerance 4.5 ± 0,25 mm
Integral messenger 4.5
Material 4.5 NS
Diameter 4.5 NS
Minimum tensile strength (kgf) 4.5 NS
Elongation 4.5 NS
Corrosion properties 4.5 NS
Additional information
Overall dimension (width) of cable 4.6 NS
Standard ratings and characteristics 5 NS
Cable identification and markings 6 As defined in 6.1.1 of
IEC 61196-6
According to Annex A
NS: Not specified   NA: Not applicable

– 8 – IEC 61196-6-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
[6] Parameter or characteristic [7] [8] [9]
Completed cable tests IEC 61196-6 Manufacturer Minimum
Clause/Subclause specification requirement
Electrical testing of finished cable 7.2
Conductor resistance: 7.2.1.1 NS
Inner conductor
Outer conductor
Loop (outer + inner)
Insulation resistance 7.2.1.2 ≥10 MΩ × km
Withstand voltage of dielectric 7.2.1.3 2 kV DC or
1,5 kV AC for
1 min  See Note 1
Withstand voltage of sheath 7.2.1.4 3,5 kV DC or

2,5 kV AC for
1 min  See Note 1
Current carrying capacity 7.2.1.5 NS
Spark test   7.2.1.6 2,5 kV AC or
3,75 kV DC, or pulse,
or 3,5 kV HF
High-frequency electrical and 7.2.2
transmission measurements
Operational frequency  5 MHz to 1 000 MHz
or
5 MHz to 3 000 MHz
Characteristic impedance 7.2.2.1 75 Ω ± 3 Ω
Relative propagation velocity (velocity 7.2.2.2 NS
ratio)
Return loss (uniformity of impedance)     7.2.2.3 5 MHz to 1 000 MHz:
≥ 20 dB;
1 000 MHz to
2 000 M Hz:
≥ 18 dB;
2 000 MHz to
3 000 MHz:
≥ 16 dB
The measurement
inaccuracy ∆a shall
r,f
be < 1 dB.
Attenuation constant, α 7.2.2.4  α=a+√f+b×f+c
or for copper clad
conductors
α=a+√f+b×f+c+d/√f
a=___, b=___, c=___
and if applicable
d=___
Refer to Annex B for
discrete values at
200 MHz and
800 MHz
Regularity of impedance 7.2.2.5 ≥ 40 dB resp ≤ 1 %
Transfer impedance after flex  7.2.2.6 Screening class “C”
note 2
“_” according to
IEC 61196-6
Screening attenuation after flex 7.2.2.7 Screening class “C”
note 2
according to test procedure
IEC 62153-4-4
(triaxial method)
“_” according to
IEC 61196-6
[6] Parameter or characteristic [7] [8] [9]
Completed cable tests IEC 61196-6 Manufacturer Minimum
Clause/Subclause specification requirement
Screening class 7.1.2.6 and 7.1.2.7 See IEC 61196-6,
note 2
Table 2
NS: Not specified   NA: Not applicable

– 10 – IEC 61196-6-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021

[6] Parameter or characteristic [7] [8] [9]
Completed cable tests IEC 61196-6 Manufacturer Minimum
Clause/Subclause specification requirement
Environmental testing of finished
7.3
cable
Cold bend Test method …….
7.3.1
Method B mandrel
diameter is …….
Test temperature is…
No physical damages
of conductors,
dielectric and sheaths
Water penetration NS
7.3.2
Climatic sequence See IEC 61196-6,
7.3.3
Table 3
Damp heat (steady state) See IEC 61196-6,
7.3.4
Table 3
Ultraviolet stability of sheath or jacket a) No visual cracks
7.3.5
b) Magnitude of
change in
elongation ≤ 20 %
after 720 h
c) Magnitude of
change in tensile
strength ≤ 20 %
after 720 h
Thermal ageing 7.3.6 Transmission
characteristics shall
remain within the
specified limits
Mechanical characteristics of finished
7.4
cable
Ovality of dielectric ≤7 %
7.4.1
Ovality of sheath ≤7 %
7.4.2
Eccentricity of dielectric ≤10 %
7.4.3
Eccentricity of sheath ≤10 %
7.4.4
Carbon black content, where 7.4.5 ≥ 2 %
applicable
Tensile strength and elongation of the Shall be in
7.4.6
copper or copper-clad metals accordance with
IEC 61196-1:2005,
4.4.1.
Torsion test for copper-clad metals Shall be in
7.4.7
accordance with
IEC 61196-1-310 if
applicable
Adhesion testing: See IEC 61196-6,
7.4.8
inner conductor to dielectric        Table 4
Bending NS
7.4.9
Tensile strength of cable (longitudinal NS
7.4.10
pull)
Crush resistance of cable 7.4.11 See IEC 61196-6,
Table 4
Abrasion resistance NS
7.4.12
[6] Parameter or characteristic [7] [8] [9]
Completed cable tests IEC 61196-6 Manufacturer Minimum
Clause/Subclause specification requirement
NOTE 1 Figures provided are the default values. Other values may can be specified.
NOTE 2 Flexure test method is performed per IEC 61196-1-314:2015, 8.3.3, procedure 2,
Radius of pulleys:10 × diameter of cable,
Tension: As defined in 7.3.10 of this standard,
Speed: ≤ 1 m/s, Number of cycles: 3
NS: Not specified   NA: Not applicable
[10] Additional tests, methods, and other information

– 12 – IEC 61196-6-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
Annex A
(normative)
Cable identification and marking
A.1 Cable identification
A.1.1 Type name
Cable type shall be identified by the following:
• a number giving the nominal characteristic impedance of the cable in ohms, "75",
• a number that corresponds to the approximate dielectric outer diameter in mm; for
example, the nominal dielectric diameter 3,66 mm shall be expressed by
...