IEC 61196-6:2021

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

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC online collection - oc.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced have access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 000 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and
and French, with equivalent terms in 18 additional languages.
once a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary

(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc

If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
IEC 61196-6 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-08
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Coaxial communication cables –
Part 6: Sectional specification for CATV drop cables
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.120.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-4863-8

– 2 – IEC 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references. 5
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Materials and cable construction . 7
4.1 Cable construction . 7
4.2 Inner conductor . 7
4.2.1 Conductor material . 7
4.2.2 Conductor construction . 8
4.3 Dielectric . 8
4.4 Outer conductor or screen . 8
4.5 Sheath . 8
4.6 Completed cable . 9
5 Standard ratings and characteristics . 9
6 Identification and marking . 9
6.1 Cable identification . 9
6.2 Cable Sheath marking . 9
6.3 Labelling . 9
7 Tests for completed cables . 10
7.1 General . 10
7.2 Electrical testing of the finished cable . 10
7.2.1 Low-frequency and DC electrical measurements . 10
7.2.2 High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements . 11
7.3 Environmental testing of the finished cable . 13
7.4 Tests for mechanical characteristics of the finished cable . 14
7.5 Fire performance test methods . 14
8 Quality assessment . 15
9 Delivery and storage . 15
10 Fire performance test methods (FFS) . 15
Annex A (normative) Cable identification and marking . 16
A.1 Cable identification . 16
A.1.1 Type name . 16
A.1.2 Variants . 16
A.1.3 Screening classes . 16
A.2 Cable marking . 17
Bibliography . 18

Table 1 – Low-frequency and DC electrical measurements . 10
Table 2 – High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements . 11
Table 3 – Environmental testing of the finished cable . 13
Table 4 – Tests for mechanical characteristics of the finished cable . 14
Table 5 – Fire performance test methods (FFS) . 15

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
COAXIAL COMMUNICATION CABLES –

Part 6: Sectional 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
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
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
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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 61196-6:2009. 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 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
IEC 61196-6 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) extended scope,
b) revised sheath marking and labelling.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
46A/1498/FDIS 46A/1514/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.
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: Sectional specification for CATV drop cables

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61196 applies to coaxial communications cables. It specifies the
requirements for CATV drop cables for use in cabled television distribution networks operating
at temperature 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.
This part of IEC 61196 applies to coaxial communications cables. It specifies the
requirements for CATV drop cables for analogue and digital one and two way signal
transmission, e.g. for cable networks for television signals, sound signals, interactive
services, surveillance & control systems, and satellite television receiving systems according
to the requirements of IEC 60728-1, IEC 60728-1-1, IEC 60728-101, IEC 60728-10,
ISO/IEC 11801-1 and ISO/IEC 11801-4. This also includes the transmission of BCT signals
provided by a CATV, MATV or SMATV cable network.
The operating frequency is from 5 MHz to 1 000 MHz or from 5 MHz to 3 000 MHz.
Operating temperature is between −40 °C and +70 °C.
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 60068-1:19882013, Environmental testing − Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Damp heat, steady
state
IEC 60096-0-1, Radio frequency cables – Part 0-1: Guidelines to the design of detail
specifications – Coaxial cables
IEC 60811-605, Electric and optical fibre cables – Test methods for non-metallic materials –
Part 605: Physical tests – Measurement of carbon black and/or mineral filler in polyethylene
compounds
IEC 61196-1:2005, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1: Generic specification – General,
definitions and requirements
IEC 61196-1-1:2007, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-1: Capability approval for coaxial
cables
IEC 61196-1-100 (all parts), Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-1XX: Electrical test
methods
– 6 – IEC 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
IEC 61196-1-200 (all parts), Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-2XX: Environmental test
methods
IEC 61196-1-300 (all parts), Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-3XX: Mechanical test
methods
IEC 61196-1-101, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-101: Electrical test methods – Test
for conductor d.c. resistance of cable
IEC 61196-1-102, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-102: Electrical test methods – Test
for insulation resistance of cable dielectric
IEC 61196-1-105, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-105: Electrical test methods – Test
for withstand voltage of cable dielectric
IEC 61196-1-106, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-106: Electrical test methods – Test
for withstand voltage of cable sheath
IEC 61196-1-108, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-108: Electrical test methods – Test
for characteristic impedance, phase and group delay, electrical length and propagation
velocity
IEC 61196-1-112, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-112: Electrical test methods – Test
for return loss (uniformity of impedance)
IEC 61196-1-113, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-113: Electrical test methods – Test
for attenuation constant
IEC 61196-1-115, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-115: Electrical test methods – Test
for regularity of impedance (pulse/step function return loss)
IEC 61196-1-201, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-201: Environmental test methods –
Test for cold bend performance of cable
IEC 61196-1-203, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-203: Environmental test methods –
Test for water penetration of cable
IEC 61196-1-206, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-206: Environmental test methods –
Climatic sequence
IEC 61196-1-209, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-209: Environmental test methods –
Thermal cycling
IEC 61196-1-212, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-212: Environmental test methods –
UV stability
IEC 61196-1-301, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-301: Mechanical test methods –
Test for ovality
IEC 61196-1-302, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-302: Mechanical test methods –
Test for eccentricity
IEC 61196-1-308, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-308: Mechanical test methods –
Test for tensile strength and elongation for copper-clad metals

IEC 61196-1-310, Coaxial communication cables − Part 1-310: Mechanical test methods −
Test for torsion characteristics of copper-clad metals
IEC 61196-1-313, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-313: Mechanical test methods –
Adhesion of dielectric and sheath
IEC 61196-1-314:2015, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-314: Mechanical test methods
– Test for bending
IEC 61196-1-316, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-316: Mechanical test methods –
Test of maximum pulling force of cable
IEC 61196-1-317, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-317: Mechanical test methods –
Test for crush resistance of cable
IEC 61196-1-324, Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-324: Mechanical test methods –
Test for abrasion resistance of cable
IEC 62153 (all parts), Metallic communication cable test methods
IEC 62153-1-1, Metallic communication cables test methods − Part 1-1: Electrical −
Measurement of the pulse/step return loss in the frequency domain using the Inverse Discrete
Fourier (IDFT)
IEC 62153-4-3, Metallic communication cable test methods – Part 4-3: Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) – Surface transfer impedance – Triaxial method
IEC 62153-4-4, Metallic communication cable test methods – Part 4-4: Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) – Test method for measuring of the screening attenuation as up to and
above 3 GHz, triaxial method
IEC 62230, Electric cables – Spark-test method
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61196-1 apply.
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 Materials and cable construction
4.1 Cable construction
The cable construction shall be in accordance with 4.2 to 4.6 of this document and the
requirements stated in the relevant detail specification.
4.2 Inner conductor
4.2.1 Conductor material
IEC 61196-1:2005, Subclause 4.4.1 applies. The conductor material shall be stated in the
relevant detail specification.

– 8 – IEC 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
4.2.2 Conductor construction
The conductor shall consist of a single wire or tube.
IEC 61196-1:2005, Subclause 4.4 applies.
The nominal diameter of the inner conductor and tolerance shall be stated in the relevant
detail specification.
The maximum allowable tolerance is ± 0,03 mm.
4.3 Dielectric
IEC 61196-1:2005, Subclause 4.5 applies.
The type, nominal diameter and tolerance along with the ovality and eccentricity of the
dielectric shall be stated in the relevant detail specification.
The maximum allowable tolerance of the diameter is ±0,15 mm. The maximum allowable
values for ovality and eccentricity are given in 7.4, Table 4 of this document.
Note: If the tape of the outer conductor is bonded to the dielectric, the measurement shall be
made over this tape.
4.4 Outer conductor or screen
The construction and material of the outer conductor or screen shall be as stated in the
relevant detail specification. The construction shall be in accordance with IEC 61196‑1:2005,
Subclause 4.6.1 f) or 4.6.1 g).
The nominal diameter of the outer conductor or screen shall be stated in the relevant detail
specification.
The maximum allowable tolerance of the diameter is ±0,20 mm.
4.5 Sheath
IEC 61196-1:2005, Subclause 4.7, as amended by the following, applies:
Cables without an outer sheath shall not be subject to 4.5 of this document.
The outer sheath of the cable shall be a thermoplastic material as specified in the relevant
detail specification.
The nominal sheath thickness shall be stated in the relevant detail specification.
The nominal diameter of the sheath shall be stated in the relevant detail specification.
The maximum allowable tolerance of the diameter is ±0,25 mm. The maximum allowable
values for ovality and eccentricity are given in 7.4, Table 4 of this document.
For aerial cables or cables intended for outdoor applications utilising a black polyethylene
sheath, the carbon black content shall be as stated in Table 4.
For other sheath material and colours of cables for outdoor use, the cable shall pass the UV
stability test. (A relevant test procedure is under consideration.)

The messenger type shall be specified in the relevant detail specification and shall include as
a minimum the following criteria: type and material, tensile strength, corrosion properties and
elongation.
4.6 Completed cable
The overall nominal completed cable dimensions shall be stated in the detail specification.
5 Standard ratings and characteristics
The ratings and characteristics applicable to each cable shall be specified herein or in the
relevant detail specification.
6 Identification and marking
6.1 Cable identification
IEC 61196-1:2005, Subclause 6.1 applies.
6.2 Cable Sheath marking
The cable marking shall be applied to the sheath or jacket, or to the outer conductor when a
sheath or jacket is not present. The marking shall consist of the IEC cable type number as
given in 6.2 of IEC 61196-1 and/or the manufacturer’s designated markings when specified in
the relevant cable specification.
Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification, sheath marking shall be achieved as a
non-degradable print containing the following minimum information:
• 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 "4",
• a letter that corresponds to the different outer conductor construction types,
• letters that correspond to the different inner conductor types,
• letters that correspond to the different outer conductor construction types,
• letters that correspond to the different outer conductor materials,
• a designation of the different screening classes,
• the number of the IEC standard (61196-6-x),
• the name of the supplier,
• the length of cable.
EXAMPLE: 75-4T-BC-ALT/BC/ALT-A – − IEC 61196-6-3
More detailed information is given in Annex A.
6.3 Labelling
Labelling shall be provided in accordance with 6.3 of IEC 61196-1 and the relevant detail
specification.
Unless otherwise specified in the detail specification, drums or coils shall be provided with a
label with a non-degradable print containing the following minimum information:
• a number giving the nominal characteristic impedance of the cable in ohms, "75",

– 10 – IEC 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
• 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 "4",
• a letter that corresponds to the different outer conductor construction types, see A.1.2,
• letters that correspond to the different inner conductor types, see A.1.2,
• letters that correspond to the different outer conductor construction types, see A.1.2,
• letters that correspond to the different outer conductor materials, see A.1.2,
• a designation of the different screening classes, see A.1.2,
• the name of the supplier,
• the number of the IEC standard (61196-6-x),
• the batch part number.
More detailed information is given in Annex A.
EXAMPLE: 75-4T-BC-ALT/BC/ALT-A – − IEC 61196-6-3 − 03/04 543 m
7 Tests for completed cables
7.1 General
When tested in accordance with the IEC 61196-1-x series, the requirements given below shall
apply.
Unless otherwise specified, all measurements shall be carried out under standard
atmospheric conditions for testing in accordance with IEC 60068-1:2013, Clause 5.
Applicable test methods shall be in accordance with the IEC 61196-1-100, IEC 61196-1-200,
IEC 61196-1-300 and IEC 61196-1-400 IEC 61196-1-x series and the IEC 62153-4-x series
unless otherwise specified.
The operational frequency range of the cable shall be specified in the relevant detail
specification as either 5 MHz to 1 000 MHz or 5 MHz to 3 000 MHz and tested accordingly.
7.2 Electrical testing of the finished cable
7.2.1 Low-frequency and DC electrical measurements
Low-frequency and DC electrical measurements are described in Table 1.
Table 1 – Low-frequency and DC electrical measurements
No. IEC test Parameter Requirements/remarks
procedure
7.2.1.1 61196-1-101 Conductor resistance Applicable, value in accordance with the detail
specification
7.2.1.2 61196-1-102 Insulation resistance ≥ 10 MΩ × km
7.2.1.3 61196-1-105 Withstand voltage of 2 kV DC or 1,5 kV AC for 1 min, unless otherwise
dielectric specified in the relevant detail specification
7.2.1.4 61196-1-106 Withstand voltage of 3,5 kV DC or 2,5 kV AC, unless otherwise
sheath specified in the relevant detail specification
7.2.1.5 60096-0-1* Current carrying capacity May be specified for information purposes in the
relevant detail specification
7.2.1.6 IEC 62230 Spark test 2,5 kV AC, or 3,75 kV DC, or pulse, or 3,5 kV h.f.
* IEC 60096-0-1 is under consideration.

7.2.2 High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements
High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements are described in Table 2.
Table 2 – High-frequency electrical and transmission measurements
No. IEC test Parameter Requirements/remarks
procedure
7.2.2.1 61196-1-108 Characteristic 75 Ω ± 3 Ω
impedance
7.2.2.2 61196-1-108 Relative propagation May be specified for information purposes only in the
velocity (velocity ratio) detail specification
7.2.2.3 61196-1-112 Return loss RL: ≥ 20 dB from 5 MHz to 1 000 MHz;
≥ 18 dB from 1 000 MHz to 2 000 MHz;
≥ 16 dB from 2 000 MHz to 3 000 MHz
The measurement inaccuracy a shall be < 1 dB
r,f
7.2.2.4 61196-1-113 Attenuation constant The cable shall comply at any frequency with the
a ⋅ f +b ⋅ f +c
formula . In case of copper clad
d / f
conductor material, a term should be added, to
match the curve at low frequencies. The coefficients a,
b, c and d shall be given in the relevant detail
specification as well as the discrete values at
200 MHz and 800 MHz
7.2.2.5 61196-1-115 Regularity of impedance Perform on both ends of tested cable
Regularity ≥ 40 dB resp ≤ 1 %
Test procedure: IEC 61196-1-115, (time domain) or
IEC 62153-1-1 (transformation from frequency domain
into time domain by IDFT)
a
7.2.2.6 62153-4-3 Transfer impedance Screening Class A+: ≤ 2,5 mΩ/m from 5 MHz to
30 MHz
Screening Class A: ≤ 5 mΩ/m from 5 MHz to 30 MHz
Screening Class B: ≤ 15 mΩ/m from 5 MHz to 30 MHz
b
Screening Class C: ≤ 50 mΩ/m from 5 MHz to 30
MHz
Test procedure according to IEC 62153-4-3, triaxial
method, after completion of the flexure test according
to IEC 61196-1-314:2015, 8.3.3, Procedure 2:
Radius = 10 × cable diameter
Tension = as specified in 7.3.10
Speed =/< 1 m/s cycles = 1 (one move forward and
back)
– 12 – IEC 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
No. IEC test Parameter Requirements/remarks
procedure
a
7.2.2.7 62153-4-4 Screening attenuation Screening Class A+:
≥ 95 dB from 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz;
or
≥ 85 dB from 1 000 MHz to 2 000 MHz;
62153-4-8
≥ 75 dB from 2 000 MHz to 3 000 MHz
Screening Class A:
≥ 85 dB from 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz;
≥ 75 dB from 1 000 MHz to 2 000 MHz;
≥ 65 dB from 2 000 MHz to 3 000 MHz
Screening Class B:
≥ 75 dB from 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz;
≥ 65 dB from 1 000 MHz to 2 000 MHz;
≥ 55 dB from 2 000 MHz to 3 000 MHz
b
Screening Class C:
≥ 75 dB from 30 MHz to 1 000 MHz;
≥ 65 dB from 1 000 MHz to 2 000 MHz;
≥ 55 dB from 2 000 MHz to 3 000 MHz
Test procedure according to IEC 62153-4-4 (triaxial
method) after completion of the flexure test according
to IEC 61196-1-314:2015, 8.3.3, Procedure 2:
Radius = 10 × cable diameter
Tension = as specified in 7.3.10
Speed =/< 1 m/s cycles = 1 (one move forward and
back)
a
Screening classification is determined by the minimum class obtained in transfer impedance and screening
attenuation.
b
Class C cables are not intended for applications operating below 30 MHz, e.g. cabling according to
ISO/IEC 15018.
7.3 Environmental testing of the finished cable
Environmental testing of the finished cable is given in Table 3.
Table 3 – Environmental testing of the finished cable
No. IEC test Parameter Requirements/remarks
procedure
7.3.1 61196-1-201 Cold bend performance Test method A or B as specified in the relevant
detail specification.
The test temperature shall be stated in the relevant
detail specification.
No physical damages of conductors, dielectric and
sheaths.
7.3.2 61196-1-203 Water penetration When required, in accordance with the relevant
detail specification
7.3.3 61196-1-206 Climatic sequence T = –40 °C; T = +70 °C; t = 24 h, unless
A B 1
otherwise specified in the detail specification.
No. of cycles: 3
Influenced mechanical and electrical
characteristics shall be as specified in the relevant
detail specification.
7.3.4 61196-1-207 Damp heat (steady state) Influenced mechanical and electrical
(under characteristics shall be as specified in the relevant
consideration) detail specification.
60068-2-78
7.3.5 61196-1-212 Ultraviolet stability of the Applicable to cables for outdoor or other
(under sheath or jacket applications which are subjected to UV radiation
consideration and do not fulfil the requirement of Subclause 4.5
of this document regarding the carbon black
content of the sheath or jacket.
– no visual cracks
– magnitude of change in elongation ≤ 20 % after
720 h
– magnitude of change in tensile strength ≤ 20 %
after 720 h
7.3.6 61196-1-213 Thermal ageing cycling Transmission characteristics shall remain within
(under the specified limits procedure (under
consideration consideration)
61196-1-209
– 14 – IEC 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
7.4 Tests for mechanical characteristics of the finished cable
Mechanical testing of the finished cable is given in Table 4.
Table 4 – Tests for mechanical characteristics of the finished cable
No. IEC test Parameter Requirements/remarks
procedure
7.4.1 61196-1-301 Dielectric ≤ 7 %
7.4.2 61196-1-301 Ovality of sheath ≤ 7 %
7.4.3 61196-1-302 Eccentricity of dielectric ≤ 10 %
7.4.4 61196-1-302 Eccentricity of sheath ≤ 10 %
7.4.5 60811-4-1 Carbon black content ≥ 2 % (where applicable)
60811-605
7.4.6 61196-1-308 Tensile strength and Shall be in accordance IEC 61196-1:2005.
elongation of the copper Subclause 4.4.1
or copper-clad aluminium
inner conductor
7.4.7 61196-1-310 Torsion test for copper- Shall be in accordance with IEC 61196-1-310
clad metals if applicable
7.4.8 61196-1-313 Adhesion of the dielectric Sample length = 50 mm.
to inner conductor
Pressure force F required to remove dielectric
a
shall be 0,1 MPa ≤ F ≤ 1,0 MPa. Refer to
a
footnotes a and b below.
7.4.9 61196-1-314 Bending characteristics According to the detail specification
7.4.10 61196-1-316 Tensile strength of cable According to the detail specification
(longitudinal pull)
7.4.11 61196-1-317 Crush resistance of cable Load = 700 N, applied for 2 min.
After a 2 min recovery time, the maximum
impedance irregularity shall be ≤ 1 %, when
measured in accordance with IEC 61196-1-115.
No physical damage of the sheath or jacket.
7.4.12 61196-1-324 Abrasion resistance According to the detail specification
a
The adhesion of the dielectric to the inner conductor, F is given in MPa by the following equation:
a
F
F =
a
π⋅d×l
where
F is the force;
d is the diameter of inner conductor;
l is the length of the sample.
b
Other values may be specified if special tools for preparing connector mounting are used (see relevant detail
specification).
7.5 Fire performance test methods
When intended to be installed in buildings, these cables may fall under the requirements of
local, regional or governmental regulations for the reaction to fire, for example the
construction products directive (CPD).

Fire performance testing of the finished cable is given in Table 5.
Table 5 – Fire performance test methods (FFS)
No. IEC test Parameter Requirements/remarks
procedure
7.5.1 Flame propagation
7.5.2 Acid gas emission
7.5.3 Smoke generation
7.5.4 Toxic gas emission
8 Quality assessment
When specified in the sectional or detail specifications, quality procedures shall be in
accordance with IEC 61196-1-1.
9 Delivery and storage
Delivery of cables shall be in accordance with IEC 61196-1:2005, Clause 9.
10 Fire performance test methods (FFS)
Fire performance tests are performed in accordance with local and/or national regulations.
NOTE IEC TR 62222 could be used if requested by local or national regulations.

– 16 – IEC 61196-6:2021 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 "4",
• a letter that corresponds to the different outer conductor construction types, see A.1.2,
• a letter that corresponds to the different inner conductor types, see A.1.2,
• letters that correspond to the different outer conductor construction types, see A.1.2,
• letters that correspond to the different outer conductor materials, see A.1.2,
• a designation of the different screening classes, see A.1.2,
• the name of the supplier,
• the number of the IEC standard (61196-7).
A.1.2 Variants
The variant of cables should be identified by the following:
1) type name (75),
2) approximate dielectric outer diameter,
3) outer conductor construction distinguishing letters:
S − Standard shield outer conductor (foil/braid)
T − Tri-shield shield outer conductor (foil/braid/foil)
Q − Quad-shield shield outer conductor (foil/braid/foil/braid)
4) inner conductor material
BC − Bare copper
CCS − Copper clad steel
5) outer conductor material
a) ALT − Aluminium-polymeric laminated tape
b) AL − Aluminium alloy wire
c) TC − Tinned copper wire
e.g. ALT/TC/ALT or ALT/AL/ALT/AL
6) screening class (same class for transfer impedance and screening attenuation)
a) A+, A, B or C.
A.1.3 Screening classes
Screening classes of transfer impedance and screening attenuation shall be consistent. The
lower class determines the screening class of the overall cable: e.g. if the transfer impedance
fulfils the requirement of screening class B and the screening attenuation fulfils the
requirement of screening class A, then the overall screening class of the cable is screening
class B, not class A.
A.2 Cable marking
Cable marking consists of variants and IEC standard number, for example:

Example: 75-4T-BC-ALT/BC/ALT-A – − IEC 61196-7

– 18 – IEC 61196-6:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
Bibliography
IEC 61196-1 (all parts), Coaxial communication cables − Part 1: Electrical test methods
IEC 62153-4 (all parts), Metallic communication cable test methods − Part 4: Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC)
IEC TR 62222, Fire performance of communication cables installed in buildings
IEC 60728-1, Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services −
Part 1: System performance of forward paths
IEC 60728-1-1, Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services −
Part 1-1: RF cabling for two way home networks
IEC 60728-10, Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services −
Part 10: System performance of return paths
IEC 60728-101, Cable networks for television signals, sound signals and interactive services
− Part 101: System performance of forward paths loaded with digital channels only
ISO/IEC 11801-1, Information technology − Generic cabling for customer premises − Part 1:
General requirements
ISO/IEC 11801-4, Information technology − Generic cabling for customer premises − Part 4:
Single-tenant homes
___________
IEC 61196-6 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Coaxial communication cables –
Part 6: Sectional specification for CATV drop cables
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.

IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC online collection - oc.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced have access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 000 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and
and French, with equivalent terms in 18 additional languages.
once a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary

(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc

If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
IEC 61196-6 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Coaxial communication cables –

Part 6: Sectional specification for CATV drop cables

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.120.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-1015-4

– 2 – IEC 61196-6:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references. 5
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Materials and cable construction . 7
4.1 Cable construction . 7
4.2 Inner conductor . 7
4.2.1 Conductor material . 7
4.2.2 Conductor construction . 7
4.3 Dielectric . 7
4.4 Outer conductor or screen . 8
4.5 Sheath . 8
4.6 Completed cable . 8
5 Standard ratings and characteristics . 8
6 Identification and marking . 9
6.1 Cable identification .
...