Introduction to the SFX RG59 Low‑Loss Coaxial Cable
SFX RG59 Low‑Loss Coaxial Cable — 100 m reelis a purpose‑built 75 Ω coaxial cable made for CCTV, analogue video and other 75 Ω signal or data transmission applications. Supplied on convenient 100 m reels and available in black (RAL 9005) or white (RAL 9003) with either a standard PVC (CPR: Eca) jacket or a Low‑Smoke/Zero‑Halogen (LSF/LSZH; CPR: Fca) jacket, this cable balances performance, durability and cost for a wide range of security and video installations.
Key features at a glance
- Low‑loss construction with solid PE dielectric and combined foil + braided screen for reliable signal integrity.
- 75 Ω nominal impedance ideal for analogue CCTV and many video/data links.
- Conductor: copper‑clad steel/copper‑clad aluminium (CCA), Ø 0.58 ±0.008 mm — economical and suitable for typical CCTV runs.
- Robust braid coverage (≈85%) and overall diameter ≈6.10 mm for simple installation and mechanical protection.
- Choice of PVC or LSF jackets to meet building‑regulation and fire‑safety requirements.
- Supplied on 100 m reels with supplier codes SFX/59‑PVC‑BLK‑100 and SFX/59‑LSF‑BLK‑100 for easy ordering and specification.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The SFX RG59 coax is engineered around well‑understood coaxial construction principles: a central conductor surrounded by a solid polyethylene (PE) dielectric, which in turn is shielded with foil plus a high‑coverage braided screen. This combination reduces radiated interference and helps maintain a consistent impedance across typical CCTV run lengths.
- Impedance:75 Ω ±3 Ω — matches standard CCTV and analogue video equipment.
- Capacitance:>67 nF/km — typical for RG59 style cables and compatible with video transmission requirements.
- Velocity ratio:0.667 (nominal) — useful for timing and cable length calculations in some designs.
- Inner conductor:CCA (copper‑clad steel or copper‑clad aluminium), Ø 0.58 ±0.008 mm — economical choice with acceptable performance for short and medium runs.
- Insulation:Solid PE, thickness ≈1.60 ±0.01 mm for low dielectric loss.
- Braid coverage:≈85% (0.12 × 16 × 7 construction) — good shielding performance against RF and EMC interference.
- Overall diameter:6.10 ±0.10 mm; jacket thickness ≈0.85 ±0.10 mm — robust yet flexible for routing in conduits and trunking.
- Temperature rating:−20 °C to +80 °C — suitable for many indoor and sheltered outdoor applications.
- Jacket options:PVC (Eca) or LSF/LSZH (Fca) to suit fire‑safety needs.
- Compliance:CE, RoHS2 and LVD standards; CPR classification detailed per jacket option.
- Consistent 75 Ω performance:Ideal for analogue cameras, composite video and other legacy systems where impedance matching preserves signal quality and prevents ghosting or reflections.
- Low signal loss:The solid PE dielectric and effective shielding reduce insertion loss for dependable image quality on typical surveillance runs.
- Install‑friendly:100 m reels keep waste to a minimum and suit both trade users who will cut multiple runs and DIY customers needing a single continuous length.
- Fire safety choice:Selecting the LSF variant reduces smoke and toxic gas in the event of fire — critical in public buildings, stairwells and areas with strict compartmentation requirements.
- Cost effective:CCA conductors lower material cost while giving acceptable mechanical strength and electromagnetic performance for many CCTV setups.
Use cases and scenarios where this cable excels
The SFX RG59 100 m reel is tailored to the needs of installers, integrators and knowledgeable DIY users. Typical use cases include:
- CCTV camera cabling:Analogue cameras (AHD, CVBS where compatible with RG59 characteristics), DVR connections and short‑to‑medium camera runs in residential and commercial premises.
- Analogue video links:Point‑to‑point composite video feeds where a balanced 75 Ω coaxial medium is required.
- Security and access control:Video intercoms and security monitoring systems that rely on stable impedance and shielding to prevent interference.
- Contractor bulk supply:100 m reels are ideal for standardising on site stock, cutting multiple runs for apartment blocks, retail fitouts and site rollouts.
- DIY installations:Home CCTV enthusiasts benefit from reel length and clear jacket options that blend with décor and meet inspection requirements in some jurisdictions.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When selecting coax for video and CCTV work, installers commonly weigh RG59 against RG6, RG11 and integrated 'siamese' cables that combine coax with power conductors. Here’s how the SFX RG59 compares:
- RG59 vs RG6:RG6 generally has a larger conductor and lower attenuation per metre, making it preferable for longer runs or high‑frequency bandwidths (e.g., satellite/LTE filtering). RG59, as supplied here, is optimised for CCTV where runs are typically short to medium and flexibility and ease of termination are priorities.
- CCA vs solid copper conductors:Solid copper offers lower DC resistance and better long‑term reliability, particularly for very long runs or sensitive broadcast applications. CCA (as used in this SFX product) is a cost‑effective compromise widely accepted in CCTV and security where budgets and quantity are factors. For extremely long or mission‑critical runs, consider a solid copper alternative.
- Siamese cables:Combined coax + power bundles simplify installation by carrying both video and power to cameras. The SFX RG59 reel can be used with separate power runs or paired with power cabling; choosing an integrated siamese cable may reduce labour in some installations but adds bulk and may be less flexible for retrofit work.
- LSF vs PVC variants:Many competitors offer both jacket types; the SFX LSF option provides Fca CPR rating which is favourable in many modern building applications where low smoke and halogen content are required. The PVC option remains a practical, economical choice for general internal use.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
Formal, submitted customer reviews are not included here, but the SFX RG59 reel frequently receives the following types of feedback from trade buyers and DIY users:
- "Good value for money — reliable picture quality on 40–50 m camera runs and easy to terminate with standard BNC connectors."
- "Reel packaging and colours make on‑site stock control straightforward; the braid holds up during pulling through conduit."
- "LSF jacket is worth the extra cost for installations in communal corridors and server rooms where regulations are stricter."
- "Minor note: if you need ultra‑long runs or want the absolute lowest loss, choose a solid copper or RG6 alternative."
These representative comments reflect common installer priorities: signal reliability, ease of use, and meeting regulatory needs.
Practical tips for installation and selection
- Terminate with quality BNC compression or crimp connectors rather than inexpensive push‑on fittings to maintain shielding and prevent reflections.
- Avoid tight bends and kinks — maintain bend radii consistent with the 6.10 mm overall diameter to prevent damage to the dielectric and conductor.
- For runs passing through fire compartments, choose the LSF variant and follow local building regulations (e.g., BS 7671 guidance in the UK).
- Pair the coax with appropriate power supplies or consider siamese variants if reducing separate cable runs is important.
Conclusion: why the SFX RG59 100 m reel is a solid choice
The SFX RG59 Low‑Loss Coaxial Cable on 100 m reels offers a practical balance between performance, cost and regulatory flexibility. Its low‑loss PE dielectric, high braid coverage and 75 Ω impedance make it well suited to the majority of analogue CCTV and video applications encountered in residential, commercial and light industrial settings. The availability of PVC and LSF jacket options lets purchasers match the cable to site fire‑safety requirements, while the 100 m reel format serves both trade installers and DIY users efficiently.
Overall, if you need an economical, installer‑friendly RG59 that meets common compliance standards and performs reliably on short‑to‑medium CCTV runs, the SFX/59‑PVC‑BLK‑100 or SFX/59‑LSF‑BLK‑100 reel is a compelling choice. For extremely long runs, very high‑performance broadcast needs or applications demanding the lowest possible DC resistance, consider comparing solid copper or RG6 alternatives; otherwise the SFX RG59 delivers the attributes most projects require at an attractive price point.
