RG59 Coaxial Cable
At Cabling Plus we offer a huge selection of professional grade RG59 coaxial cable. We offer the RG59 coax you need for both residential and commercial video applications. We also offer the RG59 cable needed in outdoor video system installations. Our RG59 coaxial cables are available on 1000ft spools or in 500ft boxes. All of our RG59 cables are certified, tested, and manufactured using the highest quality materials.
Use the RG59 Coaxial Cables the professionals use!
RG59 coax can be used in a wide variety of low power video and RF signal applications. You can find RG59 cable used to make audio video cables in home theater and commercial AV applications, CCTV system installations, or any other applications where video needs to be transmitted from one device to another. One of the most common uses for RG59 coax is to transmit video in CCTV system installations. In fact, it is so common that many people just refer to it as “CCTV Cable”. In a CCTV camera system installation RG59 cable is the pipe that delivers the video signal from the security cameras back to the security DVR or Digital Video Recorder. When installing a security camera system the RG59 cable is ran from each security camera back to the DVR. The connection between the DVR, CCTV Cameras, and the RG59 coax is all made via BNC connectors that are terminated on the ends of the RG59 cable. Once the BNC connectors are terminated on the RG59 the connections are all just plug-and-play.
Although RG59 can be purchased as a single cable, in a CCTV system installation most installers prefer to use the RG59 + 18/2 Siamese cable. The RG59 + 18/2 Siamese cable is a combo cable that includes a single RG59 coax for video and a single 18 gauge 2 conductor cable that is used for power. Having both the cables needed in a CCTV camera installation bundled into one easy to pull and manage cable simplifies an installation and saves you time and money. The Siamese cable allows you to pull and manage one cable, and once the cable reaches the security cameras or security DVR you just peel the two cables apart as you connect them to the required power and video inputs. On the DVR side the coaxial cable will attach to the BNC connections on the back of the DVR, and the 18-2 power cable will attach to a CCTV camera power supply or power transformer. One the camera side both the RG59 coax and the 18-2 power cable will connect to the camera. Using the RG59 + 18/2 Siamese cable makes a CCTV system installation easier than ever!
There are times when a Siamese cable just does not fit an application. Since the two cables are stuck together it only makes sense to use Siamese cable when installing a DVR and power supply in the same location, or at least in close proximity of one another. Often due to power limitations in long cable runs an installer is forced to put the power at the camera location, or at another location other than where the DVR is located. In this application the coaxial cable would be ran to one location, and the 18/2 power cable would be ran to a completely different location. In this situation it would not be possible to use a Siamese cable. For this type of application it would be best to use a separate box of RG59 coaxial cable, and a separate box of 18-2 multi-conductor cable for power. This will give you the flexibility to run each cable to any location needed.
The construction make-up of a RG59 coaxial cable is pretty simple. In the middle of the cable there is a 20 gauge copper solid center conductor that transmits the video signal. The copper center conductor is surrounded by a gas injected foam insulation that looks a lot like hard plastic. The insulation is surrounded by a mesh copper braid that shields and protects the signal for outside interference. Lastly, you have the outside over-all jacket that holds it all together. RG59 has a reputation of being the most durable, reliable, and easy to to install coaxial cable for video system installations!
It is always important to buy an RG59 coaxial cable that is well constructed and made with the best materials. There is no reason to allow cheap, poorly made coaxial cables hinder the performance of your cameras or home theater components. The best RG59 coaxial cable usually provides clear documentation of its specifications either directly on the cable jacket or on the box. The best RG59 coaxial cable is 3 GHz tested, and includes a 95% copper braid, 20 gauge copper center conductor, and a CMP/CMR/CM rating. A riser rating (CMR) is commonly required when cables are run between floors through open vertical shafts. A CMR rating proves the cable has been tested and is safe for in-wall installations. We always recommend that you follow your local building codes and use the cables that best support them. If you are running RG59 in a plenum rated ceiling you will want to make sure again you are following the building codes by using a plenum rated (CMP) cable. Before buying any bulk cable products you should always look at the specifications and ensure it has some of the basic characteristics that are common in a good quality RG59 coaxial cable. Also, make sure the cable has the ratings and certifications needed to support your installation.
At Cabling Plus we offer a huge selection of professional grade RG59 cables! We offer RG59 cable in both single cable and Siamese cable versions to support any installation type. We even offer the RG59 coaxial cable options that are needed for any indoor, outdoor, direct burial, or plenum rated video applications. Let us provide you with the RG59 coax needed to ensure your installations are 100% successful!
Frequently Asked Questions About RG59 Coaxial Cable - FAQ’s
Can I install my coaxial cable outdoors?
For a longer lasting installation we recommend using Outdoor or Direct Burial Rated RG59 Coaxial Cable for all outdoor installations. An outdoor rated coax will have a weatherized jacket and a jelly or water block tape construction inside the cable that combats moisture. Plus a true outdoor rated cable will have a UV rated jacket that combats the sun so the cable jacket does not crack and fall apart over time. Not using an outdoor rated cable in outdoor installations where the cable is exposed to the environment will heavily shorten the life span of your cable. If you are installing cables in a conduit or PVC pipe we still recommend using outdoor rated cables. Condensation will still get into the conduit and if it penetrates your cable corrosion will quickly begin. Installing cables in a conduit or pipe will also allow you to easily replace cables in the future without having to un-dig cable and re-dig trenches.
What connector types can I use with RG59 cable?
There is a wide range of connector types used with RG59 cable. The most common types are RCA, F, and BNC connectors. The first step in identifying the connector types you need is to evaluate the equipment you are using and use the connectors that support those available connections.
What video applications should use RG59 Coaxial Cables?
RG59 is commonly used in various low-power video applications. Many installers use RG59 cables as inter-connect cables to connect audio video devices together in home theater or commercial AV installations. But by far the most common use for RG59 is in CCTV system installations. RG59 is the most commonly used cable to install between CCTV cameras and a Digital Video Recorder to transmit video between the two.
What is a RG59 Siamese cable?
The Siamese cable is designed specifically for CCTV camera installations. It basically features two cables attached together side by side. The two cables are an RG59 coaxial cable and an 18-2 power cable attached together so they can be easily peeled apart at the ends where the cable connects to the camera and the security DVR. The RG59 is used to transmit video between the DVR and cameras, and the 18-2 cable transmits power between the camera and the camera power supply.
Should I use a Siamese RG59 cable or a single RG59 Cable for my CCTV system?
If the security DVR and your security camera power supply are located next to each other than using Siamese RG59 cable is the best option for you. Once you get the cable to the DVR and power supply area you can peel the two cables apart and connect the coax to the DVR and the power cable to the power supply. If the DVR and camera power supply are in different locations than the Siamese cable would simply not be feasible. So in this application you should buy a separate box of RG59 coax and a separate box of 18-2 cable and run the individual cables to the different locations of the CCTV equipment.
How do I prepare the RG59 coax to be terminated?
The termination of RG59 is pretty simple. You will need a cable cutter, coaxial cable stripper for RG59 coax, a termination tool, and the connectors you want to terminate. The key to a successful termination is the proper preparation of the cable. It is always good to use a round coaxial cable cutter and give the end of the cable a clean initial cut. Once you have a clean cut you can then insert the cable into the RG59 cable stripper and prepare the cable. You will want to comb the braid back and ensure none of the little hairs from the braid are touching the center conductor because they will cause the cable to short the signal. It is important to have the right tools for the job. It is also important to buy the connectors that are specifically designed for your cable type. Standard RG59, Plenum RG59, Outdoor RG59, Mini RG59 cables will all require different connector sizes. So evaluate the specifications of both the cable you are using and the connectors you are going to purchase to ensure they will work together.
What is the make-up of a RG59 coax cable type?
There are only 4 components of an RG59 cable. First you have your jacket with is usually made of a PVC plastic. Jackets may vary depending on if the cable is of the indoor, outdoor, plenum, or non-plenum type. Secondly, the first layer inside the jacket will be the copper braid shield which helps protect the cables signals from external interference. The third component is the dielectric insulator which is a foam plastic insulation that surrounds the last component which is the center conductor or core. The center conductor or core is where your signal travels; it is usually made of bare copper, or a copper coated steel. The RG59 cable type is known for being one the most durable cables made which makes it perfect for video or RF installations in almost any environment.
What is the difference between CMR and CMP rated RG59 Cable?
The CMR stands for riser rated which means the cable is rated for installations between floors, in cable trays, or in elevator shafts. The CMR cable supports the building code for installations in riser commercial buildings and residential structures. The CMP rating complies with building codes where cables are installed in plenum ceilings. This is mostly seen in high rise buildings. The chemical compound in a CMP Rated RG59 Coaxial Cable ensures the cable self-extinguishes and does not reignite if caught on fire. It is always important to be aware of your local building codes and install the coaxial cable types that best support them. The last thing you want to do is create a liability for yourself or be responsible for a fire hazard.
How is RG59 coax packaged when sold?
RG59 comes standard in 500ft boxes and 1000ft spools. It is offered in both white and black colors. If you are not interested in terminating your own cables than you do have the option of buying pre-made CCTV cables that are already terminated with connectors and ready for a plug and play installation.