What Does “RG” mean in RG cables?

The “RG” in RG cables stands for “Radio Guide”. This is a standardized designation system that was developed by the United States military during World War II to specify different types of coaxial cables.
 
The “RG” nomenclature was first introduced in the 1940s by the Joint Army-Navy Specification (JAN) to create a consistent way of identifying the various coaxial cable designs and their intended applications.
 
Here’s a breakdown of what the “RG” numbers signify:
 
  • RG-6 – A common coaxial cable used for cable TV, satellite TV, and other broadband applications.
  • RG-59 – A thinner coaxial cable used for video and CCTV applications.
  • RG-8 – A heavier, low-loss cable used for longer distance runs, such as amateur radio and CB radio.
  • RG-11 – Similar to RG-8, but with a slightly different impedance and used for applications like CATV trunk lines.
  • RG-58 – A thin, flexible cable commonly used for test equipment and some RF applications.
 
The “RG” designation provides a standardized way to quickly identify the key specifications and intended uses of different coaxial cable types, which was very useful for the military and later the broader electronics industry.

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