T9B10 - What is the electrical difference between RG-58 and RG-213 coaxial cable?

Technician Questions
1

Question

What is the electrical difference between RG-58 and RG-213 coaxial cable?

Answer Options

  • A) There is no significant difference between the two types
  • B) RG-58 cable has two shields
  • C) RG-213 cable has less loss at a given frequency
  • D) RG-58 cable can handle higher power levels

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

This is a memory item.

RG-58 is one of the older types of 50\Omega coaxial cable currently in use for Amateur radio. Most other coaxial cable in use is an improvement over RG-58 in some way. RG-213 is physically larger, and physically larger is generally lower loss, all other things being equal.

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2

DX engineering provides a table of various coaxial cable comparisons. See link to Coax Spec Chart Unfortunately, this is one of those questions that just requires a memorized answer. Most everyone recognizes “RG-58” (0.195” dia.) as the most standard coaxial 50-ohm cable. RG-8 (0.405” dia.) is also a common 50-ohm cable but thicker and lower loss. RG-213 (0.405” dia.) is a higher quality “look alike” to RG-8.

In general, thicker coaxial cables have lower loss at a given frequency and are also rated for higher voltage (read “more power”).

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