For most TV, satellite, and broadband-video runs, choose RG6 for its lower high-frequency loss and stronger shielding. An RG6 BNC connector is the correct termination only when its 75-ohm design, cable diameter, dielectric opening, and shield clamp match the specific RG6 cable. A connector that grips the center conductor can still produce a weak or unreliable shield connection.

Use RG59 for shorter, lower-frequency video runs where its smaller diameter and tighter bend behavior are useful. Before terminating either cable, read the jacket marking and the connector manufacturer’s cable-compatibility specification rather than relying on the connector’s apparent fit.

RG6 cable vs RG59: Compare construction, loss, and typical uses

Both RG6 and RG59 are generally 75-ohm coaxial cables, so impedance alone does not distinguish them. The practical differences are construction, attenuation, outside diameter, and flexibility:

• Conductor: RG6 commonly uses an 18 AWG center conductor, while RG59 often uses a smaller 20 or 22 AWG conductor. Copper-clad steel is common for distribution cable; solid copper versions are available for some installations.
• Diameter: Typical RG6 is about 6.9 mm (0.27 inch) in diameter. RG59 is usually about 6.1 mm (0.24 inch). Actual dimensions vary by manufacturer and indoor, outdoor, or plenum rating.
• Shielding: Both may have a foil and braid, but RG6 products are frequently sold with dual, tri-shield, or quad-shield construction for better interference rejection. RG59 shielding must be judged by its braid coverage and foil specification, not its label alone.
• Attenuation: At approximately 1 GHz, a representative RG6 may lose about 6 to 7 dB per 100 feet, compared with roughly 10 to 12 dB for RG59. Check the data sheet because loss changes with frequency and cable design.
• Bend behavior: RG6 is larger and stiffer, requiring a wider bend radius. RG59 is easier to route around cameras, racks, and tight enclosures, but its lower-frequency performance may limit long or high-bandwidth runs.

Choose RG6 coaxial cable for antenna, cable-TV, satellite, and longer digital-video runs. Choose RG59 for short CCTV or baseband-video connections when the equipment and distance suit its loss rating. Neither cable should be forced around a sharp corner.

Choose an RG6 BNC connector for the exact cable

Look for a connector explicitly marked for RG6, 75-ohm service, and the cable’s actual outside diameter and shield construction. A BNC made for RG59 may accept the same center-pin size but fail to capture an RG6 jacket, dielectric, or braid correctly. A 50-ohm BNC can also appear to fit while creating the wrong electrical interface.

Match the termination method to both the connector and cable:

• Compression: Usually provides the most secure, repeatable connection when the connector and compression tool are designed for that exact RG6 geometry.
• Crimp: Requires the specified ferrule, die, and strip dimensions. A generic hex crimp can crush the cable or leave the shield poorly bonded.
• Twist-on: Works only when the connector is rated for the cable’s diameter and dielectric dimensions. It is convenient, but it may provide less mechanical security than a correctly installed compression connector.

Use the connector’s strip gauge or installation sheet. Do not substitute dimensions from another BNC model.

Prepare and terminate RG6 coaxial cable

1. Cut the cable square with a coaxial cutter. Remove the jacket using the connector-specific strip setting, taking care not to nick the braid, foil, dielectric, or center conductor.
2. Fold the braid back evenly if the instructions require it. Remove loose strands and keep every strand away from the center conductor and exposed dielectric.
3. Install the center pin if the connector uses a separate pin. The conductor must reach the pin’s specified stop without protruding beyond the permitted length. Slide the connector body fully onto the cable until the dielectric and shield seat against their internal stops.
4. Finish using the specified method: compress with the matching tool, crimp with the correct die, or twist on until fully seated. Do not crimp a compression connector or solder a connector that was not designed for soldering.

Inspect and test the finished BNC connection

• Inspect the connector opening for braid or foil strands touching the center pin. This is a center-to-shield short and must be corrected.
• Check that the center pin is neither recessed nor excessively long for the BNC socket. It should align with the mating contact without forcing it.
• Confirm that the connector body is straight, fully seated, and gripping the jacket rather than only the braid.
• Apply a firm hand pull to the cable. The connector should not slide, rotate freely, or expose more cable.
• With both ends accessible and disconnected from equipment, test center-to-center continuity and shield-to-shield continuity. Test between center and shield as well; that reading should show no short.

After these checks, mate the cable with compatible 75-ohm BNC equipment and verify the video or RF signal. Intermittent operation, unusual loss, or a connector that loosens under light pulling indicates incorrect preparation or an incompatible connector.