What is Coaxial Cable?

Coaxial cable is a type of cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, surrounded by a conductive shielding. Many also have an insulating outer jacket. The diagram below illustrates the construction of a typical cable. Electrical signal flows through the center conductor. 

1. Center conductor - copper-clad steel.

2. Center conductor bond - clean stripping polymer is utilized to block moisture migration.

3. Dielectric - polyethylene providing mechanically stable, closed-cell foam with high VP.

4. First outer conductor - shield with an aluminum-polymeraluminum tape securely bonded to the dielectric core.

5. Second outer conductor - an additional aluminum-polymer-aluminum tape is used in tri-shield and quad-shield constructions to further enhance HF shield isolation before and after flexure.

6. Third outer conductor - an additional aluminum-polymer-aluminum tape is used in tri-shield and quad-shield constructions to further enhance HF shield isolation before and after flexure.

7. Fourth outer conductor - an additional 34 or 36 AWG aluminum braid is used in quad-shield constructions to further improve LF shield isolation in extreme RF noise environments.

8. Corrosion resistant protectant

Indoor and aerial - a non-drip material designed to eliminate moisture migration into the cable construction.

Underground - a flowing compound able to seal small jacket ruptures.

9. Jacket - a UV stable outer jacket of either polyethylene (PE) or flame retardant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is available to protect the core during installation and for the installed life of the cable.

10. Integral messenger - a galvanized, carbon steel wire support member attached to the cable by a separable web.