The durability of the RG59 coaxial cable's outer jacket largely depends on its construction and materials used. Generally, RG59 cables are designed to withstand outdoor conditions to a certain extent, but the level of durability can vary between different manufacturers and specific cable models. When selecting an RG59 coaxial cable for outdoor use, it's essential to consider the following factors related to its outer jacket:
UV Resistance: UV radiation from sunlight can gradually degrade the outer jacket of the RG59 coaxial cable over time. This degradation can manifest as discoloration, embrittlement, and ultimately, cracking or splitting of the jacket. To mitigate these effects, a high-quality RG59 cable employs specialized materials and additives in its outer jacket that provide superior UV resistance. These materials are designed to absorb or reflect UV radiation, preventing it from penetrating the jacket and causing deterioration. UV stabilizers are often incorporated into the jacket's formulation to enhance its longevity and maintain its mechanical properties under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Weatherproofing: Outdoor installations expose the RG59 coaxial cable to a range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, sleet, and high humidity. Without adequate protection, moisture can penetrate the cable's outer jacket, leading to corrosion of the inner conductors, signal attenuation, and potential electrical shorts. Weatherproofing measures are thus crucial to safeguard the cable against moisture ingress and ensure reliable performance in adverse weather conditions. Weatherproof RG59 cables feature specialized sealing techniques and materials that create a tight barrier against water and moisture infiltration. This can include moisture-resistant jacket compounds, water-blocking tapes or fillers, and moisture-resistant connectors.
Temperature Tolerance: Outdoor installations subject the RG59 coaxial cable to a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold in winter to scorching heat in summer. Extreme temperatures can affect the cable's material properties, leading to issues such as thermal expansion and contraction, loss of flexibility, and degradation of insulation. To ensure reliable operation across varying temperature conditions, RG59 cables are engineered with temperature-resistant materials that maintain their mechanical and electrical performance over a wide temperature range. This may involve selecting jacket materials with high thermal stability and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to minimize dimensional changes with temperature fluctuations.
Flexibility and Durability: The outer jacket of the RG59 coaxial cable must exhibit a balance of flexibility and durability to withstand the rigors of outdoor installations while remaining easy to handle and install. Flexibility is essential for facilitating smooth cable routing around corners, through conduits, and across uneven terrain, minimizing installation time and effort. At the same time, the jacket must be durable enough to resist abrasion, tearing, and punctures encountered during installation, handling, and ongoing maintenance activities. To achieve these dual objectives, RG59 cables employ jacket materials with optimal mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength, tear resistance, and flexibility. This may involve using flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or polyethylene compounds formulated specifically for outdoor applications, which combine flexibility with robustness to withstand bending, twisting, and stretching without cracking or tearing. Reinforcement layers or armor tapes may be incorporated into the jacket design to provide extra protection against physical damage from sharp edges, debris, or mechanical stress.