What is the coaxial cable "3C-2V"? A thorough explanation of its structure, uses, and differences from other standards

Although they are all called coaxial cables, there are various standards such as "3C-2V" and "4C-FB", each with different characteristics and suitable applications.

In this article, we will focus on "3C-2V coaxial cable" and provide an easy-to-understand explanation of its basic structure and features, its main applications, how it differs from other major standards, and the advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing a cable.

After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of 3C-2V cables and will be able to choose the appropriate cable for your application.

What is 3C-2V coaxial cable?

Coaxial cable 3C-2V is a standard that is often used for television antennas and short-distance video signal transmission. It is often seen in television wiring in ordinary homes, and is characterized by its reasonable price.

Here we will explain the basics and features of 3C-2V.

Basic structure

The 3C-2V coaxial cable has a structure in which an inner central conductor is wrapped in an insulator, which is then surrounded by an outer conductor. The central conductor is mainly made of copper or copper alloy and plays an important role in transmitting signals. Polyethylene resin is often used for the insulator, which stabilizes electrical characteristics and provides physical protection. Furthermore, the insulator is surrounded by an aluminum or copper braided shield to suppress external noise.

The "3C" in 2C-3V indicates the specifications such as outer diameter and impedance, while "2V" indicates the material and structure of the insulator. The diameter is around 5mm, and the attenuation of radio waves is relatively gentle. The impedance is standardized at 75Ω, so it is also compatible with television receivers and video equipment.

The thicker the core wire (central conductor) of a cable, the lower the resistance and the longer the distance it can transmit. However, since the 3C-2V is primarily intended for short-distance wiring for home use, it is designed with an emphasis on ease of use and maneuverability, without making the core wire extremely thick. Therefore, it performs well when installed indoors or for wiring over relatively short distances.

Features of 3C-2V

The first feature is that it is low cost and easy to introduce. 3C-2V is widely available on the market, so it is inexpensive and easy to use even for beginners, such as for wiring inside a house. Another attractive feature is that its narrow outer diameter makes it easy to pass through gaps in walls and through moldings.

Secondly, it is compatible with devices such as home televisions. Since it is a standard for video signals with an impedance of 75 ohms as the standard, no significant conversion is required. Another advantage is that it is easy to connect to televisions and recorders, making wiring problems less likely to occur.

On the other hand, it is not suitable for long-distance signal transmission. As the cable becomes longer, the attenuation of high-frequency components increases, and the deterioration of video and audio quality becomes more noticeable. 3C-2V is sufficient for distances of a few meters to several tens of meters, but if you need to transmit longer distances, you should consider using a thicker cable.

3C-2V is a standard that combines ease of use with sufficient performance, and can be said to be the basis for home wiring. It is also positioned as the first coaxial cable that many people come into contact with.

Main uses of 3C-2V coaxial cable

Coaxial cable 3C-2V is a standard suitable for transmitting stable video signals over short distances. It is used in a wide range of situations, from TV antennas to indoor TVs, to AV cables for connecting video equipment.

The first example is receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts. It is common to install an outdoor antenna and run a 3C-2V cable from the antenna through the wall to the terminal on the back of the TV. If you run the outdoor wiring while taking into consideration waterproofing and weather resistance, and attach connectors where necessary, you can receive TV images stably.

It is also used to connect recording devices to televisions. By connecting a recording recorder or tuner to a television with a 3C-2V cable, high-frequency signals can be sent smoothly. A major advantage of this cable is that it can transmit combined video and audio signals without any problems.

Furthermore, 3C-2V is sometimes used when installing cable Internet lines for homes, but some carriers specify a higher grade cable to reduce attenuation, so it is important to check before use.

Differences between 3C-2V coaxial cable and other standards

In addition to 3C-2V, there are several other standards for coaxial cables, including 5C-2V, 4C-FB, and 3C-FB. Each standard has a different outer diameter and insulator structure, which results in different attenuation and weather resistance.

However, just because it's 5C-2V doesn't mean it's always better, and you need to take into account cost and ease of wiring.

The table below summarises the main differences:

Please use this as a reference to select the best cable for your application.

specification	Outer diameter (approximate)	Decay Trend	Main uses
3C-2V	About XNUM X mm	Relatively high	Short distance TV/AV wiring
5C-2V	About XNUM X mm	Slightly low	Medium to long distance TV reception wiring
4C-FB	About XNUM X mm	Low	Satellite and cable TV
3C-FB	About XNUM X mm	Lower than 3C-2V	Compatible with home wiring (longer distances) and BS

Advantages and disadvantages of choosing 3C-2V coaxial cable

3C-2V is a coaxial cable with an optimal balance for the average household, but when selecting it, it is important to consider not only the advantages but also the disadvantages.

Here we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of 3C-2V.

Advantages of 3C-2V

The biggest advantage of the 3C-2V is that it is cheap and easy to obtain. It can be easily purchased almost anywhere, such as electronic parts shops or online stores, so it is suitable for people who want to start wiring right away.

Another major advantage is that the outer diameter is thin, making it easy to handle. If you need to run the cable through a narrow space or need flexibility for wiring inside a wall, it is easier to work with than a thick cable. Also, the cable is not too stiff, so it is easier to bend.

The impedance is unified to 75 ohms, so it is compatible with televisions and video equipment. Since it is compatible with general digital terrestrial broadcasting and CATV, the 3C-2V alone is sufficient for antenna wiring within a room.

Disadvantages of 3C-2V

The disadvantage of 3C-2V is that when using long-distance wiring or high-frequency bands, the signal attenuation increases, which increases the possibility of degrading image quality. Therefore, if you are using high-frequency signals such as satellite broadcasting or cable television, you will need to consider using a higher grade cable.

In addition, unless the 3C-2V is protected from excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays and moisture with a protective tube or waterproofing, there is a risk that its lifespan will be shortened. The longer the part of the product that is exposed to the outdoors, the more attention must be paid to weather resistance and durability.

Another disadvantage is that the core wire is thinner than that of a thicker cable, so it is more likely to break or break during installation. When installing, it is important to avoid excessive bending or pulling, and to be careful not to apply excessive force to the cable.

Summary

3C-2V coaxial cable is the optimal standard for short-distance video transmission, such as in-home television wiring. It is inexpensive, has a small outer diameter so is easy to bend, and provides sufficient performance for general terrestrial digital broadcasting.

On the other hand, since attenuation is large in satellite broadcasts that use high frequency bands and long distance wiring, standards such as 4C-FB and 5C-2V are more suitable for some applications. Using an FB cable with enhanced weather resistance and noise suppression has the great advantage of being able to obtain high quality images stably.

By understanding the environment and purpose and then selecting the right cable, you can achieve stable video and audio transmission. Find the optimal coaxial cable by considering the required performance and cost balance.