What are the differences between 3c, 4c and 5c coaxial cables? How to choose according to distance and purpose

Choosing the right coaxial cable standard is an important point that directly affects the quality of video and audio. By selecting the appropriate standard according to the wiring distance and purpose, you can achieve a stable viewing environment.

Therefore, in this article, we will explain in detail the characteristics of 3C/4C/5C and the recommended standards for each distance for those who are unsure how to choose a coaxial cable. Please read to the end as a reference for choosing a cable.

Features of 3C/4C/5C coaxial cables

There are three main types of coaxial cables: 3C, 4C, and 5C, each with different thickness and performance. It is important to select the appropriate cable depending on the application and wiring distance.

Here we will explain the features of each cable in detail.

Features of 3C cable

3C cables are the thinnest, with an outer diameter of about 5.4 mm, and are highly flexible. They are ideal for short distance wiring around a TV, and are easy to handle, so even beginners can easily do the wiring work. However, if the cable is longer than 3 m, the signal tends to weaken, so care must be taken with the distance it is used.

The characteristic impedance is 75 Ω, and its structure prevents external noise, enabling stable transmission of video and audio signals.

Features of 4C cable

4C cable is a medium-thickness coaxial cable with an outer diameter of approximately 6.0 mm, and is widely used as the main cable for indoor wiring.

It has a characteristic impedance of 75 Ω and a double shielding structure that effectively blocks external noise, enabling high-quality signal transmission that is compatible with 2K/4K broadcasts.

The coating is designed to be thinner than that of 5C cables, making it more flexible and easier to handle indoors. It is relatively lightweight and easy to handle for general indoor wiring work.

In addition, the use of foamed polyethylene insulation provides a low-loss design that reduces signal attenuation. With well-balanced specifications that are ideal for use in ordinary homes, it is recommended as the standard choice for indoor wiring.

Features of 5C cable

The 5C cable is the thickest of the three types, with an outer diameter of approximately 7.7 mm, and is a high-performance coaxial cable suitable for long-distance wiring. It has a double shielding structure that effectively blocks external noise, allowing for stable signal transmission that is also compatible with receiving 3K/2K broadcasts.

The internal structure uses foamed polyethylene as an insulator, and is designed to minimize signal attenuation. The estimated mass is about 63 kg/km, which is quite heavy, but the radio wave transmission efficiency is high and stable image quality can be maintained even over long distances of 10 m or more.

In addition, it is durable enough to withstand outdoor use and exhibits stable transmission characteristics over a wide range of frequency bands, from terrestrial digital broadcasting to BS/CS broadcasting. However, due to its thickness and weight, it is somewhat difficult to handle, and is not suitable for wiring work in narrow spaces.

Recommended standards for coaxial cables by distance

The optimal standard for coaxial cable varies depending on the wiring distance. It is necessary to select a cable taking into consideration signal attenuation and ease of handling for short, medium, and long distances.

This section explains the optimal cable standards for different wiring distances.

Short distance wiring (3m or less)

3C cables are ideal for short distance wiring. With a narrow design of approximately 5.4 mm in diameter, they are flexible enough to connect TV peripherals. They are particularly easy to handle when connecting devices close to each other, such as TVs and recorders, and allow for smooth wiring work in tight spaces.

With wiring under 3m, there is little attenuation of the electrical signal, so there is less need to use thick cables. In fact, thinner cables are easier to handle and allow for neater wiring.

Medium distance wiring (3 to 10 m)

For medium distance wiring, 4C cable is the best choice. With a diameter of about 6mm, it has a good balance between attenuation and ease of wiring, and is widely used as the main wiring indoors.

It is suitable for wiring in a typical room of about 6 to 8 tatami mats, and can maintain stable image quality even if the distance from the antenna terminal on the wall to the TV is far.

Especially for cables of 10m or less, it is possible to maintain image quality while suppressing signal attenuation. In addition, it is easy to keep the cables neat and tidy even when connecting multiple devices.

Long distance wiring (10m or more)

5C cable is the best for long distance wiring. Its thick design with a diameter of about 7.7 mm allows stable signal transmission even over long distances of about 10 to 20 m. It is also suitable for wiring from an antenna to a TV in a detached house, or for connecting across rooms.

5C cable demonstrates excellent performance, especially when used for outdoor wiring or community receiving facilities. The double shielding structure effectively blocks external noise, enabling high-quality video transmission even over long distances.

If longer distances are required, consider using 7C cable. It has a thicker diameter of about 10 mm and can be used for wiring of 20 to 50 m, making it suitable for use in shared receiving facilities in apartment buildings and other buildings.

How to choose 3C/4C/5C coaxial cable according to application

The optimal coaxial cable varies depending on the application. By selecting the appropriate cable depending on the device connection environment and purpose of use, more efficient wiring is possible.

Main uses of 3C cables

3C cables are specialized for short-distance wiring around televisions. Their main uses are wiring between devices when connecting a television and a recorder, and short-distance wiring from an antenna terminal to a television.

It is highly flexible and can be freely wired even in a narrow AV rack, making it easy to handle cables when connecting multiple devices. It is also suitable for wiring video equipment such as surveillance cameras and security cameras. If the wiring is within 3m, the signal stability can be sufficiently ensured.

Main uses of 4C cables

4C cable is recommended as the main cable for indoor wiring in general homes. It is easy to run along walls and behind furniture, and has an optimal balance for general indoor wiring.

It is also suitable for connecting multiple devices around the TV, and allows you to keep the wiring neat and tidy even when connecting multiple devices such as recorders and game consoles.

Main uses of 5C cables

5C cable is ideal for long distance wiring and outdoor wiring. It is especially used for antenna wiring in apartment buildings and as the backbone wiring of buildings.

It is also recommended if your primary purpose is to watch 4K/8K broadcasts or if you require a stable, high-quality video signal. However, considering the difficulty of handling it, it is best to use it only when necessary.

Important points to consider when selecting coaxial cables

There are a few points to check when selecting a coaxial cable. By selecting these appropriately, stable transmission of video and audio signals will be possible.

Check the impedance

When selecting a coaxial cable, the most important thing to check is the impedance. Impedance indicates the value of electrical resistance in an AC circuit, and is generally 75 Ω for televisions and 50 Ω for wireless devices. If the impedance of the connected device and the impedance of the coaxial cable do not match, signal reflection and distortion will occur, significantly reducing the quality of the video and communication.

In the JIS standard, products with a "D" in the product name indicate 50 Ω and those with a "C" indicate 75 Ω, so these can be used as a guide when purchasing. Impedance is a value determined by the structure of the coaxial cable, and remains a constant value regardless of the length.

Select the thickness according to the wiring distance

Coaxial cables must be selected with an appropriate thickness depending on the wiring distance. 3C cables are recommended for short-distance wiring of 3m or less, 5C cables for medium-distance wiring of 10m to 4m, and 10C cables for long-distance wiring of 5m or more.

The thicker the cable, the more effective it is at preventing signal attenuation, and thicker cables are necessary, especially when transmitting high-frequency signals such as 4K/8K broadcasts over long distances. However, thicker cables are harder to bend and more difficult to install, so it is important to choose an appropriate cable thickness depending on the wiring environment.

Check the broadcast standard when watching 4K/8K broadcasts

4K/8K broadcasts use higher frequencies (up to 3224MHz) than conventional broadcasts, so a dedicated coaxial cable is required. When choosing a coaxial cable compatible with 4K/8K broadcasts, choose one whose name starts with "S" or has "4K/8K compatible" clearly stated on the packaging.

These products have little signal attenuation even at high frequencies and are designed to effectively block external noise. Their performance and characteristics are regulated by JIS standards, making them highly reliable products. When selecting a cable, it is important to check that the impedance is 75 Ω and that it supports frequencies up to 3224 MHz.

Summary

When selecting a coaxial cable, it is important to choose the appropriate standard according to the wiring distance and application. Highly flexible 3C cable is best for short distance wiring, easy-to-handle 4C cable for general indoor wiring, and high-performance 10C cable for long distance wiring of 5m or more.

Also, when watching 4K/8K broadcasts, don't forget to check the compatible standards and make sure the impedance matches the connected device. Selecting the appropriate cable will enable stable transmission of video and audio signals.