Why coaxial cable choice matters for your project
Price is often the first question when specifying coaxial cable, but the real cost is downtime, rework and signal loss if you pick the wrong type. Whether you are wiring a satellite feed, building an RF test bench, or running CCTV and broadband to multiple sites, you need clear comparisons between common types (RG6, RG58, RG11, HFC/comms cable) and locally available brands so you can balance performance and budget.
Local value: why buy coax in South Africa
Buying from local stock reduces lead times, simplifies VAT invoicing for institutions, and lets you collect or test at our branches. Communica keeps a wide range of coax categories in Samrand, Pretoria and Cape Town, making it easy for students, makers and installation teams to compare specs and pick compatible accessories like F-type, BNC and N-type connectors.
Explore our range for a quick overview: shop by category or jump to our brand list to check availability: shop by brand.
Quick comparison table - typical cables you’ll see priced
Use this table to match application, attenuation and rough price banding when budgeting for a project.
| Type | Common uses | Shielding/Conn. | Relative attenuation (1 GHz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RG6 | Satellite, set-top, CCTV, domestic TV | Foil+braid, F-type/BNC | Low-Medium |
| RG58 | RF bench, amateur radio, short runs | Braided, BNC/N-type | Medium-High |
| RG11 | Long runs, low loss TV distribution | Foil+heavy braid, F-type | Low |
| HFC / Comms coax | ISP distribution, multi-dwelling units | Corrugated/foil, specialised connectors | Varies |
Specification callouts to check before you buy
When comparing coaxial cable price quotes, always verify: conductor type (solid vs stranded), dielectric material, shielding percentage, velocity factor, and connector compatibility. These affect both electrical performance and installation labour.
- Conductor size and material - larger solid copper conductors lower resistance.
- Shielding density - higher braid percent reduces interference in noisy environments.
- Velocity factor - essential for accurate length-delay calculations in RF designs.
- Connector fitment - pre-terminated vs bulk cable changes labour cost.
Need to check stock quickly? See branch hours and collection options at Branches & Trading Hours. For a broader browse of what we carry, visit All Products.
