RG59 Coaxial Cable
Discounted Cables stocks RG59 coaxial cable built for CCTV, analog video, and low-frequency signal runs. Every RG59 coax cable in this collection ships tax-free across the USA, and each spool is packed for a straightforward pull on your next installation.
What Is RG59 Coaxial Cable?
RG59 is a 75-ohm coaxial cable built from a center conductor, foam dielectric insulation, a braided shield, and an outer jacket. The coaxial construction keeps the conductor and shield on a shared axis, which contains the signal and blocks outside interference. RG59 carries a thinner conductor and lighter shielding than RG6 or RG11, which keeps the overall cable diameter around 0.24 inches, light, and easy to route through tight spaces, conduit, and wall cavities. That thinner build is also why RG59 stays limited to low-frequency, shorter-run applications rather than the higher-bandwidth work RG6 and RG11 handle.
RG59 Coaxial Cable Specifications
Our RG59 cables use a solid bare copper center conductor at 20 AWG, which gives you better conductivity and lower signal loss than the copper-clad steel conductors often used in cable-TV-grade coax. Full specifications across the collection:
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Impedance: 75 ohms, matched to CCTV cameras, DVRs, and analog video equipment
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Center conductor: 20 AWG solid bare copper
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Conductor DC resistance: as low as 10.5 ohms per 1000 ft on our plenum stock
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Shielding: 95% bare copper or C.C.A. braid; plenum-rated stock adds a foil layer beneath the braid for a dual-shield design against high- and low-frequency interference
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Insulation: Foam PE dielectric on riser stock, Foam FEP dielectric on plenum stock
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Capacitance: ~ 60 pF/m
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Velocity of propagation: 84%
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Operating temperature: -20°C to 60°C
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Jacket options: CMR (riser) rated PVC for vertical in-wall runs between floors, and CMP (plenum) rated jacketing for air-handling spaces where fire and smoke codes apply
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Connector compatibility: BNC connectors for CCTV and video patch applications; F-type connectors for legacy CATV and antenna hookups
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Compliance: ETL listed, RoHS compliant, and built to meet SCTE IPS-SP-001, UL 1655, UL 13, and NEC Article 800 requirements
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Packaging: 1000ft pull box or Reelex II spool, available in black or white PVC jackets
If your run passes through elevator shafts, stairwells, or between floors, the CMR-rated cable is the correct code-compliant choice. If the run passes through ductwork, drop ceilings, or other plenum air spaces, you need the CMP-rated cable to satisfy fire code. Mixing up the two ratings on an inspected commercial job is one of the most common code violations installers run into, so check your local AHJ requirements before you order.
RG59 Cable for CCTV and Analog Video
RG59 cable for CCTV remains one of the most common choices for analog camera systems because CCTV video signals run at low frequencies, typically well under 50 MHz, where RG59 performs efficiently without the added bulk of RG6. A solid copper conductor with 95% braid shielding delivers a clean, low-loss signal for standard-definition cameras and for many HD-over-coax formats, including HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and AHD, which were designed to run on existing analog coax infrastructure. This makes RG59 a practical choice not just for new builds but for upgrading older analog CCTV systems to HD resolution without re-pulling cable.
Beyond CCTV, RG59 also handles:
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Baseband composite and component video runs between cameras, monitors, and recorders
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Broadcast and studio patch-bay wiring for short point-to-point video links
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Legacy cable TV and antenna connections in older buildings
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Security intercom and access-control video feeds
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Point-to-point AV distribution in offices, retail stores, and restaurants
Keep in mind that RG59 works best for runs of roughly 700-750 feet for analog video; beyond that distance, signal attenuation increases, and you may need a line amplifier or a heavier-gauge cable, such as RG6 or RG11 coax, for longer runs or higher frequencies.
RG59 vs. RG6: Which One Do You Need?
RG59 and RG6 both carry a 75-ohm impedance, but they serve different jobs. RG6 uses an 18 AWG conductor and heavier shielding, which lowers signal loss and supports higher frequencies over longer distances, making it the better fit for broadband internet, satellite, and digital cable TV.
RG59 stays thinner and more flexible, and it handles low-frequency analog video without the stiffness that makes RG6 harder to route around tight corners. For CCTV and analog security cameras over shorter distances, RG59 gets the job done at a lower material cost and with an easier pull. If your project mixes both needs, browse our RG6 cable collection alongside this one, or check the full range of coaxial cables we carry for RG11 and specialty coax options.
Buying Bulk RG59 Cable
Every RG59 cable roll on this page comes on a 1000ft spool, so you pull exactly what you need without splicing multiple boxes together on the job. Bulk RG59 cable in 1000 ft lengths works well for installers handling multiple camera runs on one site, and it cuts down on waste and connector count compared to buying shorter pre-cut lengths. When you buy RG59 cable online through Discounted Cables, you get tax-free pricing across the USA, straightforward spool packaging built for a clean, tangle-free pull, and stock that ships fast to keep your project on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RG59 cable good for CCTV cameras?
Yes. RG59 works well for analog CCTV within its recommended distance range, roughly 700-750 feet, because CCTV signals run at low frequencies where RG59 performs efficiently. It also supports HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and AHD cameras run over existing coax.
What is the maximum distance for RG59 coax cable?
Most installers keep RG59 runs under 750 feet for analog video. Beyond that, signal loss increases, and you may need a booster or a switch to RG6 or RG11 for the remaining distance.
Can I use RG59 cable for internet or satellite TV?
No. RG59 lacks the bandwidth and shielding needed for modern broadband, digital cable, or satellite signals, which operate well above the low-frequency range RG59 is built for. Use RG6 for those applications instead.
What's the difference between CMR- and CMP-rated RG59 cable?
CMR (riser) cable is rated for vertical runs between floors, while CMP (plenum) cable meets stricter fire and smoke codes for air-handling spaces such as drop ceilings and ductwork. Check your local building code before choosing between the two.
Does RG59 cable carry power for cameras?
Standard RG59 carries a signal only. If you need to run power and video together on a single cable, look for RG59 Siamese cable, which pairs the coax with a separate stranded copper power conductor.
What connector do I need for RG59 cable?
BNC connectors are standard for CCTV and video patching on RG59. F-type connectors show up on legacy CATV and antenna installations. Match the connector to your camera, DVR, or equipment input.
