In our This vs. That series, we're comparing (and contrasting) two seemingly similar products. A lot of products seem the same at first glance but can greatly affect the outcome of your next application. Today, we're comparing the RG213 and LMR400 cables.
RG213 and LMR400 are both coaxial cables that have a wide variety of uses. Although there is a significant number of overlapping characteristics between LMR400 and RG213, there are a few differences that set them apart. These differences can make a big difference when deciding which cable will work best depending on your electrical requirements.
RG213
The RG213 coax is suitable in applications where low signal loss and high voltage operations are required. This includes radio communications, electrical and data transmission, broadcasts, and computer applications. RG213 features a stranded bare copper conductor, a PVC jacket, and a single bare copper braid.
| RG213 vs LMR400 Specs for Construction | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Conductor Type | Stranded (7/0.030) | Solid |
| Conductor Size (in) | 0.089 | 0.108 |
| Conductor Material | Bare Copper | Bare Copper Clad Aluminum |
| Dielectric Diameter | 0.285 | 0.285 |
| Dielectric Material | Solid Low-Density Polyethylene | Foam Polyethylene |
| Shield | Single Bare Copper Braid | 1st Shield: 100% Aluminum Braid 2nd Shield: Braided Tinned Copper |
| Jacket | PVC | PE |
| Overall Diameter (in) | 0.405 | 0.405 |
| Weight | 110 lbs/MFT | 68 lbs/MFT |
LMR400
LMR400 is a flexible low loss braided coaxial cable designed for use in low loss RF cables. The LMR400 features a solid bare copper-clad aluminum conductor, a PE jacket, and a double shield composed of an aluminum braid and braided tinned copper.
| RG214 vs RG213 Electrical Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| LMR400 | RG213 | |
| Min. Temperature Rating | -40°C | -40°C |
| Max. Temperature Rating | 75°C | 85°C |
| Max. Voltage | 5,000 | 2,500 |
| Impedance (ohms) | 50 | 50 |
| Capacitance (pF/ft) | 32.2 | 23.9 |
| Max. Freq. (GHz) | 11 | 6 |
How Do They Compare?
In regards to electrical specifications, these cables differ mainly in terms of their maximum voltage rating, capacitance, and maximum frequency. RG213 is rated for 5000 volts, which is double the voltage rating of LMR400 at 2500 volts. In contrast, LMR400 coax cables are better than RG213 in both loss and power handling, shown by the chart below.
| RG213 Loss (Attenuation dB/100ft | LMR400 Loss (Attenuation dB/100ft) | |
|---|---|---|
| 100 MHz | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| 400 MHz | 4.8 | 2.5 |
| 1000 MHz | 8.2 | 4.1 |
There are several factors that play a role in signal loss, and in this case, the conductors are at the root of the attenuation differences. Typically, the larger the conductor, the lower the attenuation. Since LMR400 has a larger conductor than RG213, the conductor size accounts for RG213 experiencing more signal loss than LMR400.
In regards to application uses, the RG213 coax cable is used in a vast variety of military and commercial applications including radio communications, high-performance electrical and data transmission, broadcast, and computer applications. It is also used as an antenna feed cable when low signal loss and high operating voltages are required. With a maximum temperature rating of 75°Celsius, it also works well in heat-sensitive environments. M17/74-RG213 is the military equivalent of RG213.
LMR400 is designed for jumper assemblies in wireless communication systems, or as a drop-in replacement for RG8/9913 air-dielectric type cable and short antenna, feeder runs. It is also suitable for applications that require easily-routed, low loss RF cable.
If you are unsure about what cable you’ll need in order to meet the needs of your application, consult with a qualified engineer or with one of Allied’s knowledgeable sales reps. To learn more about RG213 vs LMR400, visit the coaxial cable main product page.