What is RG142 Coax Cable?

RG142 is a high-temperature coax cable ideal for use in interconnections between telecommunications equipment and is widely used for commercial wireless applications. RG142, also known as RG-C, is a flexible coaxial cable, which means that it is resistant to static build-up and high levels of electromagnetic interference. It is also incredibly durable, as it features a specific, patented, thermo-electric extruded PTFE dielectric. This dielectric can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius. The top-quality material in this 50-ohm coaxial cable's construction makes it a great choice. It features a silver-coated coper-clad steel conductor, PTFE insulation, an FEP jacket, and a double shield. However, in order to get the best from RG142 coaxial cable, you need to ensure that you are using the best quality connectors, shielding, and core structures available.

Download the printable RG142 datasheet from Allied Wire & Cable

RG142 Coax Cable Specifications
RG 142 Benefits
RG142 Use in the Military

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  • RG 142
    $0.00 / 1000 FT
    • Approx LBS/MFT: 43.00
    • Cond. Material: Silver-Coated Copper Clad Steel
    • Conductor Stranding: solid
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RG142 Coax Cable Specifications:

RG142 Coax Diagram

Please Note: Per the specification, RG142 cable will have splices. If continuous lengths are needed, just let our representative know.

  • Maximum Operating Voltage (vms): 1,900
  • Capacitance: 29.4 (pF/ft)
  • Impedance: 50 ohms (+/-2)
  • Maximum Operating Voltage (pF/m): 1,900 volts
  • Maximum Operating Frequency: 8000 MHz
  • RF Shielding, dB: 90
  • Velocity of Propagation: 69.21%
  • Shielding efficacy: 1GHz(dB/ft) >60
  • Mil Spec Equivalent: M17/60-RG142
  • Maximum Frequency (MHz): 8000
  • DC Resistance (ohms/1000ft): Center: 19.1 | Outer 2.22
  • Power (w) 400 MHz: 1100

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  • Inner Conductor:
    • Material: Silver-Coated Copper Clad Steel (SCCS)
    • Diameter (in.) 0.037
    • Diameter (mm.) 0.94
  • Dielectric:
    • Material: Extruded Solid Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
    • Diameter (in.) 0.116
    • Diameter (mm.) 2.95
  • Outer Conductor:
    • Count: 2 Braid Shields (36 AWG stand)
    • Material: Silver Plated Copper
    • Diameter (in.) 0.162
    • Diameter (mm.) 4.11
  • Jacket:
    • Material: Extruded Solid Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP-IX)
    • Diameter (in.) 0.195
    • Diameter (mm.) 4.95
  • Additional specifications:
    • Weight: 43.0 lb/ft
    • Minimum Operating Temperature: -55°C
    • Maximum Operating Temperature: 200°C
    • Overall Diameter (in.) 0.195
    • Bend Radius: 1.0

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Benefits of the RG-142 Coax Cable

RG142 meets all MIL-C-17 specifications and utilizes standard connectors, so proprietary or exotic pieces are not required to build its infrastructure. RG142 also has good shielding effectiveness (between 40 and 60 db) and has Low Passive Intermod (PIM) degradation of signal quality which is kept to a minimum. Since the RG142 is made with a solid dielectric this allows a high rate of crush resistance, which makes it the coax of choice for tactical operations and applications. Even though the RG142 isn't your most phase stable wire, the phase stability can be enhanced through preconditioning in the specific temperature ranges of your project. A similar coax cable to RG142 is the RG400. The RG400 coax cable is well-suited for projects requiring the operations of satellites systems, tactical operations, and equipment. You can learn more about these two formidable coax cables side by side in here.

Use in the military

The RG142 cable was specifically built for the United States Military in the World War II era. It has a military equivalent part number of M17/60-RG142. This part number gives the United States Military an excellent option to use the highly reliable RG142 in their satellites, systems, and other tactical operations and equipment. Because of the obvious importance in these cables, the military requires them to have minimum and maximum dielectric adhesion values, specific shrink back allowance, eccentricity standardizations, stress crack resistance tests, and many more specifications that add to the durability and reliability of the RG142. All trusted manufacturers will produce the same high-quality RG142 because of its high QPL, which demands stability and rigidity in the testing and construction of specs and authenticity.

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RG142 Cable Loss Attenuation Specifications by Frequency

Frequency (MHz) Attenuation (db per 100 feet)
10 1.2
30 2.1
50 2.7
100 4
400 8
1000 13
1500 16
2000 19
2500 21
3000 24
10000 49
k1 0.368
k2 0.00120

The RG142 loss is widely accepted at HF frequencies. Because it is constructed with a silver plated outer conductor this prevents oxidation of the conductor which decreases loss vs time.

Power Handling by Frequency

Frequency (MHz) Power (watts)
10 5601
30 3206
50 2468
100 1726
400 831
1000 504
1500 401
2000 340
2500 298
3000 267
10000 125

The RG142 cable has first-rate power handling capabilities due to the solid dielectric materials.

Other coaxial cable suggestions

Other coax cables Allied Wire & Cable supplies include:

These are just a few examples. There are thousands of different coaxial cables and customized orders you can place with us. For a more extensive list of all of the coax cables we provide, visit our Coaxial Cable page or The 4 main classifications of the Coaxial Cable.

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