ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What is the maximum recommended distance for installing RG 59-U cable?

1. 500 ft

2. 750 ft

3. 1000 ft

4. 1500 ft

The correct answer is: 750 ft

The maximum recommended distance for installing RG 59-U cable is 750 feet. This specification is based on the performance characteristics of the cable, particularly its capability to maintain signal integrity over longer distances. RG 59-U is commonly used for video applications, and signal quality can degrade if the cable run exceeds the recommended distance. At distances greater than 750 feet, the signal may experience significant loss, interference, or degradation, leading to issues in video quality such as fuzziness or loss of the signal altogether. Thus, keeping the installation within this limit helps ensure optimal performance and reliability in video surveillance and similar applications. While cables like RG 6 may handle longer runs due to improved shielding and lower attenuation, RG 59-U's design specifically lends itself to effective performance up to approximately 750 feet. Beyond this distance, considering the installation of repeaters or using other types of cable suitable for longer runs would be necessary to maintain effective signal transmission.