GREETINGS !! WE'RE OPEN AND SHIPPING EX STOCK FROM CHRISTCHURCH AND ACCEPTING: Visa, Mastercard, ShopPay, Afterpay, ZIP, ApplePay, Google Pay, PayPal, JCB, Amex, PoliPay and Bank Transfers

TECHOMAN GUIDE: RF Coaxial Cable Outdoors: What You Need to Know

What is Coaxial Cable?

  • Purpose: Carrier radio frequency (RF) signals from a radio receiver or transmitter to the antenna.
  • Structure: Inner conductor ➝ insulation ➝ shielding ➝ outer jacket (weather protection).

How Long Does Outdoor Coax Cable Last?

  • General Range: 3 to 15 years
  • Average for Quality Installations: 5–10 years
  • For Critical Systems: Replace every 3–5 years proactively.

What Causes Coax to Deteriorate Outside?

  • UV exposure & weather: Sun, rain, snow, temperature swings break down the jacket and internal insulation.
  • Moisture: Causes corrosion in copper conductors and connectors.
  • Poor materials: Cheap or indoor-rated coax breaks down much faster.
  • Improper installation: Tight bends, poor sealing, or loose hanging accelerates failure.
  • Physical wear: Movement, wind, or pests can damage cable and jacket.

Signs Your Coax Is Failing

  • Cracked or brittle outer jacket
  • Corrosion or greenish discoloration at connectors
  • Stiff or hardened cable
  • Reduced signal strength or reception
  • SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) rises
  • Water ingress (you may even see it!)

Best Practices to Maximize Lifespan

  • Use outdoor-rated coax (e.g., with PE jacket, UV & water resistance)
  • Protect connectors: Use coax sealant, shrink tubing, or weather boots
  • Secure cable: Use UV-resistant clips; avoid sharp bends
  • Bury in conduit for extra protection
  • Inspect annually: Check for damage, test signal and SWR regularly

When to Replace Coax

  • Visible damage or cracking
  • Signal loss increases (often the result of increasing SWR readings)
  • Cable is over 5–8 years old (and exposed)
  • You notice unusual performance drops in radio reception

Conclusion

Outdoor coax won’t last forever -  especially in harsh weather. But with smart cable choices, protective installation, and periodic inspections, you can stretch that life closer to 10-15 years. Still, expect to replace outdoor coax every 5-10 years to maintain peak performance.

Pro tip: Spend a little more on high-quality, weather-rated coax now — it’ll save you signal problems (and headaches) down the line.