One of the most asked questions we receive is "How do I know what type of coax I have?"  The quickest and most accurate way to find out what kind of cable you are using is to read the writing on the side of the cable.  If it does not specifically identify the type of cable it is, use the model number to look it up using the best database available - the internet. 

If you are still unable to identify your cable type, the next step is to disect the cable.  Using a cable stripper or utility knife, remove the outer jacket from the cable.  Go layer by layer to identify the type of shielding your cable has;

Quad Shield has an Outer Braid, an Outer Aluminum, an Inner Braid, an Inner Aluminum, the Dielectric, and finally the center conductor.

 

Tri Shield has an Outer Aluminum, an Inner Braid, an Inner Aluminum, the Dielectric, and finally the center conductor.

 

Single Shield has a layer of Braid, a layer Aluminum, the Dielectric, and finally the center conductor.

 

Not Sure Whether You Have RG6 or RG59?

A quick and easy way to determine whether you have RG6 or RG59 is to measure the diameter of the Dielectric.  RG6 Dielectric is 3/16" in Diameter and RG59 Dielectric is 1/8" in Diameter.