What is a dielectric?

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Easy answer: It’s the thing marked “C” in the image above (courtesy of Wikipedia). Dielectric is the term used for the layer of plastic or foam between the center conductor wire of a cable and its outer braid. Coaxial cables are designed so that the signal travels on the inside, while the outer metal layer functions as an insulator and as a return. That’s all well and good if you already have a lot of electrical theory under your belt, but if you’re looking for something a little more simple…

Here’s what you really need to know

The most important part of a coaxial cable is the center. If it’s solid copper, it can carry the signal from your antenna or dish, and it can also carry power to the antenna or dish. If it’s just copper-coated steel, it’s still perfectly good for carrying signal. The outer parts of a cable can get nicked and it might still work well, but the inner part, that inner wire, that’s something special. That has to be protected.

In addition to metal braid on the outside, and a rubber weatherproof barrier over that, the center conductor is surrounded by what’s called a “dielectric.” It insulates the cable from all interference as well as keeping the signal going down the cable without leaking out. Cheaper dielectrics are solid plastic while more expensive ones can be made out of foam for even better performance.

Why not call it an insulator?

If all it does is insulate, why call it a dielectric? Why not call it an insulator? A dielectric is an insulator, but it’s a special one. A dielectric actually reacts to the signal traveling on the center cable by becoming polarized. (Polarized is just a fancy way to say that all the molecules start pointing the same way.) So it’s not just passively insulating like a piece of rubber would, it’s actually insulating better as more and more signal goes into it. A magnetic field is created that does a better job of insulating than tons of rubber ever could.

It’s easy to see, then, why the dielectric is actually one of the most important parts of your average coaxial cable. Coaxial cables are really good at carrying weak signals over long distances — they’re used for undersea long distance lines. The do such a good job because the dielectric does such a good job of keeping bad signals out and keeping the good ones in.

Take it from an expert

A very technical friend of mine said,

The type of dielectric used is part of what determines the impedance of the cable. The diameter of the center conductor, the “constant” of the dielectric used and the distance to the outer layer [which acts as a ground] is what defines the impedance. Most common coax dielectrics have a constant of about 2.2, so the physical dimensions of the cable is compatible with RG59, RG6, RG11, etc.
Teflon is 2.1, Polyethylene is 2.25, “Foam” would need to be a mix of Polyvinyl chloride [3.18] and Air [1.0]. Neoprene [6.70] could be used, but the outer layer would need to be much closer to the center conductor and the coax would be smaller, requiring special connectors to mate with F-type connectors.

So, take a minute and give some respect to that white foamy stuff… without it you probably couldn’t watch satellite TV.

Oh, and by the way, if you need cables or anything else to live your best digital life, shop Solid Signal. You’ll find real, pro-quality parts. We specialize in helping people get the best quality at the best price. Don’t rely on the home store for your next project. They’re good for nails and saw blades, I agree. But high-end cables? Not so much. And the support you’ll get? There isn’t any.

Instead, if you need help choosing, call us! We’re here at 888-233-7563. Call during East Coast business hours. Unlike most web sites, we pick up the phone. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get right back to you!

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.