Editing RCA connector (section)

==Other uses==
[[File:Component video jack.jpg|thumb|RCA female jacks used for [[YPbPr]] [[component video]] output]]
[[File:Microsoft-Xbox-360-AV-Cables-Composite.jpg|thumb|Composite video cable with RCA male plugs for the [[Xbox 360]]]]

In the most normal use, cables have a standard plug on each end, consisting of a central [[male connector]], surrounded by a ring. The ring is often segmented to provide spring gripping pressure when mated. Devices mount the socket ([[Gender of connectors and fasteners|female jack]]), consisting of a central hole with a ring of metal around it. The ring on the jack is slightly smaller in diameter and longer than the ring on the plug, allowing the plug's ring to fit tightly over it. The jack has a small area between the outer and inner rings which is filled with an insulator, typically plastic (very early versions, or those made for use as [[RF connector]]s, used ceramic).

The RCA connector was initially used for [[audio signal]]s. As with many other connectors, it has been adopted for uses other than originally intended, including as a [[DC power connector]], an RF connector, and as a connector for [[loudspeaker]] cables. Its use as a connector for composite video signals is extremely common but provides poor [[impedance matching]]: there is neither a standard for plug impedance, nor is it feasible to provide a true match to 75&nbsp;Ω due to plug dimensions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=1&doc_id=1283456|last=Pell|first=Rich|title=The RCA phono plug: An outdated relic?|publisher=EETimes|date=April 21, 2010|access-date=March 8, 2017}}</ref> RCA connectors and cable are also commonly used to carry [[S/PDIF]]-formatted [[digital audio]], with plugs colored orange to differentiate them from other typical connections.

Connections are made by pushing the cable's plug into the female jack on the device. The signal-carrying pin protrudes from the plug, and often comes into contact with the socket before the grounded rings meet, resulting in loud hum or buzz if the audio components do not share a common ground and are powered while making connections. Continuous noise can occur if the plug partially falls out of the jack, breaking the ground connection but not the signal.  Some variants of the plug, especially cheaper versions, also give very poor grip and contact between the ground sheaths due to their lack of spring action.

They are often color-coded, yellow for [[composite video]], red for the right audio channel, and white or black for the left channel of [[stereo audio]]. This trio (or pair) of jacks can often be found on the back of audio and video equipment. One or more sets are often found on TV sets to facilitate connection of [[camcorder]]s, other portable video sources and [[video game console]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/12/how-to-connect-your-old-video-game-consoles-to-a-new-tv/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226082923/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/12/how-to-connect-your-old-video-game-consoles-to-a-new-tv/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 26, 2013|title=How To Connect Your Old Video Game Consoles To A New TV|author=Alan Henry|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|date=25 December 2013|access-date=27 November 2016}}</ref> Although nearly all connectors, including analog and S/PDIF audio as well as composite and [[component video]], can use identical 75&nbsp;Ω cables, sales of special-purpose cables for each use have proliferated. Varying cable quality means that a cheap line-level audio cable might not successfully transfer component video. For digital audio, as long as a connection is successfully made using the cables the sound will remain faithful to the original signal because a [[digital signal]] can only be [[Cliff effect|fully received or not received at all]]. Cables should meet the S/PDIF specification as defined by the international standard [[IEC 60958|IEC 60958-3]] for assured performance.

The male plug has a center pin that is {{convert|1/8|in|mm|3}} in diameter, and is surrounded by an outer shell that is {{convert|1/3|in|mm|2}} in diameter.<!-- OD or ID? ID would be the critical one.-->