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Question by brent goodbread posted 05 Mar 2004 | | seperation of power and data | | What is the standard or code for the seperation of power and data lines? The details are; UTP cable (CAT5E) run horizontally through metal studs, and the MC power cable is running paralell with the UTP in the same knockout. I believe this is a code violation, and have said that 2 inches need to be maintained. |  |
Answer by Dmitri Abaimov posted 05 Mar 2004 | Dear Brent,
As per Article 800.52 - Installation of Communication Wires, Cables and equipment - of the latest NEC 2002, "communication wires and cables shall be separated at least 50 mm (2 inch) from conductors of any electric light, power ..." . There are two exceptions: it's OK if the cables are in a specifically designed (and rated) raceway with separated channels or if cables are permanently separated by continuous non-conductor, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing, in addition to insulation of the wire.
So, if cables are just touching with their jackets, then you are absolutely correct, this was a violation.
Also, we have a document written to further describe the issue, called "Guide to Separation of Network Cabling from EMI sources". You can
take a look here: http://www.cabling-design.com/resources/documents/
Sincerely,
Dmitri Abaimov, RCDD
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