×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

distance between comm cables and power cables

distance between comm cables and power cables

distance between comm cables and power cables

(OP)
I am trying to find technical spec or code that gives me an actual distance that power cabling (for equipment or service entrance)and communication cabling must be spaced apart from each other. I am aware that under certain conditions the NEC allows them to be run together. My concern is for noise/EMF and I am seeking a code or standard that specifies any required spacing. Maybe it is in EIA/TIA standards, but I do not have a copy currently. Can someone let me know where I may find this specific data. I know a manufacturers recomendation may cover this, but that isnt what I am seeking..Thanks

RE: distance between comm cables and power cables

As far as I'm aware, there is no standard for separation as it pertains to noise...

Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

RE: distance between comm cables and power cables

This might answer your question.

Electrical / Electronic Engineers Area - Electric power engineering Forum
 djkross (Electrical)8 replies29 Jun 09 (29 Jun 09)
Electrical/Comm. cable separation?
 

RE: distance between comm cables and power cables

(OP)
Hey controls Dude,

 I went to the location you specified and there are about 6 posts on June 29th of 09. None of those have anything to do with what I am seeking. Here in washington state I have found a state code that specifies a 2 inch restriction, but I am looking to see if anyone has another standard or national code that may apply.

But thanks for your time to make the reply it is appreciated!

RE: distance between comm cables and power cables


Being that you're in WA state, look closely at your state codes. My little experience with WA, their state electrical codes were far stricter than what's common in other places.

RE: distance between comm cables and power cables

That is a very application specific question, so I don't believe you will find a standard.  Several factors come into play:  

- Voltage and current of power leads (noise source)
- Voltage and current of signal leads (noise receptor)
- Cable type (shielded, unshielded, singled ended ground, double ended ground - noise path)
- and the cable routing (inductive coupling of the current or capacitive coupling of the voltage - noise path)

A manufacturer can define most of these variables for their equipment, otherwise it is up to the installer.  

John D
 

RE: distance between comm cables and power cables

There is a standard for space seperation between A/C voltage and communication cabling.  Can be found in the Electrical Code Book, believe it is minimum of 3" if ran parallel if cable is shielded.  But, it is good practice not to run in parallel if you can avoid it and only run across where necassary.  Hope this helps.

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources