Ethernet next to 240

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gzt

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#207332 19-Dec-2016 19:49

I'm running ethernet cable. Maybe 10 meters. Easiest way is follow some 240 most of the way. Some is lighting, some is power. House internal only, no conduit.

The questions:

1. Any danger of ethernet equipment failure?
2. Does it go against any standards?
3. Impact on performance?

I can give it a go and redo it later if there are problems.

I'm just wondering if I should be trying it in the first place ; ).

sbiddle

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#1692389 19-Dec-2016 19:58

1) Theoretically it's possible.

2) Yes.

3) Theoretically it's possible.

Your best bet is to read the electrical regulations around low voltage cabling and minimum separation.

gzt

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#1692418 19-Dec-2016 20:30

That's bad. I'll do something different.

Is there a concise summary of those regs somewhere?

My google fu fails here.

wellygary

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#1692451 19-Dec-2016 21:08

Pretty sure they are supposed to go through seperate holes in dwangs/studs etc

gregmcc

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#1692453 19-Dec-2016 21:09

The electrical safety rules can be viewed on line for free (can't remember exactly where) as they are legislation, the AU/NZS 3000 can be viewed at standards.govt.nz, but you need to purchase or have access thru a trade portal to view them.

chevrolux

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#1692466 19-Dec-2016 21:40

Isn't the rule basically ELV cabling needs to be separate from LV cabling?

I'm reality, there are far far worse things you could do. Running an ethernet cable close to power, especially only 10m, is really not going to hurt. Obviously this is my opinion and my opinion only. I would suggest the 'Theoretically" in Steve's answer should be bold and underlined.

ArcticSilver

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#1692473 19-Dec-2016 21:52

gzt: I'm running ethernet cable. Maybe 10 meters. Easiest way is follow some 240 most of the way. Some is lighting, some is power. House internal only, no conduit.

The questions:

1. Any danger of ethernet equipment failure?
2. Does it go against any standards?
3. Impact on performance?

I can give it a go and redo it later if there are problems.

I'm just wondering if I should be trying it in the first place ; ).

The main point is you NEED to run them separately, otherwise the network cable can strip the power cable down to its exposed core, making it very dangerous.

tangerz

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#1692647 20-Dec-2016 10:33

gzt: I'm running ethernet cable. Maybe 10 meters. Easiest way is follow some 240 most of the way. Some is lighting, some is power. House internal only, no conduit.

The questions:

1. Any danger of ethernet equipment failure?
2. Does it go against any standards?
3. Impact on performance?

I can give it a go and redo it later if there are problems.

I'm just wondering if I should be trying it in the first place ; ).

Someone more knowledgeable may correct me but from what I recall from when I ran network cable in our old place, the minimum separation of electrical and data cabling is 50mm, (ie either side of a 100 x 50mm stud is OK) I remember thinking this wasn't much so I ran them 300mm apart. And if you cross it should always be at right angles.

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gregmcc

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#1692666 20-Dec-2016 10:41

It's called segregation of services, putting interference issues aside the voltage rating of standard Cat5 or Cat6 is not high enough for it to be installed next to 240V wiring, to solve the problem, you either separate the services with something, like distance or putting one of the services in a separate pipe.

What it comes down to is, if you are unsure of why you are doing you should be getting someone in who does

DarthKermit

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#1692670 20-Dec-2016 10:43

This should apply to all ELV cables: data, phone, speaker, aerial, etc. Keep 'em away from 240 volt cables.

webwat

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#1694951 25-Dec-2016 21:14

gzt: That's bad. I'll do something different.

Is there a concise summary of those regs somewhere?

My google fu fails here.

Its not a regulation, although data cable should always be kept at least 50mm away if possible or physically separated by an insulated barrier. Often we slit some flexi and slide it over the offending cable (and swear at the offending sparkie). Induction from ordinary power cables won't make much difference over a few metres, with certain exceptions such as fluorescent lights that you should stay at least 300mm from.

Generally you put completely separate holes in the framing for data, at which point you realise the architect had absolutely no idea about cable pathways when they designed the framework.

Time to find a new industry!

gzt

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#1694957 25-Dec-2016 22:02

I appreciate all the responses. I chose a different longer route and achieved good separation. That was my default plan. By all means, continue the discussion, it's interesting stuff.