We’re currently in the process of renovating, and have had the electrician install a few additional power sockets before putting on the wall linings. I’m installing data outlets alongside in a few locations.

One issue has arisen where the electrician has run his wiring horizontally along the wall through a number of studs, which cuts across spaces where I plan to install data outlets. I’ve asked for that run to be relocated to under the floor, which is straightforward and they have agreed to do. But, they don’t believe it’s necessary and our contracted builder has asked me to produce the material citing this requirement.

If I was to install the data cabling with things as they are currently, it would be in direct contact with the electrical wiring in the bottom of the wall. I have been working to the TCF Premises Wiring Installer Guidelines, which is where I have taken the requirements for the separation of power and data cabling.

The TCF Guidelines refer to the separation requirements under AS/NZS 3000 (“The Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules”), which is incorporated by reference into the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010. I’ve seen in this old thread that those requirements then themselves incorporate Telecom’s PTC 106 by reference, which contains much the same requirements, but is quite old.

AS/NZS 3000:2007 costs a reasonable amount, and I’m not keen to purchase a copy just for the sake of this minor issue. Is anyone with experience in this area able to confirm the current requirements around power and data separation, and what is generally considered acceptable practice?