Running CAT6 in same stud space as power

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liquidcore

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#295603 9-Apr-2022 11:18

Hi all,

Bit of a newbie question - I am wanting to run some CAT6 upstairs and it looks like the only way possible is to run it in the same stud space as existing electrical wiring.

From my reading it sounds like this could be illegal? If so, I might just put it in the too hard basket!

Photo attached to show what I mean.

Thanks for the help!

Mehrts

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#2898992 9-Apr-2022 11:28

Could do a run of preterminated fibre.

The cable is quite cheap, but you'd have to factor in costs of any media converters/SFP transceivers required, but it'll be the best solution if there's no way to run Ethernet cable via any other routes.

wellygary

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#2899053 9-Apr-2022 14:25

The Rule is 50mm,

https://www.ewrb.govt.nz/tools-and-resources/toolbox/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-installing-data-and-telecommunication-cables/

If those are regular 100*50 vertical risers, you *might* be able to squeak in if you enforce the seperation with a 50mm spacer through in the void that is not visible..

cyril7

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#2899062 9-Apr-2022 15:02

Hi, the rule is 50mm seperation, or in a solid barrier, so I recommend you install it in a 20mm conduit, solid or flexi and that meets the solid barrier requirement and its all legal

Cyril

liquidcore

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#2899073 9-Apr-2022 15:35

Thank you all very much for the responses and suggestions - very helpful!

Would something like this be acceptable? https://www.bunnings.co.nz/deta-20mm-x-10m-corrugated-conduit-medium-duty_p4330837

cyril7

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#2899093 9-Apr-2022 16:45

Hi, yep that will do the job.

Cyril

liquidcore

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#2899185 9-Apr-2022 20:25

Perfect, thank you so much!

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Jase2985

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#2899390 10-Apr-2022 12:12

use the rigid stuff, will be easier to push/pull the cable through.

also leave a draw wire in there incase you want to run any cables through in the future

richms

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#2899405 10-Apr-2022 13:10

I would go for a larger size than 20mm, as its not visible and an eyesore, it will give you more room to pull taped up joins thru etc. I have 20mm between the house and shed and it was a challenge to get 2 cat6's thru it, and most of that is solid so easier to pull thru.

Richard rich.ms

cyril7

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#2899465 10-Apr-2022 14:51

Hi only suggested 20mm as it's potentially too tight to get any bigger through, but sure go 25mm if you can fit it, that said if your intention is to just provision an uplink to an upstairs switch and distribute from there, then a 20mm with a single cat6 is fine

Cyril

mclean

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#2899784 11-Apr-2022 11:45

Putting the data cable in conduit satisfies the segregation rule. But you should still separate them as far as possible if it's a parallel run of any length, to avoid interference. That's not a safety rule, but a recommendation.