Crossing 240v mains cable

[PhillipFoster]

I'm installing cat6 cable and have to cross 240v mains cable at a couple of points (no alternative unfortunately).

What's the best strategy here?

 

[franklin97355]

Cross perpendicular with adequate spacing. I'm sure the more the better but I don't have any spec that spells it out for cat6 specifically.

 

[Ghostin]

According to a recent Cat 6 standards and refresher class I attended, which was given by an instructor who sits on the Standards board, power has no affect on data cable. Now I realize this goes contrary to everything we learned and be told since Cat 5, but the explanation we recieved made sense. I requested a white sheet that was written on this subject. As soon as I recieve it, I will make it available on a FAQ. It was mentioned that distance between data and power should be kept for saftey reasons and that power in proximatey to equipment can cause noise.

 

[Servamatic]

NEC Article 800 specifically 800.52 (A) (2) still requires a minimum of 2" separation unless you have a physical barrier.

The debate about power has gone on for quite sometime, and yes many manufacturers claim you don't need separation, and they can justify that with tests results.

However the NEC is the law of the land in most places and since it is based on safety, and adopted by most every jurisiction, you must follow it.

Richard S. Anderson, RCDD

http://www.servamatic.net

 

[PhillipFoster]

Would it be possible to put something between the Cat6 & Mains cable then? Like what?

 

[Jtodd]

EMT conduit ought to do just fine.

Justin T. Clausen
Physical Layer Implementation
California State University, Monterey Bay

 

[Ghostin]

Besides the NEC code that Richard mentioned, most of the municple inspectors we run across have higher standards. I decided it was quicker and cheaper to do it their way than quote code to them.

 

[Jtodd]

Usually a good bet as they are the ones with the final word anyway.

Justin T. Clausen
Physical Layer Implementation
California State University, Monterey Bay