You are welcome Bobby! Yeah, running Ethernet and AC electrical through the same pathway is a big no-no. Not only for performance reasons but also for legal reasons. It would be in violation of NEC/NFPA 70 guidelines and likely your local codes.
@@trueCABLE Hey got a good knowledge through ur video. Thanks for making this wonderful video. I was about to run ethernet via the same channel as power but I've got a question. Does DC power impact the ethernet data and safety as the AC current? I've got to run the ethernet alongside DC power line which is supplied from a power generator
@@rajeshm2591 Hello. In answer to your question, yes, DC current can interfere with an Ethernet cable, but only if the DC current is high enough. There are other factors that go into it as well, such as the distance between the cable and the power line. However, I would err on the side of caution and follow the generalized distance separation guidelines from such a circuit.
Hi. Thanks for this video. This is something I am about to do. I am running a supply to a garden house in a trench. This is going to be armoured cable in pvc trunking and then 3 x cat 6 cables and 1 x coax cable in a seperate trunking. What distance would this need to be if the cat 6 is unshielded. Thank you
@@leeedwards3783 Hello Lee! Based upon your question a 2" separation on parallel is more than sufficient. As long as the trunks are not touching, you should not need any additional separation. This is assuming, of course, that your power circuit does not exceed 240V. If you are dealing with 480V or higher, which is unlikely, then you will need to consult a separation chart. We hope this helps!
Here's my experience with some of this. On one job, in a warehouse, both Ethernet & AC power shared the same utility box. However, there was a barrier between the 2 sections. The entire box, including the barrier was steel. The Ethernet cable entered the box through conduit that ran up above the drop ceiling. I have not seen those shared boxes anywhere else. On another job, where I was installing IP cameras in apartment elevators, I had an unusual configuration. Shielded Ethernet cable was used to connect a PoE switch in the elevator machinery room to a DVR in the security office. There was an industrial grade PoE switch and then a media converter that connected to coax and provided power for the cameras. The elevator techs ran special coax cable to the car, where there was another media converter to convert back to Ethernet to connect to the cameras. I did this work in several buildings, with multiple elevators in each building. BTW, as Dave mentioned, it's current, not voltage, that's induced in nearby conductors. Also, Ethernet ports have transformers between the cable and circuitry, which provide some protection. In addition, the frequencies used by Ethernet are well above 100 MHz, which is much higher than the 60 Hz AC power. Also, the original twisted pair Ethernet, StarLAN, was designed to share the same 3 pair CAT3 cable with telephones and so was built to withstand induced ringing current. Sharing the same cable puts that 90V, 20 Hz ringing current much closer to the data pairs than you'd ever get AC power. StarLAN became 10baseT. You can read about it on Wikipedia.
Thanks James, for the insight and for sharing your experience. As you have found and used in the past, Ethernet was separated by AC power with a steel divider between the two in the same box. This is what is known as a "Listed Divider" in NEC/NFPA 70 parlance. That is entirely appropriate. Also, in commercial installations, Ethernet is typically routed out of the TR/ERs with metallic ENT conduit, which becomes the shielding. Thus, the only time you really see shielded Ethernet being used is when you are close to AC power (or the EMI field you wish to avoid is VERY strong and have to use metallic conduit and shielded Ethernet) but have no metallic barrier and/or no ability to separate the two sufficiently. You had an interesting installation dealing with the powerful elevator motors and the DVRs! It is probably what I would have done, which is make judicious use of shielded communications cable where required. Simple 120V branch circuits (up to 4) in a bundle don't pose a huge threat to Ethernet, considering Ethernet "self-shields" pretty well by design. That said, there is a rather extensive chart of how much separation from EMI fields you need in various situations found in ANSI/TIA 569-E, which is quite illuminating! I would reproduce it here, but would run into copyright issues. BICSI has something that expands upon ANSI/TIA 569-E as well, mostly addressing situations of AC panels, motors, etc.
What if the power cable is an armoured power 240v cable which is buried beside the Ethernet ducting. Wouldn’t the metal windings in the armoured cable prevent the electric field interfering with the Ethernet cable?
Hello! If the power cable is armored/shielded then indeed the metal of the armor would protect your Ethernet cable. In that case, NO SEPARATION is needed and you can use Unshielded Ethernet. Just keep the two cables from actually touching in case a short circuit condition should occur in the power circuit cable, for safety. Hope this helps!
Hello Bob! PVC won't provide a lot of EMI protection, but separation and dirt will. I would be sure you have at least a few inches of separation on parallel with dirt between the pipes. That should do it!
If you absolutely positively must run data and power in the same conduit, then you must also accept that you have a nonstandard installation that might experience performance problems. I'm afraid all you can do is install shielded Ethernet cable (www.truecable.com/collections/shielded-ethernet-cables) and hope for the best.
What if the run is short? I have a small opening between walls, about 6". I need to run both power and 8 ethernet through the opening, but they'll only be in close proximity for maybe a foot. Do I still require shielded cable? This if for 120vac power, and I will be running POE on a couple runs. Thanks.
Hello Jollyprez! Nah, I would skip shielded for this one. Given the short distance they will be in parallel and given the fact we are only talking about a 120V AC branch circuit, this is not a big deal. Good question!
Good job boys! I'm planning on running ethernet and I ran into a situation where I have to run my ethernet up through a concrete pad that supports a fireplace hearth. The thought of drilling a hole up through there is not something I am relishing. There is a hole there already but the electrical conduit up to outlets and the fireplace is in there. If I have to run ethernet up that hole, in very close proximity (they will be rubbing up against one another almost) is there anything I can do to mitigate the possible interference? Thanks
Hello Eddie. Don't do it. Never use the same path way for Ethernet and AC electric. There will be a significant risk of EMI interference in the best scenario and a potential fire hazard due to the cables touching and being in the same hole in the worst-case scenario. You will need to find an alternative route for your Ethernet. In other words, another hole. Better safe than sorry.
Hello! Using shielded Ethernet by default is not a problem, assuming it is bonded to ground properly. Aside from extra costs, shielded cable does require the cable shield to be properly bonded to ground, and it also does not bend as tightly as unshielded. Termination hardware for shielded hardware is also much more expensive. Use shielded cable wisely!
Hello! J hooks are best, spaced about 4 feet apart. The J hooks should be designed for communications cable, with a wide surface and beveled edges to avoid cable jacket damage over time. Do NOT use bridle rings. Bundle the cables as needed with velcro. Alternatively you can use plastic cable clamps designed for Coaxial cable, too, spaced 4 feet apart. You can get them at Home Depot or Lowes--and I suggest the screw in kind as opposed to the nail in type. Attach a single cable using the coaxial clamps and then attach subsequent cables to the first one with velcro straps (don't use zip ties as they can also cause jacket damage and/or communications errors by focusing too much pressure in a small spot).
@@grizzlypaws461 Hello! You are welcome. The screw size will depend upon your J hook hardware. I suggest pan heads for maximum stability. Your J hook hardware should tell you what is acceptable.
So what about a trench situation. 240v run in grey conduct and a shielded Cat 6 ethernet run in separate conduct. Do I need to worry about separation since they are in there own conduct and shielded. I would assume that the power will be run in a 2in or larger and the Cat will be in 1in. Im trying to see if I can use the same trench as the power run.
Hello Chris! No problem. 240V is not a major issue and is treated like 120V in the world of low-voltage installing. Obviously, both cables cannot be in the same conduit, but you already know that. The fact your Cat6 is already shielded means you don't need to worry about any additional separation. Proceed as planned!
Hello Billy! Correct, you would still obey the 8" separation recommendation. Adding multiple 240V AC circuits together in a bundle is not cumulative like you would think.
Hello Bram! Running Ethernet (even shielded) through the same conduit as 240V (or 120V) AC is not recommended. You may be violating a local Code by doing it, too. You want some degree of separation--preferably 2". Hope that helps!
Would it be fine to run multiple unshielded Cat6A cables right next to each other, while keeping away from power? Does there need to be minimum distance between the ethernet cables as well?
Hello! No problem. You can bundle unshielded Cat6A cabling together without issues, assuming you use velcro and NOT nylon ties (a refrain that applies to any Category of Ethernet cable bundle), and this further assumes your Cat6A unshielded cable has the proper ANEXT protection built in (ANEXT = Alien Crosstalk). trueCABLE's Cat6A unshielded cable has a circular gear/saw-tooth jacket interior around the circumference that helps prevent ANEXT from one cable to another in a bundle.
@@trueCABLE Perhaps you should mention that the problem with nylon ties is not the ties, but people pulling them down so tight, they deform the cable. From an electrical point of view, there's nothing wrong with them.
@@James_Knott Hello James. In of itself a nylon tie won't hurt Ethernet. Using them to bundle up cables may just hurt Ethernet no matter how careful you are. The problem has to do with the tiny focus area and gravity, in addition to people applying them too tight. Squishing the cable together tightly enough to cause ANEXT (alien crosstalk) issues in the cable bundle, in addition to higher internal cable NEXT (pair to pair crosstalk) are the primary concerns. On top of all of that, cable jacket damage can occur over time depending on the bundle size and how the bundle is positioned. Combine gravity and nylon ties and that alone can become an issue, even if applied loosely. Rather than explain why nylon ties are not the best of ideas when it comes to copper twisted pair Category cable, we simply advise the use of velcro hook and loop straps so the problem is avoided.
Would this also apply to having an ethernet cable in parallel to a power strip and it's cord which is earthed. What about the power cables of modems/routers?
Hello Demotive! Well, there is nothing in the ANSI/TIA standard or even NEC/NFPA 70 per se regarding this. Therefore, best practice would suggest not bundling (at least unshielded) Ethernet with AC power cords to power strips and the like. I personally avoid doing that since I am aware of potential EMI/RFI issues. I would keep at least a few inches distance if in parallel.
if we do not have the space for the separation and are running conduits... would running network and power in separate metal conduits work help for this? say 3"x3" square steel conduits side by side
Hello! Using metallic conduits to route and separate data and power is a perfect way to avoid issues. You would not even need to use shielded Ethernet cable, as the conduit would serve as the shield. It is wise to be sure both conduits systems are bonded to ground, however!
@@yaohoukpati1172 Hello Yao! PVC provides minimal EMI protection. You will still need to obey distance limitations. Let us know if you have further questions!
I know in the video you said Ethernet is fine if it's ran in a separate wall cavity, but does the 8" rule still apply to unshielded Cat6a cable when ran along the other side of the same stud that the power is attached to? There is the separation between the stud itself, but I didn't know if the different cavity was just a rule of thumb in-regards to distance or if there was some isolation happening because of the material (the wood stud). Does that also change if the ethernet is contained in a structured wiring enclosure?
Hello Nicholas! All extremely good questions. The 8" rule still applies. The idea behind suggesting the next adjacent bay was to help ensure the separation distances are obeyed AND to help people avoid snagging their Ethernet on any obstacles in a bay that also carries electrical circuits. Yes, the wood does help provide some additional EMI protection from bay to bay, but not enough that you can attach an Ethernet cable directly to the opposite side of a wall stud and not potentially have issues when running 10GBASE-T. It is not the Category that matters so much as it the speeds that the cable will carry. Higher speeds are more susceptible to interference. If the structured wiring enclosure is anything other than metal, then the 8" rule still applies.
Hello! Generally speaking, DC voltage does not create a 60Hz EMI field that would interfere with Ethernet. Now, each installation is different and the amount of current flowing across the DC power cable or also the location of the equipment drawing the current may present an issue so it is still a good idea to keep your distance in more extreme situations. Hope this helps!
@@mazenalsaadi-pm1ew Hello Mazen! Thanks for reminding us. SFP+ DAC cables still use copper conductors and are susceptible to EMI/RFI interference like any other copper Ethernet cable. Hope this helps!
Isn't twisted pair and differential signalling supposed to cancel out low frequency interference at 60hz? Reddit is full of homegamers running utp next to power without an issue.
Hello! The twisted pair does a good job of self-shielding, this is true. That said, 60hz circuits can still cause EMI interference and result in packet drops. The issue magnifies when the Ethernet cable is pushed to carry 5Gbps and above. The reason many don't notice much of an issue is two factors: 1. They don't realize they are experiencing packet drops because their Internet connection is not necessarily as fast as the physical LAN connection (say 500Mbs Internet and the PHY is connected at 1G) and 2. The vast majority of speeds, especially residentially, is still stuck at 1G on the wired LAN. That is changing, however.
@@Bobby-lh2sx Hello Bobby! Yes, AC branch circuits can induce voltage onto low-voltage Ethernet. Not only would that be a financial disaster, it is a potential fire hazard. Generally speaking, keep your distance from AC power circuits and powerful motors. The distance you should keep depends on a number of factors that you can find in this blog: www.truecable.com/blogs/cable-academy/running-ethernet-and-power-cable
@@JasonsLabVideos nice! Around here its still ethernet cables only. No fiber. Obviously rich folks will demand it but yeah only the ISP touch fiber atm...
Was almost going to run Ethernet net cable through power cable conduit,then thought I should search it up. Thanks for the video.
You are welcome Bobby! Yeah, running Ethernet and AC electrical through the same pathway is a big no-no. Not only for performance reasons but also for legal reasons. It would be in violation of NEC/NFPA 70 guidelines and likely your local codes.
@@trueCABLE Hey got a good knowledge through ur video. Thanks for making this wonderful video. I was about to run ethernet via the same channel as power but I've got a question. Does DC power impact the ethernet data and safety as the AC current? I've got to run the ethernet alongside DC power line which is supplied from a power generator
@@rajeshm2591 Hello. In answer to your question, yes, DC current can interfere with an Ethernet cable, but only if the DC current is high enough. There are other factors that go into it as well, such as the distance between the cable and the power line. However, I would err on the side of caution and follow the generalized distance separation guidelines from such a circuit.
Hi. Thanks for this video. This is something I am about to do. I am running a supply to a garden house in a trench. This is going to be armoured cable in pvc trunking and then 3 x cat 6 cables and 1 x coax cable in a seperate trunking. What distance would this need to be if the cat 6 is unshielded. Thank you
@@leeedwards3783 Hello Lee! Based upon your question a 2" separation on parallel is more than sufficient. As long as the trunks are not touching, you should not need any additional separation. This is assuming, of course, that your power circuit does not exceed 240V. If you are dealing with 480V or higher, which is unlikely, then you will need to consult a separation chart. We hope this helps!
Here's my experience with some of this. On one job, in a warehouse, both Ethernet & AC power shared the same utility box. However, there was a barrier between the 2 sections. The entire box, including the barrier was steel. The Ethernet cable entered the box through conduit that ran up above the drop ceiling. I have not seen those shared boxes anywhere else. On another job, where I was installing IP cameras in apartment elevators, I had an unusual configuration. Shielded Ethernet cable was used to connect a PoE switch in the elevator machinery room to a DVR in the security office. There was an industrial grade PoE switch and then a media converter that connected to coax and provided power for the cameras. The elevator techs ran special coax cable to the car, where there was another media converter to convert back to Ethernet to connect to the cameras. I did this work in several buildings, with multiple elevators in each building.
BTW, as Dave mentioned, it's current, not voltage, that's induced in nearby conductors. Also, Ethernet ports have transformers between the cable and circuitry, which provide some protection. In addition, the frequencies used by Ethernet are well above 100 MHz, which is much higher than the 60 Hz AC power. Also, the original twisted pair Ethernet, StarLAN, was designed to share the same 3 pair CAT3 cable with telephones and so was built to withstand induced ringing current. Sharing the same cable puts that 90V, 20 Hz ringing current much closer to the data pairs than you'd ever get AC power. StarLAN became 10baseT. You can read about it on Wikipedia.
Thanks James, for the insight and for sharing your experience. As you have found and used in the past, Ethernet was separated by AC power with a steel divider between the two in the same box. This is what is known as a "Listed Divider" in NEC/NFPA 70 parlance. That is entirely appropriate. Also, in commercial installations, Ethernet is typically routed out of the TR/ERs with metallic ENT conduit, which becomes the shielding. Thus, the only time you really see shielded Ethernet being used is when you are close to AC power (or the EMI field you wish to avoid is VERY strong and have to use metallic conduit and shielded Ethernet) but have no metallic barrier and/or no ability to separate the two sufficiently. You had an interesting installation dealing with the powerful elevator motors and the DVRs! It is probably what I would have done, which is make judicious use of shielded communications cable where required. Simple 120V branch circuits (up to 4) in a bundle don't pose a huge threat to Ethernet, considering Ethernet "self-shields" pretty well by design. That said, there is a rather extensive chart of how much separation from EMI fields you need in various situations found in ANSI/TIA 569-E, which is quite illuminating! I would reproduce it here, but would run into copyright issues. BICSI has something that expands upon ANSI/TIA 569-E as well, mostly addressing situations of AC panels, motors, etc.
Excellent information thank you.
Glad we could help!
What if the power cable is an armoured power 240v cable which is buried beside the Ethernet ducting. Wouldn’t the metal windings in the armoured cable prevent the electric field interfering with the Ethernet cable?
Hello! If the power cable is armored/shielded then indeed the metal of the armor would protect your Ethernet cable. In that case, NO SEPARATION is needed and you can use Unshielded Ethernet. Just keep the two cables from actually touching in case a short circuit condition should occur in the power circuit cable, for safety. Hope this helps!
Nicely answered. Thanks.
You are welcome Prashanth! We appreciate your feedback.
I'm running power to my shed 100 feet away from my box with 6 guage. Can I run cat6 in a seperate pvc pipe along next to it?
Hello Bob! PVC won't provide a lot of EMI protection, but separation and dirt will. I would be sure you have at least a few inches of separation on parallel with dirt between the pipes. That should do it!
@@trueCABLE Thank you
@@bobmills2080 You are welcome Bob!
If i have no option but to run ethernet and power in the same conduit is there a way I can shield the ethernet cable?
If you absolutely positively must run data and power in the same conduit, then you must also accept that you have a nonstandard installation that might experience performance problems. I'm afraid all you can do is install shielded Ethernet cable (www.truecable.com/collections/shielded-ethernet-cables) and hope for the best.
What if the run is short? I have a small opening between walls, about 6". I need to run both power and 8 ethernet through the opening, but they'll only be in close proximity for maybe a foot. Do I still require shielded cable? This if for 120vac power, and I will be running POE on a couple runs. Thanks.
Hello Jollyprez! Nah, I would skip shielded for this one. Given the short distance they will be in parallel and given the fact we are only talking about a 120V AC branch circuit, this is not a big deal. Good question!
Good job boys! I'm planning on running ethernet and I ran into a situation where I have to run my ethernet up through a concrete pad that supports a fireplace hearth. The thought of drilling a hole up through there is not something I am relishing. There is a hole there already but the electrical conduit up to outlets and the fireplace is in there. If I have to run ethernet up that hole, in very close proximity (they will be rubbing up against one another almost) is there anything I can do to mitigate the possible interference? Thanks
Hello Eddie. Don't do it. Never use the same path way for Ethernet and AC electric. There will be a significant risk of EMI interference in the best scenario and a potential fire hazard due to the cables touching and being in the same hole in the worst-case scenario. You will need to find an alternative route for your Ethernet. In other words, another hole. Better safe than sorry.
@@trueCABLE My heart and gut thank you for corroborating their thoughts but my arms want to have a word with you 😜. Thanks
@@eddiemarano9998 Hello Eddie! You are quite welcome. I know it is not the best news, but at least you did not make a serious boo-boo. 😀
Is shielding Ethernet cable by default bad for any reason? Other than the extra cost.
the cost is the only downside
Hello! Using shielded Ethernet by default is not a problem, assuming it is bonded to ground properly. Aside from extra costs, shielded cable does require the cable shield to be properly bonded to ground, and it also does not bend as tightly as unshielded. Termination hardware for shielded hardware is also much more expensive. Use shielded cable wisely!
I need to run 4 Ethernet cables in my unfinished basement parallel with the floor joists. What should I use? J hooks, cable clips etc? Thanks!
Hello! J hooks are best, spaced about 4 feet apart. The J hooks should be designed for communications cable, with a wide surface and beveled edges to avoid cable jacket damage over time. Do NOT use bridle rings. Bundle the cables as needed with velcro. Alternatively you can use plastic cable clamps designed for Coaxial cable, too, spaced 4 feet apart. You can get them at Home Depot or Lowes--and I suggest the screw in kind as opposed to the nail in type. Attach a single cable using the coaxial clamps and then attach subsequent cables to the first one with velcro straps (don't use zip ties as they can also cause jacket damage and/or communications errors by focusing too much pressure in a small spot).
@truecable thanks! Last question - what size and type of screw should I use for the cable support I hooks for the wood floor joists? Thanks!
@@grizzlypaws461 Hello! You are welcome. The screw size will depend upon your J hook hardware. I suggest pan heads for maximum stability. Your J hook hardware should tell you what is acceptable.
So what about a trench situation. 240v run in grey conduct and a shielded Cat 6 ethernet run in separate conduct. Do I need to worry about separation since they are in there own conduct and shielded. I would assume that the power will be run in a 2in or larger and the Cat will be in 1in. Im trying to see if I can use the same trench as the power run.
Hello Chris! No problem. 240V is not a major issue and is treated like 120V in the world of low-voltage installing. Obviously, both cables cannot be in the same conduit, but you already know that. The fact your Cat6 is already shielded means you don't need to worry about any additional separation. Proceed as planned!
Hi, if you had for example 10 240v wires together running along a section of a wall, is it still an 8 inches distance recommended ?
Hello Billy! Correct, you would still obey the 8" separation recommendation. Adding multiple 240V AC circuits together in a bundle is not cumulative like you would think.
what if you run use a shielded power cable (230VAC) next to a shielded network cable in the same electrical tube (for about 10 meter).....? thanks
Hello Bram! Running Ethernet (even shielded) through the same conduit as 240V (or 120V) AC is not recommended. You may be violating a local Code by doing it, too. You want some degree of separation--preferably 2". Hope that helps!
Would it be fine to run multiple unshielded Cat6A cables right next to each other, while keeping away from power? Does there need to be minimum distance between the ethernet cables as well?
Hello! No problem. You can bundle unshielded Cat6A cabling together without issues, assuming you use velcro and NOT nylon ties (a refrain that applies to any Category of Ethernet cable bundle), and this further assumes your Cat6A unshielded cable has the proper ANEXT protection built in (ANEXT = Alien Crosstalk). trueCABLE's Cat6A unshielded cable has a circular gear/saw-tooth jacket interior around the circumference that helps prevent ANEXT from one cable to another in a bundle.
@@trueCABLE Perhaps you should mention that the problem with nylon ties is not the ties, but people pulling them down so tight, they deform the cable. From an electrical point of view, there's nothing wrong with them.
@@James_Knott Hello James. In of itself a nylon tie won't hurt Ethernet. Using them to bundle up cables may just hurt Ethernet no matter how careful you are. The problem has to do with the tiny focus area and gravity, in addition to people applying them too tight. Squishing the cable together tightly enough to cause ANEXT (alien crosstalk) issues in the cable bundle, in addition to higher internal cable NEXT (pair to pair crosstalk) are the primary concerns. On top of all of that, cable jacket damage can occur over time depending on the bundle size and how the bundle is positioned. Combine gravity and nylon ties and that alone can become an issue, even if applied loosely. Rather than explain why nylon ties are not the best of ideas when it comes to copper twisted pair Category cable, we simply advise the use of velcro hook and loop straps so the problem is avoided.
Would this also apply to having an ethernet cable in parallel to a power strip and it's cord which is earthed. What about the power cables of modems/routers?
Hello Demotive! Well, there is nothing in the ANSI/TIA standard or even NEC/NFPA 70 per se regarding this. Therefore, best practice would suggest not bundling (at least unshielded) Ethernet with AC power cords to power strips and the like. I personally avoid doing that since I am aware of potential EMI/RFI issues. I would keep at least a few inches distance if in parallel.
I guessed as much but thanks for the confirmation. I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to reply. 👍
@@D3MOT1VE Of course! We are always here to help!
if we do not have the space for the separation and are running conduits... would running network and power in separate metal conduits work help for this? say 3"x3" square steel conduits side by side
Hello! Using metallic conduits to route and separate data and power is a perfect way to avoid issues. You would not even need to use shielded Ethernet cable, as the conduit would serve as the shield. It is wise to be sure both conduits systems are bonded to ground, however!
@@trueCABLE What about if I use plastic (PVC) conduits?
@@yaohoukpati1172 Hello Yao! PVC provides minimal EMI protection. You will still need to obey distance limitations. Let us know if you have further questions!
I know in the video you said Ethernet is fine if it's ran in a separate wall cavity, but does the 8" rule still apply to unshielded Cat6a cable when ran along the other side of the same stud that the power is attached to? There is the separation between the stud itself, but I didn't know if the different cavity was just a rule of thumb in-regards to distance or if there was some isolation happening because of the material (the wood stud). Does that also change if the ethernet is contained in a structured wiring enclosure?
Hello Nicholas! All extremely good questions. The 8" rule still applies. The idea behind suggesting the next adjacent bay was to help ensure the separation distances are obeyed AND to help people avoid snagging their Ethernet on any obstacles in a bay that also carries electrical circuits. Yes, the wood does help provide some additional EMI protection from bay to bay, but not enough that you can attach an Ethernet cable directly to the opposite side of a wall stud and not potentially have issues when running 10GBASE-T. It is not the Category that matters so much as it the speeds that the cable will carry. Higher speeds are more susceptible to interference. If the structured wiring enclosure is anything other than metal, then the 8" rule still applies.
How about DC cable?
Hello! Generally speaking, DC voltage does not create a 60Hz EMI field that would interfere with Ethernet. Now, each installation is different and the amount of current flowing across the DC power cable or also the location of the equipment drawing the current may present an issue so it is still a good idea to keep your distance in more extreme situations. Hope this helps!
did fiber cable have same problem
Hi! Great question. No, optical fiber does not have the same problem. Fiber is immune to the effects of electromagnetic interference. Hope this helps!
@trueCABLE dont forget some caple fiber. Made from copper, not glass, that is what I meant because it was used for 10G Connection spf+
@@mazenalsaadi-pm1ew Hello Mazen! Thanks for reminding us. SFP+ DAC cables still use copper conductors and are susceptible to EMI/RFI interference like any other copper Ethernet cable. Hope this helps!
Isn't twisted pair and differential signalling supposed to cancel out low frequency interference at 60hz? Reddit is full of homegamers running utp next to power without an issue.
Hello! The twisted pair does a good job of self-shielding, this is true. That said, 60hz circuits can still cause EMI interference and result in packet drops. The issue magnifies when the Ethernet cable is pushed to carry 5Gbps and above. The reason many don't notice much of an issue is two factors: 1. They don't realize they are experiencing packet drops because their Internet connection is not necessarily as fast as the physical LAN connection (say 500Mbs Internet and the PHY is connected at 1G) and 2. The vast majority of speeds, especially residentially, is still stuck at 1G on the wired LAN. That is changing, however.
@@trueCABLEother than packet drop, will power cable induce high voltage to Ethernet wires, that would be a financial disaster.
@@Bobby-lh2sx Hello Bobby! Yes, AC branch circuits can induce voltage onto low-voltage Ethernet. Not only would that be a financial disaster, it is a potential fire hazard. Generally speaking, keep your distance from AC power circuits and powerful motors. The distance you should keep depends on a number of factors that you can find in this blog: www.truecable.com/blogs/cable-academy/running-ethernet-and-power-cable
run fiber, done
Find me a home pc that has a fiber connection ? Or a desktop or laptop or ..
@@JasonsLabVideos we do now have fiber to home from the ISP. its a matter of time where new houses are bult with fiber.
@@shrekpower I pre-wired houses 5 years ago with fiber. Nothing new there.. IMO.
@@JasonsLabVideos nice! Around here its still ethernet cables only. No fiber. Obviously rich folks will demand it but yeah only the ISP touch fiber atm...
@@shrekpower I used to tell people, pay to have it installed now, or triple pay to have it installed later.