• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

cat 6 and AC on common wall plate?

K

kaczor47

Junior Member
Since I am removing plasterboard in a bunch of rooms, I decided to run cat6 to each of them. The plan is to use a modular wall plate, with 2 AC outlets, phone and ethernet together. I know I should avoid running cat6 in parallel with AC (or use STP cabling?) but will terminating them all on the same plate cause any issues with interference? I want to avoid multiple wall plates if possible to keep it tidy.

Thanks in advance!
 
I am pretty sure some electrical standard says 6" apart, and yes power lines can crate noise/interference. Any transfer point can arc and make noise/interference. In fact, you are more likely to have noise jump over there than in the cabling itself as both have transfer points which means openings and the potential for impedance mismatches.
 
I'd keep them run separate and remember to cross power cable and cat5/6 at a 90 degree angle.. use shielded cable. . that's the best you can hope for
 
kaczor47 said:
Since I am removing plasterboard in a bunch of rooms, I decided to run cat6 to each of them. The plan is to use a modular wall plate, with 2 AC outlets, phone and ethernet together. I know I should avoid running cat6 in parallel with AC (or use STP cabling?) but will terminating them all on the same plate cause any issues with interference? I want to avoid multiple wall plates if possible to keep it tidy.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

It is illegal in Chicago / New York / California (to name a few) and against NECA rules to do that. Low voltage data never shares (conduit / run space) with power. It must be isolated in every area I have worked in.

I wouldn't bother with shielded cable unless you now how to properly ground the shields to the copper ground rods.
 
It's fine*, you need to buy the proper box. Check the following home depot sku's as an example: 243179 196653.

They either have a full box with divider, or just a low-volt mud ring as the second gang. You run them in (example) separate stud bays and then bring the data into the box at the end.

* check with your local AHJ, of course.
 
I don't see a reason to bother trying to put electrical and low voltage wiring together. I always install a 4 port electrical panel then about a foot away, install 2-3 data jacks and either a voice and/or coax jack. There's no real visual issues with having separate power and low voltage plates. I wouldn't be surprised if the way you're wanting to do it, if an inspector ever came in, would order you to separate them or face stiff fines. I know our fire marshal does routine checks and he's strict.
 
notposting said:
It's fine*, you need to buy the proper box. Check the following home depot sku's as an example: 243179 196653.

They either have a full box with divider, or just a low-volt mud ring as the second gang. You run them in (example) separate stud bays and then bring the data into the box at the end.

* check with your local AHJ, of course.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. Above and face plate that fully isolate the wiring and running 2 conduits / paths is fine. The NECA rules state they can't occupy the same "space." Dividers and separate runs to the box accomplishes this requirement.

--edit--

Actually it likely isn't NECA but one of the other code bodies.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top