Distance between flourescent light and UTP Cat5?

[WannaFly]

I know your supposed to keep UTP cat5 away from flourescent lights, but how far? 1 foot? 2 foot? as far as possible? Does anyone know if its close how much interference it actually creates?

 

[reicherb]

In addition, what is the spec for distance from electrical lines. do you have to stay farther away from 220?

 

[oaaltone]

Fluorescent lighting: 12"
Power lines: 6" is usually safe, but it depends on how much current going through the lines.

Govt data sheet: http://www.dit.gov.bt/Guidelines/structured-cabling.pdf

 

[spidey07]

From EIA/TIA-569 standards...

"voice and data telecommunications cabling should not be run adjacent and parallel to power cabling - even along short distance--unless one or both cable types are shielded and grounded. For low-voltage communication cables a minimum 5-inch distance is required from any fluorescent lighting fixture or power line over 2 kVA and up to 24 inches from any power line over 5 kVA. In general, telecomm cabling is routed separately or several feet away from power cabling.

Also refer to NEC/NFPA 70, Articl 800-52.

 

[WannaFly]

Thanks, that guide is really helpful.

 

[reicherb]

Here is my situation.

I've got a 60 amp 220 volt (13KVA) line running diagonal to a 6" I-beam (about 12" away) and was thinking that if the power line wasn't a problem, the channel(s) in the I-beam would be a great place to run data cable. I can just run some straps around it and have a nice protected cable run. I assume that 3/8 steel should offer some decent shielding and since it's diagonal at least one side should be ok for data cable. What do you guys think?

Thanks.

 

[skyking]

Crossing power is OK, even at a slight angle, at 12". the problem with power is maximized when running parallel to power lines.

 

[reicherb]

In my case, the power line and I-beam are parallel.