I want to stick my cable modem, along with all of my server stuff in my basement. My house has been added onto several times and the rear is a 20ft concrete pad addition. Under this pad is a 2.5" PVC pipe that was installed to run a 1" water pipe in it for an outside water faucet that's rarely used. This PVC pipe is the only access to the basement without some serious cable running in walls and in the attic that would be hard and close to impossible. How many problems would I find if I were to run the coax in the same PVC pipe as the outside faucet. I plan on using shielded coax for the run if that makes a difference.
Running coax near a water pipe
- Thread starter bluestrobe
- Start date
Shielded outdoor coax is fine for rain and stuff, I'm not sure how it holds up to being constantly immersed in water. I would probably go with the overkill route and pull it though some flexible (maybe 1/8" wall thickness) plastic tube and use a lot of silicone at the joints.
Its not emersed, there is a 1" pipe within a 2.5" collar pipe (if I read this right). In which case, you should be fine using it to run the coax outside....
You're right. Basically I was worried about running it in a collar pipe next to a steel 1" pipe full of water. I thought I read there was a thing against running wires/coax next to water pipes somewhere.
Awwwww.... Missed that the inner pipe was metal, presumably a ground. Not sure of the NEC on that one, but there are a few experts around who will hopefully jump into the thread...
Shouldn't be a problem. Coaxial cable do fine in ground, or water. It is often run inside or next to iron/copper piping in concrete/brick building.
Modelworks
Lifer
- Feb 22, 2007
- 16,240
- 7
- 76
Might be something against the plumbing rules.
I can't see the harm or problem with it.
Might want to ask over at www.broadbandreports.com , theres is lots of actual cable company engineers that frequent.
I can't see the harm or problem with it.
Might want to ask over at www.broadbandreports.com , theres is lots of actual cable company engineers that frequent.
Coaxial is nearly impervious to noise due to it's design.
That's IF if is installed and grounded properly. Most times it is not.
That's IF if is installed and grounded properly. Most times it is not.
The one question I'd have is if you'd need a ground block there and to tie that ground block to the water pipe. The risk (I think) is a close by lightening strike carrying in the pipe and jumping to the coax. Hopefully one of the NEC folks will hop in...
As long as it's grounded properly, there shouldn't be a safety issue. If it's not grounded properly, there are certain issues that can arise.
See if you can't browse some home improvement forums (Mike Holt is for professionals only, but may answer your question) and get an answer from the licensed electricians that are on there.
From the NFPA:
The most common error made in grounding CATV systems is connecting the coaxial
cable sheath to a ground rod driven by the CATV installer at a convenient location near
the point of cable entry to the building instead of bonding it to the electrical service
grounding electrode system, service raceway, or other components that make up the
grounding electrode system. A separate grounding electrode is permitted by the 2005
Code only if the building or structure has none of the grounding means described in
820.100(B)(1) or 820.100(B)(2), which is rare. The Code requires that some means
that is accessible and external to the service equipment be provided for making the
bonding and grounding connection for other systems. One of the following means must
be provided:
1. Exposed service raceways
2. Exposed grounding electrode conductor
3. An approved means for the external connection of a conductor (A 6 AWG
copper conductor with one end bonded to the service raceway or equipment with about
6 in. exposed is acceptable.)
Proper bonding of the CATV system coaxial cable sheath to the electrical power
ground is needed to prevent potential fire and shock hazards. The earth cannot be used
as an equipment grounding conductor or bonding conductor because it does not have
the low-impedance path required. (See 250.54.)
Both CATV systems and power systems are subject to current surges as a result of, for
example, induced voltages from lightning in the vicinity of the usually extensive
outside distribution systems. Surges also result from switching operations on power
systems. If the grounded conductors and parts of the two systems are not bonded by a
low-impedance path, such line surges can raise the potential difference between the
two systems to many thousands of volts. This can result in arcing between the two
systems, for example, wherever the coaxial cable jacket contacts a grounded part, such
as a metal water pipe or metal structural member, inside the building.
If a person is the interface between the two systems and the bonding has not been done
in accordance with the Code, the high-voltage surge could result in electric shock.
More common, however, is burnout of a television tuner, a part that is almost always
an interface between the two systems. The tuner is connected to the power system
ground through the grounded neutral of the power supply, even if the television set
itself is not provided with an equipment grounding conductor.
Also see the commentary following 250.92(B) and 820.93(B).
See if you can't browse some home improvement forums (Mike Holt is for professionals only, but may answer your question) and get an answer from the licensed electricians that are on there.
From the NFPA:
The most common error made in grounding CATV systems is connecting the coaxial
cable sheath to a ground rod driven by the CATV installer at a convenient location near
the point of cable entry to the building instead of bonding it to the electrical service
grounding electrode system, service raceway, or other components that make up the
grounding electrode system. A separate grounding electrode is permitted by the 2005
Code only if the building or structure has none of the grounding means described in
820.100(B)(1) or 820.100(B)(2), which is rare. The Code requires that some means
that is accessible and external to the service equipment be provided for making the
bonding and grounding connection for other systems. One of the following means must
be provided:
1. Exposed service raceways
2. Exposed grounding electrode conductor
3. An approved means for the external connection of a conductor (A 6 AWG
copper conductor with one end bonded to the service raceway or equipment with about
6 in. exposed is acceptable.)
Proper bonding of the CATV system coaxial cable sheath to the electrical power
ground is needed to prevent potential fire and shock hazards. The earth cannot be used
as an equipment grounding conductor or bonding conductor because it does not have
the low-impedance path required. (See 250.54.)
Both CATV systems and power systems are subject to current surges as a result of, for
example, induced voltages from lightning in the vicinity of the usually extensive
outside distribution systems. Surges also result from switching operations on power
systems. If the grounded conductors and parts of the two systems are not bonded by a
low-impedance path, such line surges can raise the potential difference between the
two systems to many thousands of volts. This can result in arcing between the two
systems, for example, wherever the coaxial cable jacket contacts a grounded part, such
as a metal water pipe or metal structural member, inside the building.
If a person is the interface between the two systems and the bonding has not been done
in accordance with the Code, the high-voltage surge could result in electric shock.
More common, however, is burnout of a television tuner, a part that is almost always
an interface between the two systems. The tuner is connected to the power system
ground through the grounded neutral of the power supply, even if the television set
itself is not provided with an equipment grounding conductor.
Also see the commentary following 250.92(B) and 820.93(B).
Well it should be, but would this coax run be grounded? Are you presuming the cable modem it's going to is grounded, or an existing ground block?
I'm assuming all metal and services are grounded to a common ground as required. 6 gauge wire, copper busbar...you know. Proper.
But that is the exception, especially with the home DIY and cable/satellite installers - "dur! I've got a pipe nearby, I'll just ground to that. Same thing! DURRRR"
The water pipe is grounded (steel right into the entry point). The rack that the cable modem will be on will also be grounded as the outlet. The coax is will be connected directly to the cable company splitter (grounded by the cable company) at the box to the cable modem on one piece of coax. I'm not sure about code regulations but if it is an issue, this will be temporary until I can find another route for the coax.
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