Running my cat5 near electric heater...

[flippinfleck]

I know it's bad to do this, but what if I never plan on turning the electric heater on? It's one of the baseboard models, built into the existing room. I'd hate to have to route my cable all the way to the other end of the room and back again, do I have to?

 

[Hobbzilla]

<< do I have to? >>



Well, I'm not sure you'll get anyone on here that will Make you. But if you are worried about fryin' the cable.. might be a good idea.

 

[flippinfleck]

<< But if you are worried about fryin' the cable.. might be a good idea. >>

Even if I never turn the heater on?

 

[kpb]

We did this in my old apartement and didn't have any problems with it. Had the wire running right under the whole length of the heater. After all the carpeting is flamable so it can't get that hot.

 

[DuallyMcCrash]

Are we talking running through the wall all on the floor next to the wall? If you are talking in the wall, I never run cat5 near electrical wires. If you have carpet you can get flat cat5 cable and run it under the carpet. You will never know it's there.

-jay

 

[ScottMac]

You'll be OK, run the cable.

If the heater is off, there's no current flowing through the heating element. Even if it's on, most category specs (and transceiver specs) can easily overcome the common-mode noise.

Conventional wisdom applies: If you can avoid it, avoid it. If you can't, you can't. Near an active heater is not the preferred route, but if it's all you have, go with it, and do whatever you can to avoid the fire hazard (plenum cable might be a plus here).

Impulse noise (like flourescent light baluns, electric motors, etc) are more of a threat to your signals than a constant 60Hz hum.

FWIW

Scott

 

[flippinfleck]

Thanks all.

Now, to clarify a little bit. No, this will not be run in wall. I'm moving into a new apartment, and don't have the luxury of being able to tear open my walls (dang!). It is very cold outside right now, and the "computer room" is at a nice 70F with no heat at all in the apartment. I plan on leaving it that way. Therefore, the heater will never be turned on. Worst comes to worst, I can stop using the pc in my boxers :Q

I looked at it today, and should be able to run the cable approx 4" away from the heater, so that's what I'm gonna do. There will prolly be three cables in that run, all bundled together.

Anyways. Thanks for the words of wisdom!

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