Thank you for the quick responses, sorry I could not respond as quickly. Busy week.
I'm not positive that this is the section of code that applies here, but 830.133(A)(2) seems reasonable: "Network-powered broadband communications cable shall be separated at least 50 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, and non–power limited fire alarm circuits."
So is 2" the answer for safety per the referenced code? I am also looking for best practice. To be clear, the coms and power are not being proposed in the same conduit! That was my mistake in the posting.
by 830.133(a)(1)(d), you cannot run cat6 in the same raceway as power circuits. Using Innerduct may be compliant; there has been some discussion on that here. the 2" separation is 830.133(a)(2). (2008 NEC referenced)
Sorry, once again me thinking I was being clear, while trying to be succinct. I am not talking about running coms and power in the same conduit. They are in two separate conduits. I am looking for code or best practice distance separation between conduits. First and foremost, code related (safety), then best practice. Sorry I was unclear. :roll:
This doesn't sound like network powered broadband to me but no matter. 800.133(A)(1)(2) says the same thing. Basically you can't run LV or communications cables with power conductors in the same conduit. The exception is if those power conductors are enclosed in a listed cable such as type TC, romex, AC, MC etc. and run through the conduit. Conversely, you may be able to get away with running the communications cable in innerduct within the conduit. Either of these methods requires that the cable or innerduct be terminated properly in whatever enclosure the conduit connects to. Separation is required there too but I think somebody here found a CAT cable listed for termination within line voltage control cabinets.
Was aware of the ability to run listed cable with power, which I know has been done in the past for dc optimized systems, which we no longer do. But again, sorry for the confusion, not in the same conduit. See above.
Requirements aside, it's good wiring practice to separate COMs cables from power conductors. Unshielded twisted pair Ethernet is pretty robust, but not completely immune to induced interference. Separation of cables, even by a few inches, goes a long way towards protecting COMs from interference.
I have no idea what devices you're connecting, but is fiber optic Ethernet an option? Perfectly OK to run in conduit with power conductors and completely immune to induced noise. Media converters on each end of the run will handle the copper to fiber transition. You can run much longer distances with fiber than you can with copper too.
Also know that many devices use CAT5/CAT6 cable to carry COMs other than Ethernet. Many devices use CAT5/CAT6 to carry RS485 COMs, or other proprietary wiring schemes. In that case, Ethernet media converters won't work.
I believe Allan Bradley makes a CAT5 cable that has a jacket rated to 600V for use in MCC cubicles. I'm don't think that gets around the requirement for separating COMs cables and power conductors in the same conduit though.
I am with all of you 100%, good practice to separate. Which is what we are doing here. Again looking for code related support to minimum separate of coms conductors to power conductors, when each is in its own conduit. Proximity type question with respect to best practice as well, given the induced currents or noise that can be present.
Any more thoughts here will be greatly appreciated.