Can I run ethernet and phone cable in th
Joe Sullivan
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
Am running power to a remote building using THHN in PVC conduit. Could use a phone and a network hookup down there, too. Is it safe and within code to use the same pipe? It would sure save money if I could just run 3″ and then shove everything through it. With four lengths of #4 copper going through anyway, I can’t use cheap skinny pipe no matter what I do.
Joe
Replies
It's a violation of code to run power wiring and low voltage wiring in the same conduit.
Thanks. I figured as much, but it seemed like such a neat solution.J
It's against code and screw up your communications.
I mean. Who's dumb enough to bugle an Elk in a zoo?
Yea, what Gunner said. Can't speak to code, but that would definitely mess with your network connection.
Ethernet is pretty good in rejecting 60hz, in fact the twisted pairs pretty much reject everything. You still can't put a low voltage cable in the same raceway as THHN.If you pulled UF through the conduit it is less clear. The code says a cable jacket does provide separation.
In big commercial installations pulling wires through ducts they use a separation similar to smurf tube to keep everyone separate but there is also a soft nylon innerduct material.
Thanks to all -- I am getting the message on code, and it does make some sense. SO, I can use smaller and cheaper conduit as the larger stuff would do me no good. I am thinking about 2" for four #4 THHN conductors. Smaller might be hard to pull over the 150' span with a few sweeps in it.I guess the best idea for phone and ethernet would be as someone suggested, to run another smaller conduit in the same trench and save double digging. Joe
Word has it that you should keep the two pipes at least a foot away from each other in the trench and while backfilling...
Yep, and that distance can be vertical too, so you don'thave to dig a seperate trench.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Save the Whales! and Guns!
Buy a bottle of real pulling lube. It works better than any home remedy and it is guaranteed not to attack the conduit or conductor jackets.
Squirt a little in each end of your sweeps while you are putting the pipe together and use some on the head of the wire pack when you start the pull.
BTW don't be surprised that the low voltage wire is harder to pull than the THHN. It doesn't have the teflon overcoat.
Remember the shop vac trip to get a pull line through the installed conduit. A piece of mason's string with some paper tied to it will get pulled through in just a few seconds.
Good tip -- thanks for reminding me.J
plastic grocery bag makes for a better parachute, IMO.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Save the Whales! and Guns!
<. . . in fact, the twisted pairs pretty much reject everything>
Conventional morality, to be sure.
Forrest
Well, you can save money by buying a plastic conduit just above your power conduit. Plastic is cheap. Nobody dies if you stick a shovel in it either.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Save the Whales! and Guns!
Joe, I did the same thing running power,cat 5 and video lines to a driveway gate 200' . To ensure i would be able to pull the length i ran the wire as I put the pipe together with a junction box in the middle in case I needed to service it. Additionally I included a extra pull line for future.
mark co