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GWitekFlag for United States of America

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Can I put CAT6 in conduit with Power?

I was asked to run network cable through 2in. conduit for about 300ft.
I was told it was going with new phone lines, but found out it's actually going with power cables.

What do you guys think?  I don't really know of a way to test it, but to do just do it.  I've got 500Ft of high quality sheilded CAT6.
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Immanuel Smith
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pseudocyber

US Specs say Com cable should be at least 6" away from High Voltage if it's a parallel run.  Also, electrical code specifies a different conduit.

Not only is it bad datacom practice, it's also against electrical code.
pseudocyber,

Do those specs apply to fiber lines as well?  They are com cables as well.  But they are not affected by power lines.  Just curious.
  In my area the inspectors allow us to run LV(low voltage) in the same conduit as power cables as long as it is within it's own conduit and you do not exceed the 'fill capacity' rating of the outside conduit. This is called a 'raceway within a raceway'. But, as kadafitcd noted your run is too long for Cat6. I would suggest a Multimode fiber within its own flexible raceway and use media converters on each end. If this is to be inspected, check with your electrical inspector first as they differ on what they will allow.
I am not sure about fiber within the same conduit as power.  True electrically, it wouldn't be a problem - as long as the fiber cable has no metallic content (some do).  However, as a measure of best practice, I would not advise it.

Check with a Bicsi certified contractor, or a RCDD for standards and best practice.  https://www.bicsi.org/default.aspx
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We've gone ahead and given this a shot.
We're going to be doing all our testing tomorrow to see if this really worked and I will let you konw the results.. Anxious!
Which option are you trying?  Cat5/6 in the same conduit as power?
If so make sure:
a) you test it with a proper certification meter (Fluke DSP or equivallent >$7000). It will work, but you have know way of knowing the performance loss due to EMF. Grade 10 physics will tell you you will have EMF interference. with 300' of parallel close proximity.
b) verify with your electrical code this is acceptable. I have NEVER seen it as approved. In the event of damage or a fire insurance will not cover cover you.
ps- approximately 328'? You are aware there is a 328' limit. And if using shielded cable there are very detailed specs regarding grounding and bonding of the shield? I trust you have a qualified expert terminating if shielded.
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This failed, but eneded up being a good learing in experience.

Better route was to get two Linksys BEFVP41 VPN routers and create and IPSEC VPN.