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[bradeja]

I'm in the pre-drywall wiring stage and I'm pre-wiring for whole house audio, surround sound, and structured wiring. I've run into a bit of a problem...the only place that I can put all my audio/video equipment someday happens to be right below my main run of electrical wire. We're talking the "main artery" of my entire electrical system where almost all my homeruns to my electrical box occur.

My question is should I completely avoid that area entirely to avoid sound interference (which wouldn't be ideal for cost and practicality), or does the same rule apply with BUNDLES of AC as it does with a single AC wire (meaning that I stay at least 12 inches away from the AC cable with my speaker wire, or cross it only at 90 degrees)?

Does this only apply to speaker wire? Can I run all my cat5e and RG6 cable alongside the AC without any trouble?

Thank you in advance for any help and suggestions!

[Ian]

All low voltage wire has to be separated from line voltage to be up to electrical code. This is done for fire safety reasons for the most part.

For audio noise signal reasons 12 inches are needed to ensure isolation from the power lines. A bundle of line voltage cable will more emit noise then just one but one wire could still cause a problem. This same noise can potentially cause problems on data and coax lines as well.

If you have to cross high voltage you are right on with cross only at 90 degrees.

Please check your local electrical code for specific details they may apply to your area.