running alarm cable next to electric cable

[neil72w]

hi
need some help here can I run my 6 core alarm cable next to electric cables,
for my Honeywell gen4 alarm or will it have to be kept apart

 

[ironsidebod]

From an interference point of view you should keep them 50mm apart where possible and if they cross paths, this should be done at 90deg.

Having said that, the original installers in my property ran some of the cables along joists almost touching the ring main cables and I gather it was fine for 15 years....still best to do as above.

 

[Europlex]

From an interference point of view you should keep them 50mm apart where possible and if they cross paths, this should be done at 90deg.

Having said that, the original installers in my property ran some of the cables along joists almost touching the ring main cables and I gather it was fine for 15 years....still best to do as above.

Fine, but for a 15yr old alarm panel I'd accept what you are saying, but.

To days microprocessor controlled systems won't like it so much, so as said, keep them apart and only cross at 90 degrees.

 

[ironsidebod]

To days microprocessor controlled systems won't like it so much, so as said, keep them apart and only cross at 90 degrees.

Yep totally agree, hence it was sorted when I replaced it

 

[mattylad]

Todays microprocessor alarm systems should be designed with the EMC directive in mind and should be able to remove mains born interference introduced from the cables.

To be sold in the UK they have to take EMC compliance tests and will be tested for interference on the input/output cables.

If they do not then they are cruddy cheap equipment.

 

[bernardgreen]

Todays microprocessor alarm systems should be designed with the EMC directive in mind

Indeed they should and many are. But some are not and these ( not always the cheapest ) poorly designed ones are susceptible to malfunction due to voltages induced by nearby mains cables.

 

[ironsidebod]

Whatever the ins/outs of approval it makes sense to pay attention to basic interference 'rules' and then you'll know you're ok regardless of the equipment.