New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

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What is the minimum required separation between network communication cable and power cables?

2 inches
4 inches
6 inches
8 inches

The correct answer is: 4 inches

The minimum required separation between network communication cable and power cables is 4 inches. This requirement is established to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can occur when communication cables are run too close to power cables. EM fields generated by alternating current (AC) in power cables can disrupt the data transmission in networking cables, leading to signal degradation and loss of data integrity. Maintaining a separation of at least 4 inches is a guideline that helps ensure reliable performance of network communication systems. It reflects best practices as outlined in industry standards such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant telecommunications wiring standards. This distance is sufficient to mitigate the effects of EMI without overly complicating the installation process, providing a balance between practicality and performance. In contrast, shorter distances may expose the communication cables to noise and interference, which could compromise the efficacy of the network and lead to increased maintenance or troubleshooting issues in the future. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to the required spacing to safeguard the functionality of network infrastructure.