Network Cabling Elite
One of the most common mistakes amateur installers make is running data cables (like Cat5e or Cat6) parallel to, or draped over, electrical wiring.
The Danger of EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
Electrical wires generate a magnetic field. When a low-voltage data cable runs too close to high-voltage electrical lines, this magnetic field disrupts the data signals traveling through the copper pairs inside your ethernet cable. This leads to dropped packets, incredibly slow speeds, and hardware damage over time.
The 12-Inch Rule
Industry standards (EIA/TIA) dictate that data cables should be kept at least 12 inches away from standard electrical wiring. If they must cross paths, they should do so at a strict 90-degree perpendicular angle to minimize the crossover interference area.
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