What should be done if a cable run must cross a power line?

When a cable run must cross a power line, it is critical to maintain specific industry standards to ensure safety and signal integrity. One effective practice is to ensure that the crossing angle is at 90 degrees. This configuration minimizes the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) between the power line and the data or communication cables.

Maintaining the required separations is also important because proximity to high-voltage lines can adversely affect the performance of the low-voltage cables. By crossing at a 90-degree angle and adhering to separation standards established by regulations or industry guidelines, the risk of induced voltage and interference is greatly reduced, leading to safer and more reliable operation of the limited-energy cabling system.

This approach is better than simply ensuring a minimum separation distance, as the angle at which the cables cross can significantly impact the interference levels. Additionally, while using specially insulated cables and reducing the length of the cable run may offer some benefits, they do not address the fundamental issue of crossing angles and separation distances, which are crucial in this scenario.