Acceptable Practice

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and industry standards, it is not acceptable to run 12/2 MC cable and Cat 5 tel/data in the same duct without a divider.

Reasons



Physical Damage

The outer jacket of MC cable does not provide a sufficient barrier to prevent physical damage to the Cat 5 tel/data cables. Heavy or sharp objects in the duct could puncture or crush the data cables.

Electrical Interference

The electromagnetic fields generated by the MC cable can interfere with the data signals in the Cat 5 cables. This can lead to data corruption, reduced performance, or even damage to the data equipment.

Code Violations

NEC Article 800.110(1) requires that communications cables be installed in a dedicated raceway or listed enclosure. Combining communications cables with power cables violates this code requirement.

Solution

To utilize the abandoned Walkerduct as a raceway, it is necessary to install a divider to separate the MC cable and the Cat 5 tel/data cables. This can be done using a non-metallic or metallic divider that is secured to the inside of the duct. The divider should create two separate compartments, one for the MC cable and one for the data cables.

Alternative Options

If it is not feasible to install a divider, alternative options include:

Pulling a new duct

Install a separate duct specifically for the data cables.

Running the data cables in a different pathway

This may involve drilling holes through walls or ceiling tiles, but it ensures that the data cables are separated from the MC cable.

Using a different type of data cable: Some types of data cables, such as Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables, offer better protection against electrical interference and may be suitable for running in the same duct as MC cable. However, it is still recommended to consult with a qualified electrician or network installer for guidance. Flag for review