User: jap, Location: Ohio
Asked on: Friday, April 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:33 am EDT
Question: I installed a 2g box behind my flat screen tv on the wall and used the orange Low Voltage Divider to seperate the Cable and the duplex receptacle.I had a real hard time allowing myself to do this since I have been installing a completely different box for Data and Power at work in commercial building types all my career.Then I got to wondering just how much protection that divider provides.If it wasnt there what would actually happen?I'm sure at some point in the attic of several houses the cable,telephone and romex run in close proximity to each other,so why do they have to be seperated in the box? I'm sure I'll get pounded with this one, but will the romex mysteriously rub into the TV cable? or what is the sole purpose behind having to seperate the low Voltage from the Higher voltage other than interference or the voltage rating of the insulation.
The purpose of the low voltage divider is to provide physical separation between the high voltage (120V) wires and the low voltage (coax, etc.) wires. This is required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to prevent potential hazards such as: Electrical shock
If the high voltage wires come into contact with the low voltage wires, it could create a shock hazard for anyone touching the TV or other devices connected to the low voltage wires.
Fire
If the high voltage wires overheat, they could ignite the low voltage wires or other materials in the vicinity, causing a fire.*
Interference: The high voltage wires can generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can interfere with the operation of low voltage devices.In addition to these hazards, the low voltage divider also helps to keep the wires organized and prevents them from becoming tangled or damaged.While it is true that cable, telephone, and romex wires can run in close proximity to each other in the attic, they are typically not in direct contact with each other. This is because the wires are usually run through separate conduits or кабельные лотки. However, in the event that the wires do come into contact with each other, the low voltage divider provides an extra layer of protection against electrical hazards.It is important to note that the low voltage divider is not a complete guarantee of safety. If the high voltage wires are damaged or if the low voltage wires are not properly installed, there is still a potential for hazards. Therefore, it is always important to follow the NEC and best practices when installing electrical wiring. Flag for review