[TowerTalk] RF and AC Cables In Buried PVC

[jimlux]

On 4/17/16 6:17 PM, Tony wrote:
> All:
>
> I'm in the process of getting materials together to run both RF and AC
> service cables from the house to a shed. I was going to install separate
> schedule 80 PVC pipes, but before I do, I was wondering if it's possible
> to run both types of cable in the same pipe? Are there any drawbacks,
> safety or otherwise when running both through a single pipe?

You generally should not run "low voltage" circuits in the same conduit 
as AC power (in fact, the electrical code prohibits it).  The risk is of 
the AC line shorting to the low voltage circuits: since low voltage 
circuits are generally limited energy, they don't have over current 
protection, safety bonding, etc., so a short might flow enough current 
to start a fire or shock someone.  (and, of course, blow up your 
receiver and transmitter)

There are some techniques that would make it legal, but would require 
more time to explain to the inspector than it would take to just lay the 
second conduit in the same trench as the first one.

>
> The RF cables are for a VHF / UHF array - the AC cables will power the
> lighting inside the shed.
>
> Thanks,
>
> 73, Tony
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