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Power and data segregation Understanding segregation methods
Data cable comparison table
Types of data cable – different
categories of cable
Data cables are classified in a number of
different categories such as Cat 5e and
Cat 6 etc. Generally speaking the higher
the category number the higher the
performance specification. Data cable is
backwards compatible so a Cat 6
installation will always perform to a higher
specification than a Cat 5 installation.
The basic principle of data cable is very
similar across all the different categories
and is based on 4 pair twisted cable
which is shielded to protect from external
EMI and alien or cross talk interference
from adjacent cables.
45% Cable capacity
It is important to follow the Wiring
Regulations when installing cables in
trunking. By following the Wiring
Regulations you minimise the potential of
heat rise and cable damage and
maintain data throughput when installing
new circuits. For further information on
trunking cable capacity and grouping
factors please refer to the latest BS7671
Wiring Regulations.
It is important when installing power
and data cables in the same installation
that the installation complies with the
relevant standard. If any conflicts in
separation distances arise then the
greater separation distance must
always apply.
To comply with the correct separation
distance between power and data
cables please refer to BS EN 50174-
2:2009+A2:2014 section 6.
There are a number of factors that will
affect the separation distance of power
and data cables these are listed below:
• Total number of power circuits
• The total load on the power circuit
• The type of data cable being installed
• The installation method of the power
and data cables
Every installation is different so it is
important to refer to the installation
standard for each installation to ensure
compliance.
Technical Information
Data
Cable
Type
Frequency
Speed
Notes
Cat 5e
Up to 100MHz
Up to 1000MBps
Cat 5e has its limitations and will not
be able to support emerging 10GBase-T Ethernet
Cat 6
Up to 250MHz
Up to 10GBps
Cat 6 will run at a much higher performance than Cat 5e
supporting more than double the speed and frequency,
running to a much tighter specification.
Cat 6a
Up to 500MHz
Up to 10GBps
Cat 6a is designed to support 10GBase-T over a
maximum distance of 100 metres.
Cat 7
Up to 600MHz
Up to 10GBps
Cat 7 and Cat 7a data cables are shielded including both
the individual cables and the overall cables
being screened.
Cat 7a
Up to 1000MHz
Up to 10GBps
10
Incorrect
Installation
Correct
Installation
Key
All cables installed in same
compartment with no separation.
Cables separated by means of
physical barrier in accordance with
BS EN 50174-2:2009+A2:2014
section 6
Cables separated by minimum
distance in accordance with BS EN
50174-2:2009+A2:2014 section 6
Main Power
Fire Alarms
ICT (Infrastructure Cabling Technology)
Sensitive Circuits