Wiring Guidelines for Warm Home- Single Family Dwellings Version V3.0WH
4.4 Cable Routing
Plan the route to avoid possible damage from future construction, rubbing, overheating,
dampness, or contact with power wires. The Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, (Rule 60-
300) requires a minimum of 50 mm (approximately 2") separation from power cables. We
recommend 12 inches.
The cable route must follow a supported path through floor joists, over ceilings, through wall
studs, and behind baseboards. If possible, the route you select should conceal the cable.
TELUS recommends a minimum of two cable runs (ie. two separate four-pair cables)
to each multimedia outlet to provision for future growth or upgrade of the multimedia
outlet (faceplate).
Separate runs will allow for ease of movement and arrangement of an occupants
telephone, Internet or advanced multimedia services; will reduce time to locate faults and
allow sufficient cable pairs for maintenance and provide for future service additions.
Things not to do
• Do not run parallel to power cables within the same stud or joist space, otherwise
transmission and interference problems may be experienced. Refer to Diagram 4 for
suggested correct installation.
• Do not run communications and data cables through holes occupied by electrical
cables.
• Do not run communications and data cables in parallel with any power wiring.
• Multimedia outlets should not be located within the same studs as a power outlet.
• Never run power in same conduit as communications and data cables.
• If power cables are housed in (metal) armored sheathing, then the above limitations
may not apply, likewise minimum separations may not apply since damaging power
emissions (EMI) are shielded by the sheathing.
• Ensure avoidance of fluorescent light fixtures – see Table 1 below for minimum
separations.
• Ensure avoidance of low-voltage style track light fixtures containing transformers.
• Do not bend communications and data cables sharply – minimum bend radii four x
diameter of cable for cat-5e, 2.5 inch for co-ax RG-6.
TELUS Communications Inc. (c) 2006-9-22 Page 12
