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Yet another conduit question - AC & LOW voltage DC signal wires in the same conduit?

A

AZ Solar Junkie

Maricopa, AZ
Joined
Sep 26, 2023
Messages
513
Location
Maricopa, AZ
I know the question has been asked and answered many times about having AC and high voltage PV DC lines in the same conduit, but what about low voltage DC signal wire? Can I put signal wire for a shutdown switch in the same conduit as the AC lines between the inverter and the main panel?
 
Yes as long as they are part of the same system and the data cable is rated to at least the highest voltage in that conduit. Most reputable low voltage cables have a 600 volt insulation rating.
 
Quattrohead said:
Yes as long as they are part of the same system and the data cable is rated to at least the highest voltage in that conduit. Most reputable low voltage cables have a 600 volt insulation rating.
Click to expand...
Not arguing just asking - isn’t it bad practice to place com wires next to AC due to induction corruption? Or am I just recalling network cable issues we used to see back in the early 1800’s?
Edit:
Never mind. I’m dumb:
AZ Solar Junkie said:
what about low voltage DC signal wire? Can I put signal wire for a shutdown switch in the same conduit as the AC lines between the inverter and the main panel?
Click to expand...
I was apparently not awake and read ‘signal’ but thought ‘communication.’

Sorry
 
You are right, it is not necessarily ideal and certain types of signal could have problems with it, but it is code compliant with the conditions outlined.
 
Firstrapid said:
Signal wires need to be shielded twisted pairs. Belden makes a bunch.
Click to expand...
Well ‘signal’ in this context is a feed to a generator start relay; ‘signal’ to an electrician or marine guy would be a “critical” thing.
I don’t know: could inductive current actually trigger-start up a generator?
 
I have 600 feet of shielded twisted pair wire in a 2 inch conduit along with the 2/0 triplex and various other stuff running from the house to the pump house. No problem! You can use Cat 6 network cable too, good quality stranded Cat 6 work!
 
Firstrapid said:
I have 600 feet of shielded twisted pair wire in a 2 inch conduit along with the 2/0 triplex and various other stuff running from the house to the pump house. No problem! You can use Cat 6 network cable too, good quality stranded Cat 6 work!
Click to expand...
It's all in the twist ~ Chubby Checker
 
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