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Question:

Can the power lines in your house interfere with a LAN cable if placed together?

I am running a LAN Cable through my walls, and I'm using the existing holes for the power lines. I'm wondering if the RF from the power line can interfere with the LAN Cables data. Thanks!

Answer:

If you are using UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) cable, then electrical interference will interfere with the cable. To avoid this, you should use STP (shielded twisted pair) cable.
It should be okay, LAN cables are meant to be up to 100 meters long, your shorter cables shouln't pick up too much interference. Also, the wires are shielded and in twisted pairs which helps to negate interference. Not only that but for this reason the network adaptors will be designed to filter out low frequencies.
If putting them near power lines, ALWAYS get the shielded cables. Like Wikipedia says: Shielded cables are useful for environments where proximity to power cables, RF equipment, or high power equipment may introduce crosstalk, and can also be used where interference with radio receivers or where eavesdropping likelihood should be minimised.
yes it can. the NEC (National Electrical Code) says they should be kept a minimum of 12 from power lines to avoid interference. Chances of it happening are pretty slim tho.

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