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Disclaimer: The laws governing cable and wire installation can vary from state to state and sometimes even counties and cities pass specific, unique laws regarding cabling; these state, county and city laws are too complex for us to explain. This page is not a how-to installation guide, as we cannot keep up with local laws.

Even so, we get asked about do-it-yourself installation all the time.... We wanted to post a few of our standard answers here.

Electricity Can Kill You; Avoid Electrical Lines!

Never strap, staple or otherwise run networking cable to conduit or raceways carrying electrical current. Never run any cable within 2 inches of Class I electrical lines, lighting, fire alarm, or power lines or devices.

Give a Wide Berth to High Voltage Devices or Lines

Never run any cable within 6 feet of a conductor or fuse box. A minimum 5-inch distance is required from any fluorescent lighting fixture or power line over 2 kVA and up to 24 inches from any power line over 5 kVA. If unsure about the a device or line, consult an electrician. Route cable away as far as you can from large motors, generators, induction heaters, arc welders, x-ray equipment, and radio frequency, microwave or radar sources. NEC/NFPA 70, Article 800-52

Protect it from Future Physical Damage

You might want to put a nail or screw in later and don't want to puncture your cables, so when a cable, raceway, or soft conduit (anything you can puncture) is installed parallel to framing members (joists, rafters, or studs), furring strips, or crown molding, keep the cable at least 32 mm (1.26 inches) from the edge. NEC 300.4(D)

Don't Leave it Dangling - Secure Your Cables

You can connect cable directly to a surface with straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings, but you have to secure it somehow. NEC 800.24; 300.11

Use Plenum rated cable in Areas with Airflow

If you are going to run cables through an area which is used by your heating, air circulation, or air conditioner systems (such as above a drop ceiling in an office), you must use Plenum rated cables, which have a special insulation that has low smoke and low flame characteristics. When securing cable in Plenum required areas, make sure your straps, cable ties, and similar fittings also are plenum rated. NEC 830; NFPA 90A

National Rules - Consult your local laws

These guides are meant to familiarize our clients with the national requirements as expressed in the National Fire and Alarm Signaling Code and the National Electrical Code. Your state or local laws may differ. If you live outside the USA, consult your governmental laws. Don't consider this your only resource.

Turn the Breaker Power OFF

Any time that you will be drilling or cutting into your wall, you want to turn the power off. You don't want to drill into a hidden electrical line. You probably already know this, but our lawyers insisted.

Wear Safety Goggles

Any time that you are drilling, you want to wear safety goggles and hearing protection, like ear plugs.