Cable Segregation
Running power and signal cables along separate routes with a distance left between them. In industrial practice a separation of at least 15 cm is typically recommended. If a crossing is necessary, crossing the lines at right angles produces far less interference than running them in parallel.
A changing magnetic field forms around a high-current conductor. A signal cable running in parallel beside it has a voltage induced by this field; the longer the distance the two cables run side by side, the greater the induced noise. High-frequency components also jump across via the capacitance between the cables.
- Spacing: in practice a separation of 15 cm or more is the target. A metal duct wall or a sheet-metal divider reduces the required distance.
- Crossing: if routes have to cross, cross them at 90 degrees; the parallel common length then approaches zero.
- Separate ducts: inside a panel, use separate cable ducts for motor outputs, relay coil lines and analogue sensor cables.
- No shared conduit: putting a motor supply core into the same spiral conduit as a sensor core is the easiest way to generate interference.
When installing a crane or lift kit on a vehicle, the most practical method is to run the power line along one side of the vehicle and the control and sensor lines along the other. This single decision is more effective than adding a filter afterwards.
The context in which this term is used: Installation, redundancy and field continuity