Cable Separation Distance
The minimum parallel distance that must be left between power cables and control or signal cables. The distance depends on how strong the noise source is: roughly 20 cm (8 in) in a panel with an inverter and for the antenna cable, while at least 50 mm is considered enough around a low-voltage DC driver module.
When two cables run side by side over a long distance, capacitive and inductive coupling builds up between them; the effect grows with the parallel run length and drops rapidly with distance. That is why the separation rule makes a measurable difference even on a few metres of routing inside a panel.
- The distance depends on the source: on cables that produce sharp edges, such as an inverter output, and on the antenna cable, aim for about 20 cm; for the short motor cable of a low-voltage DC driver module, at least 50 mm is enough.
- Practice: route power and control cables in separate cable ducts; if they must share a duct, use a metal divider.
- Crossings: if routes have to cross, cross them at 90°; the parallel run length then goes to zero.
- Receiver placement: the same logic applies to the device itself; do not mount the receiver right next to the inverter and the motor terminals.
- Antenna: do not pull the antenna cable through the same duct as a power cable.
This rule should be applied before shielded cable and ferrites: distance is free, whereas a filter is both costly and unable to fully compensate for a wrong route.
The context in which this term is used: Wireless remote control installation: pairing, relays, safety