Low Voltage Alarm Run

[Mac]

Anyone able to tell me how deep I need to run a conduit for a security alarm system to my shop? I have the ok to cover my 200ft power run but want to put the LV run above power about 12 inches. Can I get some guidance from any one here?

Thanks in advance, Mac

 

[Teken]

The deeper the better, but you normally don't want to run 120 / 240 VAC lines in parallel with Low Voltage lines . . . EMI can be induced into the wire, thus causing erratic behavior . . .

 

[Mac]

Can I shield using EMT?

 

[Norcal]

Can I shield using EMT?

EMT is best not used underground.

 

[bdog]

I don't think there are really any codes to worry about when burying things like alarm wire as there is no safety risk if it is damaged just the hassle of fixing it. I would not want to run it in the same conduit or directly on top in contact of a power run but if you have some seperation I think it would be fine. I guess it also depends on what you plan do to in the area where you run it. I would not hesitate to run it 12" underground if it was in the same trench where your main power was 24" deep as long as it is not going to be going through an area you are going to plow up or rototill for your garden.

I know it is not an electrical deal but many years ago we lived in the country in a small 1940's house and our washing machine just drained into the yard. It made a muddy mess and I wanted to extend the drain past the back fence and into a plowed field. I buried a pvc pipe maybe 3" below the surface and we never had problems with it. My point is shallow buried lines can be ok assuming they are not carrying high voltages and posing some danger or located in a area you are driving over every day or plowing up.

 

[oleguy]

direct bury phone lines have been done for years with no problems beacause the direct bury has a bond/shield.might be able to con the phone co.out of some.be worth a try.if you get some,bond the shield at both ends to ground.

 

[rockwithjason]

in most cases you need to have 18 inches measuring from the top of the conduit. if you are crossing a driveway you need 24 inches.