Used to run all my wires parallel to HVAC ducts, now I separate them by at least 12 inches

After three false alarms in a row at a condo complex in Phoenix last summer, I traced it back to interference from the AC unit right next to my zone 4 wire run. Now I always route my sensor lines at least a foot away from any ductwork or metal piping. Anyone else run into this kind of noise issue with certain panel brands?

2 comments

2 Comments

joseph52929d ago

I mean, I've had wires running right next to ductwork for years in a couple of builds and never saw a false alarm. Are you sure it wasn't just a crappy panel or a loose connection? Not saying you're wrong, but I'd bet a lot of people get away with tighter spacing than 12 inches without issues (especially with metal ductwork, which should act as a shield anyway).

grant82629d ago

Wait, does metal ductwork actually shield against radiated interference? I thought HVAC ducts are usually just thin sheet metal that's grounded through the building, but they're not really designed as a shield like conduit would be. Pretty sure if you're getting induced current from a high voltage line, that thin metal isn't doing much unless it's a continuous bonded path.