Can You Run CAT6 And RG6 Together? | Proper Explanation

House wiring is one of those frustrating things that even professionals get frustrated with. And confusion? That’s a daily thing with wires. All the blues, reds, yellows, and greens turn into fruit loops in our heads. 

Talking about house wiring and confusion, it may pop into your mind, can you run Cat6 and RG7 together? Well, it’s the RG6 to worry about, right? Or is it the power line? 

Yes, you can run Cat6 and RG6 together and you have to worry about the power line. Not the other way around. But there are still some things that you need to know before proceeding. Let’s talk about them. 

Can You Put CAT6 and RG6 in the Same Conduit?

As you know by now that you can put Cat6 and RG6 together, don’t just jump into it yet! You still need to consider a few important things. 

To make it easier for you to remember, we put them in points and explanations. So let’s dive into them. 

Things to Consider Before Putting CAT6 and RG6 Together

Are They Insulated Perfectly? 

The first thing to check both the wires are insulted perfectly. Both cables come insulted and shielded if they are of higher quality. If not, you can insulate them yourself. This will not only provide protection from each other’s interference but also from the power line. 

What Are Their Quality? 

Quality is one of the top considerations when it comes to networking. Low-grade cables will have disturbance and interference even from the lowest frequency. 

Is There a Main or Electrical Line Beside Them?

The one thing you have to keep in mind is to keep your main line separated from all the networking cables. The standard distance is at least 8 inches from any Cat6 or RG6 cables. Also, make sure to use separate conduits for power and networking. 

Is There Space In The Conduit? 

Always make sure there is room in the conduit. This is because the wires won’t interfere with each other’s transmission in any way. 

Pro Tips:

• Use separators. 
• Always have space in the conduit. Do not cramp up the wires together. 
• Some RG6 carry high-frequency electrical output (powered CCTV, TV). Insulate them. Properly before putting them together with Cat6 cables. 
• Always follow your local wiring guideline to avoid charges and fines. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)

Are RG6 and CAT6 the same?

No. They are different in construction and purpose. Though both of them can be used for networking, RG6 has more functionality as audio-video transmission, high-frequency TV cable, and more. CAT6 on the other hand can only provide a network connection. 

Can you run coax with Ethernet?

Yes, you can run coax and Ethernet cables together. But make sure they are insulated and of higher quality than normal. Otherwise, they may interfere with each other with the frequencies. Also, keep them away from the power cables. 

Can coax cables interfere with each other?

No. Coax cables don’t interfere with each other as they are insulated. But keeping them along with power cables will cause electrical interference. 

Conclusion 

Network cables, be it a Cat6 or RG6, used for whatever purpose, can go together. Just make sure not to place them right by the power line and you’re good. Also, invest in good cables. This will pay off in the long run. Because you don’t change cables in the wall every summer. They keep on going on for decades and even generations. So, get the good stuff!