Installation guide

Network Infrastructure for EtherNet/IP™
Designing the Infrastructure
4-38
4.4.2 Cable Routing
A proper cable routing plan is essential. EtherNet/IP or any network cables should not be routed near
equipment that generates strong electric or magnetic fields. In particular, routing network cables near and
around the following should be avoided:
• Lights, especially those using ballasts such as mercury vapor, sodium, or fluorescent
• Motors—any size, especially if their speeds are controlled by variable frequency drives
• Drive controllers
• Arc welders
• Conduit carrying high-voltage/high currents
4.4.3 Categories of Conductors/Wiring
There are three categories of conductors for wiring in any manufacturing facility.
Category One consists of
• ac power lines,
• high-power digital ac I/O,
• high-power digital dc I/O, and
• power connections (conductors) from motor drives to motors.
Category Two consists of
• analog I/O lines,
• dc power lines for analog devices,
• low-power digital ac/dc I/O lines,
• low-power digital I/O lines, and
• EtherNet/IP.
Category Three typically includes
• low-voltage dc power lines and
• communication cables between system components within the same enclosure.
4.4.4 General Design Wiring Guidelines
The following guidelines should be followed for wiring all EtherNet/IP cables:
• If an EtherNet/IP cable must cross power lines, it should do so at right angles.
• EtherNet/IP cabling should be routed at least 1.5 meters (5 ft.) away from high-voltage
enclosures or sources of radio frequency (RF)/microwave radiation.
• If the EtherNet/IP cable is running through a metal wire-way or conduit, each section of
the wire-way or conduit must be bonded to each adjacent section so that it has electrical