Segregation and separation checker
Check what may share an enclosure and the separation.
Reads AS/NZS 3000:2018 and HELUKABEL and LAPP catalogues 2024. Tables checked 27 Sept 2026.
Try a job 6
Each job fills in example values. Replace them with your values.
- Separate power from signalThe separation the two circuits need on the route.
- Run data beside power in a wallThe separation between a power cable and a data cable.
- Put extra-low voltage in a switchboardWhat may share the enclosure at a switchboard.
- Share a conduit between two tenanciesWhether circuits of two occupancies may share a wiring system.
- Run a cable near a gas pipeThe separation from a gas pipe above ground.
- Separate fire alarm cable from powerThe separation a fire alarm circuit needs from low voltage.
Inputs
Worked example with the default inputs. The live calculator replaces it when the page loads.
- First circuit
- Low voltage
- Second circuit
- Extra-low voltage
- Both circuits are in the same electrical installation
- Yes
- Both circuits serve the same occupancy
- Yes
- Wiring system
- Common enclosure
- Arrangement for mixed voltage
- None
- The circuits start or end at this switchboard
- No
- Nearby non-electrical service
- None
- Data network cable on the same route
- None
May share this wiring system
No
- Clause
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.3
- Reason
- LV and ELV cables may share a wiring system only under one of three listed arrangements.
This result is a design aid. Verify it against the current standard.
Calculation steps
- CircuitsLow voltage with extra-low voltage
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.3
- Wiring systemCommon enclosure
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.2.1
- PermittedResultNo
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.3
- Arrangement in forceNone
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.3
About this calculator
How this is calculated
The tool checks whether two kinds of circuit may share a wiring system. It reads AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8. It also gives the separation to keep from other circuits.
- Circuits. You pick the two circuit types, such as low voltage and extra-low voltage. The tool reads the rule for that pair from Cl 3.9.8.3.
- Wiring system. You pick the enclosure, such as a common enclosure or separate ones. The tool reads Cl 3.9.8.2.1 for the sharing of one system.
- Arrangement. You pick the arrangement in force. The tool checks it against the arrangements the clause permits.
- Result. The tool gives Yes or No, with the clause and the reason. It adds the separation to keep from a service or from data circuits nearby.
| Step | Table or clause | What it decides |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit pair | AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.3 | Whether the pair may share |
| Wiring system | Cl 3.9.8.2.1 | The enclosure the pair shares |
| Arrangement | Cl 3.9.8.3 | Which permitted arrangement applies |
Worked example
- Low voltage and extra-low voltage in one enclosure. The circuits sit in the same installation and occupancy, with no special arrangement. The tool answers No. They may share a wiring system only under one of three listed arrangements. The clause is Cl 3.9.8.3.
Limits
The tool reads the rules of Cl 3.9.8. It does not read the rules of a cable maker or a data standard. For telecommunications cable, check the cable own rules.
It does not size the separation by calculation. It states the rule. It does not cover induced noise or electromagnetic interference. Check the installation against the full clause before you rely on a Yes.
See also: Control panels and PLC wiring, the comms cable selector and the loop power tool.
Questions
Each answer describes what this tool calculates. The result is a design aid. Verify against the current standard.
What does the segregation tool do?
The tool reports whether two circuits may share a pipe, conduit, cable, enclosure or tray. It gives the clause, the arrangement needed for mixed voltage, and the minimum separation distance. It also reports the separation from gas, water and telecommunications services.
Which clause does the result come from?
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Clause 3.9.8. Clause 3.9.8.2.1 covers a common pipe or cable, Clause 3.9.8.2.2 covers segregation in a common enclosure, Clause 3.9.8.3 covers voltage levels, and Clause 3.9.8.4 covers gas, water and telecommunications services.
What is the minimum distance for segregation?
Clause 3.9.8.2.2 gives 50 mm when distance alone segregates the circuits in a common enclosure. The other two methods are cables with their own sheaths and a fire-resisting barrier. The rule does not apply at a switchboard where the circuits start or end.
Can low voltage cables share a wiring system with extra-low voltage cables?
Only under one of three Clause 3.9.8.3 arrangements. In the first, the low voltage cables give protection equal to double insulation. In the second, every cable and each core in it has insulation rated for the highest voltage in the run. In the third, fixed continuous barriers give the low voltage cables their own compartment. High voltage never shares.
Does the tool give telecommunications separation distances?
Yes, the ones Clause 3.9.8.4(c) shows in Figures 3.8 and 3.9. On a surface, or in a wall, floor or ceiling, keep 50 mm or fit a barrier. In a shared trench in New Zealand, keep 50 mm between the conduits. AS/CA S009 and the NZ TCF Premises Wiring Guidelines hold the other cases. AmpSize holds neither document.
Clauses and tables this tool reads
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.2.2Segregation of circuits that share an enclosure
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8.4(b)Separation from above-ground gas and water piping
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 Cl 3.9.8Segregation and separation of wiring systems
- LAPP catalogue, power and data cable clearancePower and data network cable clearances
Every clause and table, with how each was verified
Tables last checked on 27 Sept 2026.
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