> I know that this doesn't meet the standard but how bad in real life is
> it? How much interference would it create?


You want the truth. In a residential setting with normal home use you
probably wouldn't see any effect the house wiring isn't generally the worst
culprit. The fluorescent lights are. (AC unit motors the second ) If they
are being run directly in contact with these. I would have it moved
otherwise it is not likely to cause any problems. Now before all the
responses on this roll in contradicting me . Let me back this up I have 20
years of experience in this which is more important than then several
certificates and licenses I hold. I will always fall back on experience.
Some attics just aren't big enough to give adequate room. Most new homes do
have adequate space thou. However most licensed electricians ( I am one )
are not certified low voltage techs ( I am one ). And don't know let alone
abide by EIA/ TIA standards. Which is what they are standards not law nor
code depending on what your jurisdiction has accepted as local code. And
since most homes I have seen have the network cables run in what I would
consider barely acceptable manner and work just fine. I am not going to
condemn everybody else's work. You have one thing you can do to be
absolutely certain. Have the cables certified to EIA/TIA standards for
100mhz ( Test for Linemap.Resistance, Capacitance,Attenuation, Crosstalk,and
ACR). With the lights on and the AC running. If the cables pass, how they
were run is pretty much irrelevant.

You can have the cables tested with one of several devices such as a
Pentascanner, Wavetech, Wirescope, and even some special Fluke models. Don't
try to buy one unless you want to spend enough to buy a small car. These
things easily cost several grand. If the contractor who installed the cables
can't or will not certify the cables you can hire a separate contractor to
do so. It might cost you a little extra but it will answer any concerns you
have. Also if the tests fail you may have to pay to have the cables
installed in such a manner to meet EIA/TIA. The contractor who installed the
cables originally may not have anything in his specs or contract obligating
him to meet EIA/ TIA standards ( Most don't ). There is of course a much
cheaper way. Hook up your computer and see if it works.If your speeds are
acceptable, then proceed as normal. If not try to eliminate everything
lse( Lose NIC's, software issues,and distance from Telco) before going after
the cables.

If you are setting up a small business in the house that is a means of
suitable income than absolutely have the cables tested.

Please note also I am aware of the fact that EIA/TIA standards do not apply
to residential areas. But they are the basic standard for business and
residential really doesn't have one. Outside of What the FCC and IEEE have
setup.Which is not much.



Brendhan Horne
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