Burglar alarm system wiring shall be at least ____ away from electric power wire which is not in conduit.

• A. 1 inch
• B. 2 inches
• C. 4 inches
• D. 6 inches

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to prevent interference and safety risks by keeping low‑voltage wiring separate from high‑voltage power conductors that aren’t in conduit. When power wires run without conduit, their electrical fields and potential for arcing can affect burglar alarm cables, leading to false alarms or degraded communication with sensors. Setting a minimum gap helps avoid these problems.

Two inches is the required minimum distance in this scenario, because it provides enough separation to minimize coupling and physical risk. One inch is too close to reliably prevent interference, while four or six inches go beyond what’s required for the typical code guideline. If the power wire were in conduit, the rule could differ, but for wires not in conduit, stay at least two inches apart.