Why should fluorescent lights be avoided when running unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable?

Fluorescent lights should be avoided when running unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable because they may cause possible signal degradation. UTP cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and fluorescent lights can generate significant levels of electrical noise. This interference can disrupt the signals being transmitted through the UTP cabling, leading to issues such as data corruption, slower transmission speeds, or loss of connectivity.

The nature of fluorescent lighting involves the rapid cycling of electrical currents, which creates electromagnetic fields around them. When UTP cables are placed near such sources of interference, the delicate signals within the cables can be affected, especially over longer distances. Shielded twisted pair cables are designed to mitigate these types of interference, but unshielded cables do not have that protection and are more vulnerable. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a safe distance from fluorescent lighting to ensure the integrity of network communications.