Why should Millivolt wiring be isolated from Line Voltage Wiring?

Isolating millivolt wiring from line voltage wiring is crucial to prevent voltage induction. Millivolt systems, commonly used in gas-fired appliances, operate with very low voltage signals. When these low-voltage wires are run parallel or close to higher-voltage line wires, there is a risk of electromagnetic induction. This can induce stray voltages in the millivolt wiring, potentially leading to erratic behavior of the gas appliances, incorrect readings, or even malfunctions. Ensuring that millivolt wiring is properly isolated mitigates these risks, promoting safe and reliable operation of the system.

While aspects such as easing installation, reducing signal interference, and enabling faster troubleshooting are relevant in electrical setups, the primary concern for isolating millivolt wiring from line voltage is fundamentally to prevent unwanted voltage induction.