What is the purpose of separating high- and low-voltage conductors?

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Separating high- and low-voltage conductors is about preventing interference and protecting safety. When different-energy circuits run close together, their fields can couple—inducing noise, glitches, or stray voltages in the sensitive low-voltage wiring—and a fault on a high-voltage line can pose a shock or fire risk to nearby low-voltage circuits. Keeping them in separate cables, conduits, or compartments reduces electromagnetic interference and helps maintain reliable operation of control and signaling circuits. It also creates a clear physical boundary that supports proper insulation and clearance, lowering the chance of accidental contact with energized conductors.

Avoiding interference and enhancing safety are the main outcomes of this separation, rather than increasing voltage drop, simplifying insulation, or reducing grounding requirements.