Power-line communication
communication method that uses electrical wiring to simultaneously carry both data and electric power
Power-line communication (PLC) is the carrying of data on a conductor (the power-line carrier) that is also used simultaneously for AC electric power transmission or electric power distribution to consumers.
A wide range of power-line communication technologies is needed for different applications, ranging from home automation to Internet access, which is often called broadband over power lines (BPL). Most PLC technologies limit themselves to one type of wiring (such as premises wiring within a single building), but some can cross between two levels (for example, both the distribution network and premises wiring). Typically, transformers prevent the propagation of the signal, which requires multiple technologies to form very large networks. Various data rates and frequencies are used in different situations.
A number of difficult technical problems are common between wireless and power-line communication, notably those of spread spectrum radio signals operating in a crowded environment. Radio interference, for example, has long been a concern of amateur radio groups.
History
Appearing as early as 1925, carrier equipment for power lines was designed for use by electric utility companies to facilitate communication with technicians operating high voltage electrical equipment, which was often located hundreds of miles away from existing telephone infrastructure. Instead of running new dedicated telephone wires to remote locations, carrier equipment could be used to transmit telephone signals over high-voltage power lines rated up to 220,000 volts. High-voltage carrier equipment was installed by electricians, and low-voltage carrier equipment was installed by phone technicians.
The public source identifies “Power-line communication” as communication method that uses electrical wiring to simultaneously carry both data and electric power. This brief keeps that definition visible, then builds a research path around Power-line, communication and method.
Why this record matters
A short description can identify a subject without explaining its stakes. For “Power-line communication”, the useful work is to connect “communication method that uses electrical wiring to simultaneously carry both data and electric power” to the records capable of establishing context and consequence.
Vocabulary and entity names are the principal evidence signals here, because they determine the precision of every later search. The source revision retrieved here is dated Jul 5, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q271870. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 1925.
A concise general-reference account can conceal disagreements about scope, terminology or the weight assigned to individual sources. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Power-line communication”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Power-line communication primary sources, Power-line communication archive and Power-line research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Power-line communication”?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
- Which institution is responsible for the underlying evidence?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Power-line communication” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.