Cable Abatement Overview

Uncovering the New Hazards of Old Cables

Outdated or abandoned cables can contain highly flammable and toxic material.

Unexpected Hazard from the Technology Revolution

Each year, businesses across the nation spend millions in technology improvements that supercharge their productivity. Copper gives way to optical; USB to FireWire, POTS to ISDN. And with each new installation, more cables are encased in ceilings, floors and closets. Now, all of that unused cabling is the subject of increased scrutiny by fire protection professionals, property owners and local government and building authorities across the country.

Why? Because outdated or abandoned cables can contain highly flammable and toxic material. Often they have been installed with jacketed materials that further increase the risk of harm to people and property in the event of fire. In fact, some of the insulation materials that were used have the Btu content of gasoline!

New Rules, New Liabilities

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has revised the National Electrical Code to address this issue. Now, unused cables that are not identified for future use must be removed. Since many facilities have several generations of cables snaking through floors and ceilings, the task of distinguishing between functioning and abandoned cable can be monumentally difficult.

Voice, data, audio, coaxial and fiber optic cabling are all subject to the change in code, and local authorities have stepped up their enforcement efforts. Insurers are becoming equally vigilant in their fire coverage.

Taking the Initiative

In localities where the code has already been adopted, violations can subject owners to government sanctions. Importantly however, they can affect the owner’s loan covenants, access to insurance, obligations to tenants – and liabilities to victims in the event of fire. Property owners are recognizing the enormous implications of the code change for their businesses. But many wonder how to even get a handle on the extent of the problem in their buildings.

THE CABLE ABATEMENT EXPERTS

RGTS can survey your facilities, inventory and document those cables that are in use, and remove abandoned cables with minimal disruption to ongoing business functions. Please contact your RGTS representative for more details about this issue and our cable abatement services.