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Abandoned Cable Removal

   

Abandoned Cable Defined

Abandoned Cable is cable that is no longer used for voice and data communications and other low-voltage signaling circuits in buildings. Specifically, the 2002 NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 800 Communications Circuits defines abandoned cable as: “Installed communications cable that is not terminated at both ends at a connector or other equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.” Other parts of the NEC Article state, “The accessible portion of abandoned communications cables shall not be permitted to remain.”

Recognizing the serious potential hazard from abandoned cable prompted the NEC and NFPA to write codes and standards requiring its removal.

The NFPA updated its standards correlating with the NEC to issue similar provisions for the removal of abandoned cable.

These standards are:

  • 2002 NFPA 75 “Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer Data Processing Equipment”

  • 2002 NFPA 76 “Recommended Practice for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities”

  • 2002 NFPA 90A “Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems”
 

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Structured Cabling System

A structured cabling system is a group of cable and connectivity products that integrate voice, data and video management systems of a building with other systems such as safety alarms, security access, energy distribution and on.
 

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