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Abandoned Cable Removal

   

Enforcement

abandoned cable imageAuthority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – The authority having jurisdiction is the organization, office and/or individual responsible approving equipment, installation or procedures. Note: The phrase “authority having jurisdiction” is used in broad manner since jurisdictions and approval agencies vary as do their responsibilities.

Typically, according to the NEC, Electrical Inspectors are responsible for inspecting the removal of abandoned cable and enforcing the code. Due to the potential fire hazard from the accumulation of abandoned cable, fire and life safety inspectors, such as fire marshals may also be involved in inspection and enforcement.

 

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Responsiblity

The question of who is ultimately responsible for code compliance especially in the event of fire, both the building owner and tenants are likely to bear some responsibility.

Typically tenants install the cabling that is required to support their operations while abandoning all previously installed cables. Unless the lease spells out the responsibility for removing cabling, the responsibility and the cost for its removal lie with the owner.

Managers and building owners should take a look at all leases and license agreements between the organization and tenants, telecommunication companies and information and cable providers.

Unless the issue of abandoned cables is addressed in their buildings immediately it will only get worse. Cabling needs in buildings is on the rise and there is no guarantee that the use of cabling systems that are already installed will be out-of-date.

To minimize the future impact of abandoned cables and wires, building owners, managers, must make it a requirement that when occupants update and replace systems that they remove all old cabling systems. All leases with tenants and service providers must require removal of abandoned cables. Further, follow-up surveys should be scheduled and conducted on a regular basis.

When new buildings are planned or when renovation projects are initiated for older buildings, managers should consider installing cable raceways wherever possible. Raceways make it easier to remove and replace cables without disruption of services to building occupants.

 

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