Abandoned Cable

November 1, 2009 at 3:33 pm Leave a comment

Abandoned cable is defined in the National Electric Code (NEC) 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.”

The NEC includes rules intended to ensure safety during installation, use and/or disposal of materials, components, fixtures, and systems. The NEC is developed and revised every three years in the US by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the secretariat to the Code. A similar standard exist in Canada.

Cabling is the only combustible material allowed in the ceiling plenum, thus the changes were made to reduce the fuel and smoke load caused by an excess of unused cabling. The 2005 version of the NEC also reflected this provision.

Please visit the BOMA site that targets this issue buy clicking HERE.