Every year client businesses all over the nation spend thousands of dollars in technology to expand and upgrade their network cabling infrastructure to improve productivity. Every new installation means an increased number of low voltage cables that are cut and left in ceilings, floors, and walls. Miles of abandoned network cables have accumulated in hospitals, schools, and office buildings.
From a tenant or building owner’s point of view, removing abandoned cable has been seen in the past as more trouble than it was worth. New cables were added wherever there was space, as it was easier to ignore the old wires rather than bringing in a professional to remove it. Cable abatement can be a difficult and confusing task, since over many years of occupancy a variety of voice, data, fiber optic, and electrical cables can build up. Removal by an inexperienced worker risks the chance of disconnecting a critical network’s operation and poses safety concerns, particularly when the weight of the old cables is not properly supported.
However, this abandoned cable is now coming under more and more scrutiny by local governments and commercial property owners. Most outdated cable contains toxic and highly flammable materials that, if caught on fire, can be fatal and cause extensive property damage. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revised the National Electrical Code in order to address this issue. The rules make it a violation to have abandoned wires that are not terminated and/or identified for future use. Because of this, abandoned cabling can render your property out of code, jeopardize your fire insurance, and represent a significant legal liability.
There are many older facilities that have several generations of cables traversing through ceilings, floors, walls, and Telecom Rooms. The task of discerning and distinguishing between functioning and abandoned low voltage cables can be very difficult. Abandoned wires also complicate ongoing cable management, leading to increased time, effort, and expense.
Some of the types of abandoned cabling that we see are:
- Electrical cable (including PBX power cable)
- LAN (data) cable
- Phone cable
- Security cable
- Fire alarm cable
- Video cable
The NEC rules are quite complex and often confusing, but building owners face financial and health liabilities if the cabling removal requirements are ignored. While a cable abatement project is time consuming and labor intensive, an experienced partner will work to make it as lean as possible and to minimize the impact on your business. To determine if you need cabling removal services, consider these questions:
- Does your network need an update?
- Is your network cabling a tangle of unidentified wires?
- Have you been installing and troubleshooting cabling on an ad-hoc basis?
- Are you remodeling or expanding your existing office?
- Are you moving your business to a new office?
Imagit Inc has over 21 years of experience in the removal of voice and data cabling, fiber optic cabling, and network cabling. We have the knowledge and practical expertise to safely demolish low voltage wiring and bring your building up to code. We frequently work with building owners and tenants to remove unused low voltage cabling before move out, ensuring a smooth process and a safe environment. Our highly skilled technical staff will survey your facilities, perform an audit, and document cables that are in use. All cables that are in question will be toned, tested, and identified. We will then remove abandoned low voltage cabling from your office or building with minimal disruption to daily business operations.
Learn more about our Cabling Services or download our guide The Importance of Understanding and Utilizing Proper Cabling to read about cabling best practices for success. If you’re planning on renovating your office space or moving to a new location, this is the perfect time to remove old cabling. If you’re not sure how many thousands of feet of unused and hazardous cabling might be hiding in your ceilings and walls, contact us to schedule an onsite inspection.
