ABANDONED CABLE REMOVAL Big Opportunity for Contractors By Frank Bisbee

2 Before we start VDV/IBS Conference attendees Our job is to deliver a quality presentation. Your task is to gather valuable information. If you finish before me, Please leave the room quietly So you don't wake the others

3 WHAT IS ABANDONED CABLE ?

4 WARNING Cabling installation is not for the untrained CAT6 cabling systems are CRAFT INTENSIVE Extreme care must be used when installing or servicing CAT6 cable systems MARCS = Moves, Adds, Removals, & Changes demand the same level of care Our surveys indicate this is a universal rule for all (Vendors) CAT6 cabling systems

5 National Electrical Code NEC 2002  The definition of abandoned cable, as found in paragraphs and of the NEC 2002 Book, states "....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."

6 Codes & Standards ?  The Codes ensure minimum construction quality and ensure safety of life, health and property.  Standards, on the other hand, guarantee that the voice outlet will work. electricians, Inspectors and Low Voltage contractors use the NEC 2002 Codebook for installation and inspections

7 NEC 2002 The definition of abandoned cable, as found in paragraphs and of the NEC 2002 Book, states "....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 Codes ensure minimum construction quality and ensure safety of life, health and property.

8 For copper cable, paragraph (B) of the NEC Code states "...The accessible portion of abandoned communications cables shall not be permitted to remain.." Additionally, paragraph (1) states that abandoned cables in vertical runs shall not be permitted to remain. Article 770 states the same requirements for optical fiber risers and horizontal cables.

9 Identify abandoned cables per 2002 NEC requirements Tag, Inventory & Document existing & Abandoned Cable Telephone & Data circuits, telecom & network equipment

10 Why does abandoned cable present such a problem? The accumulation of miles and miles of cabling left in the ceilings and walls of facilities has become a major concern for life safety over the past 10 years. Cables that are abandoned in ceilings, riser systems, and air-handling systems are a source for fueling fire, smoke, and sublethal toxic fumes that can incapacitate. In addition, PVC jackets tend to break down over time. This decomposition process is accelerated by exposure to increased temperatures and humidity. The new fire safety provision to require the removal of abandoned cable is the first change to cabling requirements in the National Electrical Code in more than 20 years.

11  Tag & Inventory abandoned cable & equipment in Riser & Telecommunication Rooms & Plenum areas  On-site assessment of property’s telecommunications infrastructure and development potential  Inspection and inventory of existing telecommunications infrastructure and pathways  Summary recommendations

12  On-site identification & tagging of abandoned riser cabling, hardware & equipment by field technician  Removal of tagged cable, hardware, and equipment is available  Progress reports at regular intervals for duration of the project

13 According to estimates, there is more than 45 billion feet of plenum cable in place in buildings. The National Electrical Code (NEC 2002) requires that all abandoned copper and fiber cable be removed.

14 As the code is enforced across the country, building owners and tenants could face thousands of dollars in additional cost to remove and dispose of the abandoned cables, tag and manage the remaining cable plant in their riser and communications areas, and ensure that tenants install proper cables to meet the building requirements for fire and safety of their other tenants.

15 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): The “Authority Having Jurisdiction” is the organization, office and/or individual responsible for “approving” equipment, an installation, or a procedure. Note: the phrase “authority having jurisdiction” is used in a broad manner since jurisdictions and “approval” agencies vary as do their responsibilities. Approved: Acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) The Enforcers

16 BOMA International recommends that you begin immediately to survey your buildings. Are there wires that are not being used? If so, identify the wiring by the service they performed, and the brand or model of cable. The NEC 2002 allows certain types of wires to be retained if they are tagged for future use. Any cable that is not in the category permitted for future use must be removed.

17 All cabling end users should understand the implications of not complying with these new NEC Codes. They are based on safety of the employees and rescue personnel. Ignoring safety measures creates the potential for legal actions. Complying with safety measures produces longer installation times and expenses in the form of T&M expenses for removal and labeling “For Future Use.” Cabling Installers are required to inform end users about these new codes and their potential impacts.

18 Rip it out, throw it away – that’s the easy way? Test it, tag it, and turn it into an asset? Audit and document the “hard” infrastructure? Be the building owner’s and tenant’s best friend. The cabling systems are not a throw away expense. REMOVE, REUSE, OR RECYCLE

19 For additional information Visit Communication Planning Corporation 4160 Southside Blvd., Suite 3 Jacksonville, FL Tel Fax Frank Bisbee, President March 11, 2004