BOMA Position
Building owners, managers, tenants and service providers need to work cooperatively to ensure that all parties understand their responsibilities to comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) provisions on removing or tagging unused cabling in buildings.
Background
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 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the secretariat to the Code. In 2002, a new provision to this code required the removal of abandoned cable. This was the first major change to cabling requirements in the NEC in more than 20 years. 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.
The NEC requirements do not have the effect of law; however, the majority of jurisdictions in the United States adopt the NEC by reference into local building and fire codes, which are then enforced by the authority having jurisdiction. If your jurisdiction adopted the NEC 2002 or 2005, you must be aware of its potential impact on your building.
Action Requested
BOMA International recommends that building owners and managers survey their buildings to identify unused cable. If such wires exist, members should identify the wiring by its rating (riser rated “CMR”, plenum rated “CMP”) and its use (communications, alarm, security, etc.). The NEC 2002 and 2005 include language that allows some cabling to be retained if it is tagged for future use as long as it meets the permitted use criteria specified for cable installations (i.e., minimum of “CMR” and/or “CMP”) . Any cable that does not meet the permitted use specifications should be removed.
Your leases should clearly state that tenants must remove any cabling that is abandoned during the term of their tenancy, and/or your license agreements should require service providers to remove all wires upon the termination of the contract. We recommend that you review your leases and license agreements to ascertain exactly who was responsible for the installation and/or abandoning of the cabling and whether you have recourse to recover any of the funds needed to remove the wire. Next, make any amendments necessary if you are not already protected by these agreements.