Uncovering the Hazards of Old Cables
Outdated or abandoned cables can contain highly flammable and toxic material.
Hazards from the Technology Revolution
Each year, businesses across the nation spend millions in technology
improvements that supercharge their productivity. Copper gives way to
optical; USB to FireWire, POTS to ISDN. And with each new installation,
more cables are encased in ceilings, floors and closets. Now, all of
that unused cabling is the subject of increased scrutiny by fire
protection professionals, property owners and local government and
building authorities across the country.
Why? Because outdated or abandoned cables can contain highly
flammable and toxic material. Often they have been installed with
jacketed materials that further increase the risk of harm to people and
property in the event of fire. In fact, some of the insulation materials
that were used have the Btu content of gasoline!
New Rules and Liabilities
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has revised the
National Electrical Code to address this issue. Now, unused cables that
are not identified for future use must be removed. Since many facilities
have several generations of cables snaking through floors and ceilings,
the task of distinguishing between functioning and abandoned cable can
be monumentally difficult.
Voice, data, audio, coaxial and fiber optic cabling are all subject
to the change in code, and local authorities have stepped up their
enforcement efforts. Insurers are becoming equally vigilant in their
fire coverage.
Taking Initiative
In localities where the code has already been adopted, violations
can subject owners to government sanctions. Importantly however, they
can affect the owner’s loan covenants, access to insurance, obligations
to tenants – and liabilities to victims in the event of fire. Property
owners are recognizing the enormous implications of the code change for
their businesses. But many wonder how to even get a handle on the extent
of the problem in their buildings.
THE CABLE ABATEMENT EXPERTS
LCWinc can survey
your facilities, inventory and document those cables that are in use,
and remove abandoned cables with minimal disruption to ongoing business
functions. Please contact your LCWinc for more details
about this issue and our cable abatement services.
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