abandoned power conduits

[robertb]

Please help me to find reference in the NEC or other codes / regulations regarding removal of abandoned power wiring and conduits back to the nearest active junction box.

Thank you

 

[jghrist]

800.52(B) requires removal of abandonded communications cable in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts. 800.2 defines abandoned communications cables as those not terminated at both ends and not identified for future use.

The equivalent section for general wiring, 300.21, does not have the sentence about abandoned cables.

 

[rbulsara]

Why do you need a Code to clean up?

Code is intended only for safety..not cleaning anyones faciltiy...

 

[robertb]

Rbulsara,

I understand your irony. However the removal of abandoned wiring is a very important safety issue, especially in case of fire.
In my case the modification of existing hospital requires installation of a lot of new conduits. The ceiling spaces are extremely congested and the installation of new conduits is a challenge. At the same the cost of tracing and removal of abandoned conduits is an important issue.
In my posting I asked for references ( NECA, other publications ) to help justify the cost and facilitate construction.
The case is more complicated than just cleaning and I am aware of the purpose of the NEC.

 

[BJC]

I try to leave any potentially useful conduit im place. Give it a mumber, put it on a drawing as "spare", along with the size and the "from-to" , physically tag it - both ends and in other places.
You don't have to reuse many to pay for a little book keeping.

It's not uncommon to put "spares" and "future" conduit on drawings in new construction. Unless there totally in the way leave them.

 

[advidana]

Bosses and clients don't like to spend money on clean up because they are the cause of it. Usually to help them get those big buck cost saving bonuses. Go get them but watch your back.

 

[rbulsara]

ok...robertb...
I would justify or rule out the option based on cost and constructibility issues..and not based on Code..

 

[peebee]

If it costs more to weave your new stuff in through the existing mess rather than remove the existing mess, then you've cost justified it, right?

But there's no code requirement that will come to your rescue.

 

[alehman]

The Article 800 requirement for communication cabling is new. It is intended to remedy the huge bundles of exposed cables that accumulate particularly above suspended ceilings. Exposed cable (not in conduit), even if plenum rated, is quite combustible. I don't think abandoned wiring in conduit is nearly as hazardous.