does code require the removal of abandon wiring

Status
Not open for further replies.
Donna1 said:
does the code require the removal of abandon unused wiring
Click to expand...

In general no, as the NFPA does not own it and really cannot force it's removal.

There are a few sections for low voltage cables that either have to be removed or marked at each end for future use.

Also you cannot leave dead ended conductors in underfloor raceways like walkerduct etc.
 
Speshulk said:
Really? If it's abandoned, it's no longer hooked up. Is the brand new coil of Romex sitting on the floor of a job site a fire hazard?
Click to expand...

Sure. The insulation is considered part of the fuel load from a fire safety perspective.
 
iwire said:
Also you cannot leave dead ended conductors in underfloor raceways like walkerduct etc.
Click to expand...

stickboy1375 said:
So you can't leave future wires? whats the harm and reasoning in this proposal?
Click to expand...

You may not be failure with 'walker duct' (AKA Underfloor raceways)

Here is a picture of it before the cement is poured in. (Edit: all that you see will be under the cement, the round portions just a 1/8" to 1/4" below the finish so you can break into them at any time in the future for changes.)

WalkerDuct.jpg

Now if you are making changes to an existing set up and you remove a j-box they don't want you to just stuff the dead ended conductors into the raceway. Think about removing a 4" square from the end of an EMT run, would you pull the conductors back to the next box or would you just stuff them into the EMT and leave them there?

ARTICLE 390
Underfloor Raceways

390.1 Scope. This article covers the use and installation
requirements for underfloor raceways.
Click to expand...

390.2 Definition.
Underfloor Raceway. A raceway and associated components
designed and intended for installation beneath or
flush with the surface of a floor for the installation of cables
and electrical conductors.
Click to expand...


390.8 Discontinued Outlets. When an outlet is abandoned,
discontinued, or removed, the sections of circuit conductors
supplying the outlet shall be removed from the raceway. No
splices or reinsulated conductors, such as would be the case
with abandoned outlets on loop wiring, shall be allowed in
raceways.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
gadfly56 said:
Sure. The insulation is considered part of the fuel load from a fire safety perspective.
Click to expand...

Um . . . ok. :? I've always interpreted "fire hazard" as meaning "could cause a fire." A disconnected and abandoned wire poses no threat, whatsoever.
 
gadfly56 said:
Sure. The insulation is considered part of the fuel load from a fire safety perspective.
Click to expand...
Yes, it is part of the fire load, but compared to the finishes and furnishings of the building it is, in most buildings, such a small part of the total fire load it doesn't make any real difference.
 
stickboy1375 said:
So you can't leave future wires? whats the harm and reasoning in this proposal?
Click to expand...
IMO, wires installed for future use are not abandoned conductors, they have never been in use and would not meet the definition of abandoned. They are puposely installed and left for a reason.

Roger
 
roger said:
IMO, wires installed for future use are not abandoned conductors, they have never been in use and would not meet the definition of abandoned. They are puposely installed and left for a reason.

Roger
Click to expand...

I know and agree, but even if they were used before, they could be used again, just like leaving wires for the future that never get used in the future. :) It's all the same to me, just word games.
 
iwire said:
You may not be familiar with 'walker duct' (AKA Underfloor raceways)




Now if you are making changes to an existing set up and you remove a j-box they don't want you to just stuff the dead ended conductors into the raceway. Think about removing a 4" square from the end of an EMT run, would you pull the conductors back to the next box or would you just stuff them into the EMT and leave them there?
Click to expand...

I've actually worked with "walker duct" before, and thanks for the explanation, makes more sense when you look at it like that.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top