Exposed Network Cable in Commercial Building

[paulgarett]

A data-com contractor installed network communication cables (CAT6 cable) for a new computer lab.
The installers drilled small holes through the floor, below each network outlet box location. These CAT 6 cables are exposed on the outside surface of the drywall for about 4 inches below the outlet box locations.
Is this code compliant? Article 800.24 and 830.24 (2008 code) is not entirely clear.
Thank you.

 

[JFletcher]

It's ugly but compliant. 800.24 (2008) NEC says the cables "shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware...". It doesnt say they can't be installed where subject to physical damage (like a vacuum cleaner smashing into it 0-4" AFF) or require physical protection whereso installed.

If it's a problem, buy a 10' stick of stick-on wiremold, cut it in 30 4" or so lengths, and protect the cable.

eta: why didnt he put the cables in the wall and use LV cut-in boxes? are the walls block? not budgeted that way?