atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Abandoned Cable

I HAVE NEVER SEEN ABANDONED CABLE. IN MY OPINION ALL CABLE THAT IS NOT BEING USED NOW IS JUST THERE TO BE USED AT A LATER DATE

All of you people around Southern Virginia who don't want to remove abandoned cable can call me. I'll be happy to take it off your hands. Any other work you don't want we can discuss also. I have a hard time turning down work.

I've been pulling cables since 1967 and I was part of the culture that put all those 50 and 100 pair cables on the ceilings. There were no standards at the time and the mentality was to get the job done as quick as possible. Things have changed. Not to mention the fire hazard that old cable presents and the obvious trip hazard to firemen in case of a fire, It's a lot easier to work in a ceiling that is well organized without a lot of junk cable.

Take it out or call me.

An alternative #1 reason: scrap copper is paying a very good price right now. A weeks worth of collecting scrap wire could buy a months worth of beer!

We have had issues over the last couple years here in the Wasington DC area and have just adopted the practice of removing abandoned on any larger project...50 plus workstations. Not only is it a good practice but don't want the client thinking that junk overhead is our work

But seriously many building owners and property managers in this area have adopted the practice and mandating it as a requirement. The problem ussually comes up when they are trying to figure out who is going to pay.

At least the scrap value helps to offset the loss, if any in the event that nobody ends up paying the bill. It's also the responsible thing to do, not to mention the inspectors.

Of course, on larger jobs, I would assume it's understood that the tearout is included in the price.

It's kind of a shame though. We have ripped out perfectly good CAT5 networks for no reason. Not that we complain, since we get paid to do it and replace it, but what a waste..........

Some nice replies here.

Increasingly we are seeing on remodels requirements to follow the NEC and remove wire that is currently unused. I like Oldtimer1's top ten.

Occasionally we get to keep the removed wire and at current prices ranging from .80 to 1.40 a pound, which adds up to extra bucks very quick! On one job our installers got over two grand for the scrap they pulled out! And that was only a portion of what was eventually removed!