Just got a call that on a job site, That the painters got paint sprayed on the cable tray and cables. Will that harm the cable?

Any input?

Thanks
Vicbob

Typically not although I hate it when they cover up my Sharpie numbers.

I have never seen paint cause an issue regrading any type of wire independent of the sheath.

However, If your warrantying equipment every piece from the 50 cent keystone jack to the 5000$ server should be treated with the same respect. If you wouldn't want them painting your patch panels they shouldn't be allowed to paint your wires.

But then again, it shouldn't cause any damage so It might not be worth saying anything.

Unless the paint or paint binder is reactive with the cable insulation, there should be no degradation to the cable. Every new construction job we do ends up with painted cab;es. In 45 years of doing this work, I have never had a compromised cable due to paint on the outside.

Rcaman

Me neither.

One point - an EIA/TIA/ANSI compliant job has NO exposed wire, so painted wire never occurs. Unless they painted the wire in the Comm room and that I would strongly object to.

Sam

LOL...Very true. An EIA/TIA/ANSI compliant job should have no outlet boxes filled with joint compound; wiring, neatly laid in J hooks and secured above a dropped ceiling should have no spray insulation splattered all over the cables and there should be no over spray or slopped paint all over the "waiting to be terminated" cable ends in outlet boxes......BUT.....It Happens.

Back when I was just starting out, I was on a construction job. I followed the prints, to the letter. There was a "chase" designated for telephone cables that ran from basement to the 4th floor in an apartment building. I pulled all my cables into that chase, carefully secured all cable on every floor with drive rings and clamps and was very proud of the nice, neat job I had done. In fact, I was so proud, I called my boss to have him come out and take a look at my fine work.

That was on a Thursday. The following Wednesday, my boss and I walk onto the first floor chase. There, in the "wiring chase" was copper pipe with joints and take-offs. All my cable was either melted, burned or ripped up. Drywall was being installed on floors four and three. My boss was furious....not with the plumber, but with me.

After a through ream-out, I found another unused space and re-ran all my cables. I saw the plumber and with a great deal of indignation demanded of him an explanation of the damaged cable. He said "Poop (insert appropriate word here) Happens. Plans change and you (meaning me) got to get used to it."

The owner had decided that "prime" space could be better served with a slop sink on every floor and that chase was a really easy way for the plumbers to get their pipe in the space. So, I know some of you are asking why did I not keep current with the latest print changes and avoid the disaster? Well, this was decided on a Friday, no architect was consulted and no print revisions were made. Again, "Stuff happens" and you just have to get used to it.

Rcaman