Code Change Summary: The definition of an “Abandoned Cable” has been removed from Articles 640, 645, 725, 760, 770, and 800, revised, and placed in Article 100.

An abandoned cable is one that is installed, but not terminated at equipment other than a termination fitting or a connector and is not identified for future use with a tag.

One requirement in NEC^® Articles 640, 645, 722, 760, 770, and 800 is to remove the accessible portion of all abandoned cables that are not identified for future use with a tag.

Not all abandoned cables are accessible. The NEC^® has the following definition for the term Accessible (as applied to wiring methods): Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in or blocked by the structure, other electrical equipment, other building systems, or finish of the building.

If the abandoned cables are concealed inside a wall, then they are not considered to be accessible and are not required to be removed. If abandoned cables are above an accessible suspended ceiling, then the abandoned cables must be removed or tagged for future use.

In the 2023 NEC^®, having one simple definition of an abandoned cable located in Article 100 will help when applying the rules pertaining to abandoned cables as required in Chapters 6, 7, and 8.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.