NFPA 731 Section 4.6.3.1 requires the installation of all wiring, cable, and equipment to be performed in accordance with NFPA 70 (NEC), Article 725 or Article 800, where applicable.

One requirement in NEC^® 725.25 and 800.25 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 by the structure 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.

Below is a sample 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 latest NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.

725.2 Definitions.

Abandoned Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC Cable. Installed Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC cable that is not terminated at equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.

725.25 Abandoned Cables. The accessible portion of abandoned Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC cables shall be removed. Where cables are identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

800.2 Definitions

Abandoned Communications Cable. Installed communications cable that is not terminated at both ends at a connector or other equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.

800.25 Abandoned Cables. The accessible portion of abandoned communications cables shall be removed. Where cables are identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.