Have you ever opened a wall during a renovation and thought, “Those wires still look fine, why not keep them?” You’re not alone. At Camali Corp, we get that question all the time.
Reusing cabling might sound like a smart way to save money, less demolition, less waste, fewer delays. But there’s a catch: old wires can quietly cause big problems. They might not carry enough data, could overheat, or even cause safety issues like tripping breakers.
Example: When “Good Enough” Wasn’t
A mid-size office building repurposed an underused area into extra workspace. At first, the old Cat5e cabling seemed fine, but diagnostics revealed 18 percent data loss, threatening sensors and cameras. Replacing about 70 percent of the cable and optimizing the rest stabilized the network and supported modern equipment speeds without repeated technician trips.
The key is simple: keep what works and replace what doesn’t before it causes operational issues. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), wiring and related electrical equipment were involved in about 12 percent of structure fires in commercial and industrial buildings, showing why maintaining reliable infrastructure is critical for safety and continuity.
Why Owners Want to Reuse Wiring (and When It Backfires)
Reusing existing cables can seem like an easy way to save on labor, which often accounts for 40 to 60 percent of installation costs. However, skipping a proper inspection can create serious problems. Older 24-AWG conductors may overheat when powering modern PoE lighting or Wi-Fi 6E devices, and cables installed before 2002 might not meet today’s fire safety codes, lacking required fire-resistant plenum jackets.
Before deciding to reuse wiring, it is wise to consult a structured cabling expert. Camali Corp’s structured cabling services include thorough inspections, compliance checks, and targeted upgrades to ensure systems remain safe, efficient, and ready for modern equipment.
Code & Safety Checklist: 5 Tests Your Cable Must Pass
Before reusing any old wiring, test it using this list:
1. Jacket Integrity & Fire Rating
Check the cable jacket for flaking, cracking, or other heat damage. According to the 2023 NEC §725.144, cables with damaged insulation cannot be reused in walls or ceilings, making this a critical safety step before reusing wiring.
2. Conductor Gauge vs. New Load
Verify that the wire gauge matches the ampacity required by your new system. Using older or undersized cables for higher-power devices can lead to voltage drops and overheating, so consult NEC Chapter 9 to ensure the conductor is adequate for modern equipment.
3. Insulation Age
Consider the age and type of insulation. PVC cables typically last about 25 years, while higher-quality options like LSZH can last longer. If the age of the wiring is unknown, it’s safer to plan for replacement rather than risk failure.
4. Termination Health
Inspect connectors for rust, burn marks, or looseness. Even if the cable itself tests fine, worn or damaged terminations should be redone to maintain a solid and reliable connection.
5. Documentation & Labeling
Ensure all cables are properly labeled and pathways clearly documented. NEC §300.4(D) requires identification, and unmarked cables can cause confusion and non-compliance during future maintenance or upgrades.
Cost Math: Replace vs. Reuse
| Full Replace | Selective Reuse | |
| Material | $550 per 100 drops | $180 per 100 drops |
| Labor | $1,100 | $450 |
| Downtime | 2 days | Less than 1 day |
| 5-Year Upgrade Risk | Low | Medium to High |
Rule of thumb: If more than 30% of test points fail, replacing all cables is usually the smarter long-term choice.
Camali’s 6-Step Cabling Inspection for Retrofit Projects
At Camali Corp, we follow a proven six-step method to assess and update old wiring safely and efficiently:
- Walk-Through and Thermal Scan: We inspect the facility and perform thermal imaging to identify overheating cables or hidden stress points.
- Check Cable Age: Cable labels, pull sheets, or tracer/testing dyes help us determine the age and type of wiring, ensuring it meets current performance and safety expectations.
- Run Data Tests: Using tools like the Fluke DSX, we verify that cables meet 10-gig ratings and can support modern network speeds reliably.
- Spot Safety Gaps: We check for potential hazards, including missing fire barriers, wire bends, or other code compliance risks that could compromise system safety.
- Plan Next Steps: Based on our findings, we decide whether to keep existing cables, re-terminate connections, or pull and replace wiring entirely.
- Provide Compliance Documentation: We deliver a signed compliance letter suitable for your local inspector (AHJ), giving clients confidence in both performance and code adherence.
When to Pull and Replace: Red-Flag Scenarios
Cables should be replaced if they are older than 25 years and run through ceiling plenum spaces, or if visible green corrosion is present on the copper conductors. Wiring attached directly to sprinkler pipes violates NFPA 13 and poses a serious safety risk. Upgrades from a 1 Gbps to a 10 Gbps backbone also typically require new cabling to handle the higher speed, and power circuits without a grounding conductor are unsafe. These conditions are critical red flags, and ignoring them can compromise both safety and performance.
Next Steps & Free Site Walk-Through Offer
Still unsure about your wiring? Camali Corp offers a no-obligation, 60-minute on-site inspection. We’ll sample-test five random drops, inspect your electrical system, and give you a clear list of what to keep or replace. We also offer ongoing service contracts to help you stay code-compliant and avoid surprise failures.
Book your inspection here → Camali Electrical Services
