Receiving Helpdesk

what is type nm cable

by Emory Corkery Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Sometimes known as "Romex," named for one of the common brand names, NM cable is a flexible electrical cable that features an outer plastic sheathing that protects two or more insulated conductors, as well as a bare copper ground wire. Claire Cohen.Aug 12, 2021

How much NM cable can I fit in a conduit?

The possible wire gauges go from 14 AWG to 750 MCM, and from conduit trade sizes of 1/2 inches to 4 inches. The fill chart above allows you to determine how many wires can go inside a given conduit and not exceed a 40% fill rate. If you have a fixed conduit type and size:

What is the difference between NM cable and NMC cable?

  • NM wire can be installed in plastic boxes and does not require the extra step of grounding the box itself.
  • NM wire is lighter than metallic sheathed wiring, so it is easier to handle.
  • NM wire is easier to unspool and straighten out because the PVC sheathing is pliable.
  • It is easier to pull through holes in studs because of the smooth sheathing. ...

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What are the different types of cable wires?

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What is type NM?

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What is Type NM electrical cable?

NM is a type of cable that contains insulated conductors enclosed within an overall nonmetallic jacket. It is commonly known as “Romex®”, which is the brand that is most widely used. NM cable contains two or more insulated wires and a bare ground wire.

What does NM wire stand for?

non-metallicThe non-metallic (NM) designation refers to the outer sheathing that bundles individual wires together like a cable. This is in contrast to metallic sheathed cable or conduit wiring, in which the bundle of individual conductors is protected by some form of a metal coil or metal conduit.

Where can NM cable be used?

NM Building Cable Standard NM cable is suitable for interior residential wiring, within ceiling cavities or walls and it is known as NM-8. This type of cable cannot be used in outdoor locations or buried underground. It is approved for use only in dry areas.

What is the difference between NM and NM-b wire?

Senior Member. It's has to do with the temperature rating of the insulation. The NM-B has a higher rating.

Why is it cheaper than NM?

Normally, NM is somewhat cheaper as it uses somewhat less material for the jacketing, and is also easier to work with due to the ability to use a paper separator between the jacket and the insulated wires inside.

Can nm-b wire be used outdoors?

Answer: No, Type NM cable cannot be installed outside, regardless of the wiring method enclosing it. The installation is a damp or wet location.

Is NM cable waterproof?

NM Cable in Wet or Damp Locations? Even professional electricians express some disagreement over whether or not standard NM (non-metallic) cable (usually designated as NM-B) can be used in damp locations. The answer is no—standard NM-B cable is designated for use only in dry locations.

Where is NM cable not allowed?

Types NM and NMC cables shall not be permitted as follows: In any dwelling or structure not specifically permitted in 334.10(1), (2), (3), and (5) Exposed within a dropped or suspended ceiling cavity in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings. As service-entrance cable.

Can NM cable get wet?

NEC Section 334.10(A)(1) specifically permits NM Cable in both exposed and concealed work in normally dry locations it's actually Section 334.12(B)(4) that states NM Cable is not permitted in Wet or Damp location.

What is NMB wire used for?

NM-B cable is primarily used in residential wiring as branch circuits for outlets, switches, and other loads. NM-B cable may be run in air voids of masonry block or tile walls where such walls are not wet or damp locations. Voltage rating for NM-B cable is 600 volts.

Can I bury nm-b wire?

It is suitable for direct burial without an electrical conduit because of the durable rubber sheathing that protects it from damage during installation and maintenance. Each of the wires of UF-B is extra-sheathed individually.

Can nm wire be run in conduit?

Yes, NM cable can be in conduit. In fact. NEC calls for it to be in conduit, when protection from physical damage is required.

What is NM cable?

NM is a type of cable that contains insulated conductors enclosed within an overall nonmetallic jacket. It is commonly known as “ Romex ®”, which is the brand that is most widely used. NM cable contains two or more insulated wires and a bare ground wire. NM is normally used in one- and two-family dwellings, and certain multifamily dwellings. NM-B is what you will see when shopping for NM cable, which is rated for 90 degrees C (194 degrees F).

What type of wire is used for a house?

There are many different ways to wire a dwelling during initial construction using NM cable. The most common type of NM used are 2-wire and 3-wire. A 2-wire NM contains one black wire (usually line) and one white wire (usually neutral) and a bare ground wire. When used in switch wiring, the white wire is sometimes used as a line wire.

What is the white wire used for in a switch?

When used in switch wiring, the white wire is sometimes used as a line wire. A 3-wire NM contains a black, red, white, and a bare ground wire. The black and red wires can be used for line voltage A and B phases, or as travelers in 3- or 4-way switch wiring. 12-2. Wire AWG.

What is NM wire?

The non-metallic (NM) designation refers to the outer sheathing that bundles individual wires together like a cable. This is in contrast to metallic sheathed cable or conduit wiring, in which the bundle of individual conductors is protected by some form of a metal coil or metal conduit. Typically, there are three parts to NM electrical cable: outer ...

What is the color of the PVC in NM cable?

Wire Insulation. Wires within the sheathing are insulated with color-coded PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The individual conductors normally have black, white, and red insulation. Also present within the NM cable is a copper grounding wire that is usually left uncoated and bare but sometimes is coated in green PVC.

What is NM sheathing?

One feature of Romex is that it includes SIMpull, an embedded slippery coating on the sheathing that reduces friction when pulling the cable through studs and other difficult passages.

What is the name of the cable that is Romex?

What Is Romex Brand Electrical Cable? Romex is the brand name of a non-metallic (NM) sheathed electrical cable made by Southwire Company, LLC of Carrollton, Georgia. Southwire notes that they "vigorously monitor and protect the use of the Romex brand.".

Why is NM wire easier to unspool?

NM wire is easier to unspool and straighten out because the PVC sheathing is pliable. It is easier to pull through holes in studs because of the smooth sheathing. In the case of Romex, a coating is added that makes the sheathing more slippery. NM cable is easier to cut with just a set of side-cutting pliers.

Why is cable sheathing so tough?

The sheathing is extremely tough. This is necessary to withstand the stress inflicted on the sheathing when the cable is pulled through holes in studs. To make connections with devices, cable sheathing is ripped laterally with a metal device called a cable ripper.

What gauge wire is used for NM?

NM cable comes in many wire gauges, but most household circuits will use 12-gauge or 14-gauge wire, with either two or three conductors inside (plus the bare copper ground wire). For example, a cable labeled "14-2 with ground" will have two insulated conductors with 14- gauge wires plus a bare copper grounding wire.

What is NM-B cable?

Type NM-B (Romex) Cable. Type NM stands for nonmetallic sheathed. The cable consists of a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors within an overall nonmetallic jacket. Additionally, there is an equipment-grounding conductor that is bare or has green insulation.

What is NM in building codes?

In limited circumstances, Type NM can be used in multi-family dwellings such as apartment houses and in commercial buildings. This depends upon the type of construction, as outlined in Informational Annex E at the back of the Code book. A very common mistake that is made is using Type NM for the wiring in commercial garages.

What is NM in fire alarms?

Type NM is not to be used for services, outdoors, underground, embedded in concrete, or as data or fire alarm cable (in centrally-controlled fire alarm systems).

Can NM be used for a garage?

There may be gray areas, but the basic idea is that NM should never be used where there may be vapors in the air from flammable liquids such as gasoline, or where flammable gases are used as fuels. A garage is sometimes built as part of a residential property where it eventually becomes a backyard facility.

How far can NM cable be supported?

The NEC does not specify a maximum length. The NM cable must be supported within not more than 4½ feet of the fixture, according to 334.30 (B). However, if this accessible ceiling is an occupancy other than one and two family and multifamily dwellings, 334.12 (A) (2) does not permit the use of exposed Type NM cable.

Can NM cable be used in a raceway?

Type NM cable cannot be run in any raceway other than using it as a sleeve in accordance with 334.15 (B) and 300.15 (C) or in accordance with 334.12 (A) (1) Exception.

What is bend in NMC?

Bends in Types NM and NMC cable shall be so made that the cable will not be damaged. The radius of the curve of the inner edge of any bend during or after installation shall not be less than five times the diameter of the cable.

How far from the wall should a cable clamp be?

A wiring device identified for the use, without a separate outlet box, and incorporating an integral cable clamp shall be permitted where the cable is secured in place at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (4 1 / 2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) from the wiring device wall opening, and there shall be at least a 300 mm (12 in.) loop of unbroken cable or 150 mm (6 in.) of a cable end available on the interior side of the finished wall to permit replacement.

What is the suffix for PVC conduit?

Cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Type RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Type RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means extending at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the floor.

How many AWG wires are needed for a basement?

Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces, it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductor s directly to the lower edges of the joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes in joists or on running boards.

What is the ampacity of NM cable?

The allowable ampacity shall not exceed that of a 60°C (140°F) rated conductor. The 90°C (194°F) rating shall be permitted to be used for ampacity adjustment and correction calculations, provided the final calculated ampacity does not exceed that of a 60°C (140°F) rated conductor. The ampacity of Types NM, NMC, and NMS cable installed in cable trays shall be determined in accordance with 392.80 (A).

How far from the wall should a cable clamp be?

A wiring device identified for the use, without a separate outlet box, and incorporating an integral cable clamp shall be permitted where the cable is secured in place at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (4 1 / 2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) from the wiring device wall opening, and there shall be at least a 300 mm (12 in.) loop of unbroken cable or 150 mm (6 in.) of a cable end available on the interior side of the finished wall to permit replacement.

What is the suffix for PVC conduit?

Cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Type RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Type RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means extending at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the floor.

How many AWG wires are needed for a basement?

Where cable is run at angles with joists in unfinished basements and crawl spaces, it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductor s directly to the lower edges of the joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes in joists or on running boards.

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History of Non-Metallic Cable Use

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NM cable was invented by the Romex company in 1922 and was first described and listed by the NEC (National Electrical Code) in 1926, but it did not come into prevalent use until the early 1960s when plastics replaced woven rayon as the material used for the outer sheathing. From that point forward, NM cable became …
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Two-Wire vs. Three-Wire Non-Metallic Cable

  • For most circuit applications, the NM cable commonly used is described as "two-wire" or "three-wire" cable. This designation refers to the number of insulated wire conductors the cable contains. The designation is slightly misleading, however, as both two-wire and three-wire cables also contain an additional bare-copper grounding wire. Thus, two-wire cable is often described a…
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Uses For Three Types of Non-Metallic Cable

  • Building Cable
    NM cableis available in different forms, depending on its intended use. The standard NM cable used for interior residential wiring inside walls and floor and ceiling cavities is known as NM-B. This cable is approved for use in dry locations only; you will never see it used in outdoor location…
  • Underground Feeder Cable
    Where cable needs to be run underground, a different type of cable is required. Known as UF-B cable, this underground feeder cablefeatures wire conductors that are embedded in solid plastic rather than a hollow sheathing; the cable color is typically gray. UF-B cable is what is used when …
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Overview

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The individual electrical wires used for wiring circuits in most residential applications are contained in a cable bundle that is protected by vinyl plastic sheathing. The term non-metallic (NM) is used to describe this type of cable, to distinguish it from the other common form of wiring. Anytime you see the term N…
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Terminology

  • Romex® is the specific brand name for a non-metallic (NM) building wire made by Southwire. In other words, Romex® is technically just one brand of NM cable. However, the term Romex is often used generically (though inaccurately) to describe any type of NM cable, no matter which manufacturer made it.
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Design

  • The NM designation refers to the outer jacket of the cable, indicating that it is a non-metal material. This outer sheathing is a 30 mil-thick PVC jacket that serves to bundle the individual wire conductors together and protect them. This is in contrast to metallic sheathed cable or conduit wiring, in which the individual conductors are instead protected by some form of a metal coil or …
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Components

  • Despite the NM label, the individual electrical conductors within the cable are indeed metalnormally copper that is jacketed with color-coded PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The individual conductors normally have black, white, and red insulation. Also present within the NM cable is a bare copper grounding wire.
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Variants

  • NM cable comes in many wire gauges, but most household circuits will use 12-gauge or 14-gauge wire, with either two or three conductors inside (plus a bare copper ground wire). For example, a cable labeled \"14-2 with ground\" will have two insulated conductors with 14-gauge wire plus a bare copper grounding wire. This cable is used for 15-amp circuits. A cable labeled \"12-3 with g…
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Advantages

  • NM wiring is very common in residential wiring, but it is also possible to wire a home using metallic sheathed cable or conduit. NM wiring has many advantages that make it the most popular type of wiring, especially for homeowners: All factors considered DIY electricians will find their projects easier and cheaper to complete when using NM wiring. Remember, though, that th…
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Name

  • The Romex name derives from the Rome Cable Corp. of Rome, NY, which originally produced the cable. The company was founded in 1936 and filed for bankruptcy in 2003. Today, the Romex brand is owned by the Southwire company as a trademark. As the company mentions on its website, they \"vigorously monitor and protect the use of the Romex brand.\" In other words, the …
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