Product Overview
Type NM-B is a standard nonmetallic-sheathed cable designed for residential branch circuit wiring in dry locations. Rated for 600 volts and 90°C conductor temperature (with ampacity limited to 60°C rating), this cable is the primary choice for wiring outlets, switches, and lighting in homes. It features color-coded PVC jackets for easy gauge identification, THHN-insulated copper conductors, and a bare equipment grounding conductor, ensuring compliance and ease of installation per the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Applications
-
Residential Branch Circuits: For wiring outlets, switches, and lighting in single and multi-family dwellings.
-
Exposed or Concealed Work: May be used in both exposed and concealed installations in normally dry locations.
-
Masonry Wall Cavities: Suitable for running in the air voids of masonry block or tile walls, provided the location is not damp.
-
General Use: As specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC) for 60°C ampacity applications.
Standards & Compliance
Type NM-B cable is manufactured in compliance with:
-
UL Standard 83 (Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires)
-
UL Standard 719 (Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cables)
-
ASTM B-3 & B-8 (Soft Copper Conductors)
-
Federal Specification A-A-59544
-
National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)
-
RoHS/REACH Environmental Compliance
Key Features
-
Voltage & Temperature Rating: 600V, 90°C (conductors), with ampacity limited to 60°C rating per NEC.
-
Easy Identification: Color-coded jacket: White (14 AWG), Yellow (12 AWG), Orange (10 AWG), Black (8 & 6 AWG).
-
Optimized Construction: Designed for easier pulling and installation.
-
Conductor Options: Available as 2, 3, or 4 conductor cable, including a bare copper ground wire. 4-conductor versions are available with two neutrals.
Construction
-
Outer Jacket: Flame-retardant, 90°C PVC.
-
Assembly: Conductors laid parallel, wrapped with a kraft paper tape.
-
Ground Conductor: Bare copper, wrapped with kraft paper tape.
-
Conductor Insulation: 90°C-rated PVC (THHN), Nylon-jacketed.
-
Conductor: Annealed (soft) copper, solid or compressed stranded.
Technical Parameters
| Conductor Size (AWG) | Number of Conductors | Conductor Strands | Insulation Thickness (mils) | Ground Wire Size (AWG) | Ground Wire Strands | Approx. Cable Dimensions (mils) / Diameter (mils)* | Approx. Net Weight per 1000 ft (lbs) | Allowable Ampacity* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWO-CONDUCTOR CABLE | ||||||||
| 14 | 2 | 1 (Solid) | 19 | 14 | 1 | 360 x 162 | 57 | 15 |
| 12 | 2 | 1 (Solid) | 19 | 12 | 1 | 410 x 179 | 82 | 20 |
| 10 | 2 | 1 (Solid) | 24 | 10 | 1 | 494 x 210 | 124 | 30 |
| 8 | 2 | 7 | 35 | 10 | 1 | 612 x 269 | 186 | 40 |
| 6 | 2 | 7 | 35 | 10 | 1 | 683 x 304 | 225 | 55 |
| THREE-CONDUCTOR CABLE | ||||||||
| 14 | 3 | 1 (Solid) | 19 | 14 | 1 | 307 (Dia.) | 74 | 15 |
| 12 | 3 | 1 (Solid) | 19 | 12 | 1 | 347 (Dia.) | 107 | 20 |
| 10 | 3 | 1 (Solid) | 24 | 10 | 1 | 422 (Dia.) | 164 | 30 |
| 8 | 3 | 7 | 35 | 10 | 1 | 565 (Dia.) | 253 | 40 |
| 6 | 3 | 7 | 35 | 10 | 1 | 650 (Dia.) | 357 | 55 |
| 4 | 3 | 7 | 46 | 8 | 1 | 814 (Dia.) | 560 | 70 |
| 2 | 3 | 7 | 46 | 8 | 1 | 952 (Dia.) | 816 | 95 |
| FOUR-CONDUCTOR CABLE | ||||||||
| 14 | 2/2* | 1 (Solid)* | 19 | 14 | 1 | 336 (Dia.) | 91 | 15 |
| 14 | 4** | 1 (Solid)** | 19 | 14 | 1 | 336 (Dia.) | 91 | 15 |
| 12 | 2/2* | 1 (Solid)* | 19 | 12 | 1 | 381 (Dia.) | 132 | 20 |
| 12 | 4** | 1 (Solid)** | 19 | 12 | 1 | 381 (Dia.) | 132 | 20 |
| 10 | 4 | 1 (Solid) | 24 | 10 | 1 | 465 (Dia.) | 201 | 30 |
Notes:
-
Two with insulation, two without (for switch loops).
-
*Four with insulation.
-
Allowable ampacity is per NEC for 60°C conductors, not the 90°C insulation rating.
-
Dimensions: "mils" = thousandths of an inch. Two-conductor cables list Width x Height; others list diameter.