If you are looking forward to setting up the wiring and cabling for your new home, make sure you choose the right type of wiring based on the size, weather conditions, and availability. It is always advisable to seek expert guidance from the premium wires and cable manufacturers.
These cables can be made of either copper or aluminum, depending on whether they are intended for indoor or outdoor use. The following is a summary of the most commonly used wire and cable types for domestic wiring and cabling:
Romex Cables:
For domestic purposes, this is one of the most commonly used cabling components. Residential branch wiring uses electrical conductors with non-metallic sheathing. The characteristics of Romex cables and wire manufacturers can be summarized as follows:
- The National Electrical Code (NEC) classifies Romex cables, the most common type of housing cables and wiring, as either underground feeder (UF) or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM and NMC).
- Both NM and NMC conductors comprise of two or more insulated conductors within a non-metallic sheath. The coating on an NMC is generally non-conducting, flame-resistant, and moisture-resistant. These are considered in domestic and residential cables and wiring because they are safe for use in damp environments and basements.
- The underground feeder conductors are quite similar to NM and NMC cables; however, the only distinguishing fact is that underground feeder cables have a solid plastic core, which you cannot actually roll between the fingers like the other types of cables and wires.
While you are finalizing and purchasing the ROMEX for your homes, you should review the NEC regulations that apply to the ROMEX cables.
- It is critical to protect and cover the ROMEX, as well as to clamp it to the device boxes, junction boxes, and fixtures.
- ROMEX prohibits the use of support devices like bent nails and overdriven staples because they could damage the cables.
- You must secure both NM and NMC at intervals no longer than 4 feet and within 12 inches of junction boxes, panels, and other attached components. If you fail to secure them at the specified measurements, they may sag over time, making them susceptible to electrical short circuits or damage to the cables themselves.
- In residential projects, ROMEX is an excellent choice for permanent wiring and should not be considered as an alternative to appliance wiring or extension cords.
Low-voltage wires
These are generally considered for circuits that require a running voltage of 50 V or even less. Residential properties most commonly use low-voltage wires for lighting, bells (for doorbells), and thermostat wiring.
Typically, a sheath encases them and provides insulation. These are mostly available in pairs, such as a lamp cord wire.
Thermoplastic is heat-resistant or thermoplastic is highly heat-resistant
The other categories include thermoplastic heat-resistant and highly heat-resistant, which are nylon-coated and well suited for wet areas. These are used in basements, garages, garbage disposal wiring connections, and hot water heater applications.
Go for the genuine wiring from the premium manufacturers, as wiring is the key requisite for any residential property.
