I've heard electricans mention "romex." What is it?
It's often used in a generic sense to refer to any type of non-metallic sheathed electrical cable. More to the point, it's electrical wiring sheathed in a plastic coating.Then why is it called "romex"?
It comes from the Rome Wire Company, which originally produced the wire. The "rome" part comes from the company's name. No one is quite sure where the "x" came from, though. Now the Romex brand is owned by Southwire and is an actual trademarked brand.Does this mean the electrician will use only Romex brand?
Possibly, but likely not. Since the word "Romex" refers to any plastic-sheathed wiring (and there are plenty of choices out there), the electrician could end up using any brand of wire.Is Romex brand better than other brands of plastic-sheathed wire?
Though opinions differ, I've used all kinds and haven't found that to be the case. Romex brand costs more than other brands, too.Although, admittedly, there is a subtle difference. Maybe it's just psychological, but I find the plastic sheathing on brand-name Romex easier to rip and easier to strip. Could it be that the sheathing is slightly softer?
Why use Romex (type, not brand) or NM over other types of wiring?
It's definitely easier for the lesser experienced homeowner to work with. Romex or NM is:- Lighter than metallic sheathed wiring, so easier to handle.
- Easier to pull through holes in studs because of the smooth sheathing.
- Easier to cut--just use a set of side-cutting pliers. Smaller gauges can even be snipped with the cutters on a wire stripper.
- NM cable is usually cheaper.
- Easier to rip back the cable sheathing--it's just plastic, not metal.
So then what's "NM" mean?
It's basically the same thing. It means "non-metallic" and refers not to the wiring inside but the outer sheathing.Why even specify that it's "NM"?
Because metallic sheathed wiring is also available.Compare Prices on Romex Wire
- Your standard, workhorse Romex 12-1. Don't buy anything less than 100 ft.; you will regret buying the 25 ft. roll when you come up short.
- Your other standard--Romex 14-3 wire, a thinner gauge wire mainly for lighting applications. Romex calls it SIMpull, their brand-name for the slippery coating on the plastic casing to make it easier to pull through.
