What Is NM Cable?
NM Cable is a factory-assembled electrical cable with insulated circuit conductors and a grounding conductor inside a nonmetallic jacket. Electricians route NM Cable through finished and unfinished building spaces to supply branch circuits. The cable carries power between an electrical panel, switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures, and connected equipment in dry locations.
Quick Facts About NM Cable
Category
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable
Used for
Residential branch-circuit wiring
Common confusion
NM Cable is not conduit
Also called
Nonmetallic Cable, Romex
Often discussed with
Whole House Rewiring
Key Takeaways About NM Cable
- Its nonmetallic jacket holds multiple conductors together.
- It suits many dry-location branch-circuit installations.
- NM Cable is not the same as conduit.
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How NM Cable Works
NM Cable carries electrical current through insulated conductors while its outer jacket keeps the cable assembly together. A separate grounding conductor provides a path for fault current back toward the electrical source. The cable is selected by conductor size, circuit purpose, and the conditions inside the building.
Related glossary terms: Branch Circuit, Wire Gauge, Junction Box.
During a whole house rewiring project, an electrician routes cable from the load center to junction boxes, switches, receptacles, and fixtures. Each cable end is secured and connected according to the circuit layout. Branch circuits may serve lighting, receptacles, or dedicated equipment, so cable selection must match the planned load and installation location.
From the Cincelux Electric team
When we inspect NM Cable during whole house rewiring, we trace each run from the panel to its connection points. We check the jacket condition, conductor connections, grounding path, and routing through the structure. Our team also identifies damaged, altered, or improperly terminated cable before new wiring is connected.
NM Cable in Practice: A Real-World Example
During a whole house rewiring project, NM Cable may run from the electrical panel to new bedroom receptacles and lighting boxes. The electrician labels each circuit and connects the conductors at approved boxes and devices.
Related Services
Related Terms
Branch Circuit
A branch circuit is a wiring path that carries electricity from a panelboard to outlets, lights…
Wire Gauge
Wire Gauge is a standardized way to describe a conductor’s diameter and current-carrying capacity. The gauge…
Junction Box
A Junction Box is an enclosure that houses electrical wire connections, splices, and branch points. The…
Load Center
A Load Center is an electrical enclosure that houses circuit breakers and distributes power from the…
Cincelux Electric
Have Questions About NM Cable?
Contact Cincelux Electric for practical guidance on NM Cable and related 24 hour electrician work in Cincinnati.