NONMETALLIC

SHEATED
CABLE

NON-METALLIC SHEATED
CABLE
Definition:Nonmet
allic-sheathed
(plastic) is a type of
covered electrical
wire consisting of at
least two insulated
conductors and one
bare conductor used
in residential wiring.
Also Known

NON-METALLIC SHEATED
CABLE
A

non-metallic sheathed
cable is an assembly of 2
or more insulated
conductors having an
outer sheath of moistureresistant, flame-retardant,
non-metallic material.

ALLOWABLE USE OF
NON-METALLIC SHEATED CABLE
Non-metallic

sheathed cable shall

be an approved type NM or NMC
in sizes No. 14 to 4 inclusive (to
be used only in 1 and 2 family
dwellings, multi-family dwellings,
and other structure except as
prohibited). In addition to the
insulated conductors, the cable
may have an approved size of un-

TYPES OF NON-METALLIC
SHEATED
TYPE

NM. This type of non-metallic

sheathed cable may be installed for both
exposed and concealed work in normally
dry locations. It may be installed or
fished in air voids in masonry block or
tile walls where such walls are not
exposed or subject to excessive
moisture or dampness. Type NM cable
shall not be installed where exposed to
corrosive fumes or vapors; nor shall it be
embedded in masonry, concrete, fill or

TYPES OF NON-METALLIC
SHEATED
TYPE

NMC- This type of nonmetallic sheathed cable may

be installed for both exposed
and concealed work in dry,
moist, damp or corrosive
locations, and in outside and
inside walls of masonry block

TYPES OF NON-METALLIC
SHEATED

TYPE NM

APPLICATION

5 BASIC COLORS OF
NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE

5 BASIC COLORS OF
NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE
White-colored

Nonmetallic
Sheathed Cable
The white color-coded wire
sheath houses 14-gauge wire.
This type wire is used for 15-amp
circuits in your home. Lighting
circuits are normally the primary
use of this sized wire.

5 BASIC COLORS OF
NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE
Yellow-colored

Nonmetallic
Sheathed Cable
Yellow color-coded wire sheath
encloses 12-gauge wire that is
rated for 20-amp circuits.
General power for outlets and
appliances is the main use for
this sized wire feed.

5 BASIC COLORS OF
NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE
Orange-colored

Nonmetallic

Sheathed Cable
The orange-colored wire sheathing
is set aside for 10-gauge wire. It is
able to handle 30-amp circuit
loads. These loads include air
conditioner, water heater feeds,
and any other 30-amp loads.

5 BASIC COLORS OF
NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE
Black-colored

Nonmetallic Sheathed

Cable
As far as black-coated wire, this is shared
for both 6- and 8-gauge wire. As you may
know, 8-gauge wire is good for 45-amp
circuits and 6-gauge wire is capable of
handling 60-amp circuits. The 6-gauge wire
is better for a feeding a sub panel, an
electric range, or a double oven, depending
on the amperage rating listed on the
appliance.

5 BASIC COLORS OF
NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE
Gray-colored

Nonmetallic Sheathed

Cable
Now there is another colored sheathing
that has more to do with installation
areas than with wire size. This would be
gray-colored NM wire. It is used for
underground installations and comes in
varying sizes. It has water-resistant
qualities and is sometimes resistant to
other things like oil and sunlight.

Identifying Wire Size At A

Glance
So

the next time that you look at

nonmetallic-sheathed cable, youll have
a leg up on someone who doesnt know
the inside tip of distinguishing the wire
size and its load rating just by looking at
the color of its cable sheathing. Even
then, be sure to look at the labeling to
double-check what the wires gauge
rating is and the installation areas it is
approved for.

USES OF CABLES THAT ARE

NOT ALLOWED
TYPE

NM and NMC cables SHALL NOT

be used in the following instances:
In commercial garages having
hazardous locations.

USES OF CABLES THAT ARE

NOT ALLOWED
In

theaters & similar locations.

In motion picture studios

USES OF CABLES THAT ARE

NOT ALLOWED
In

storage battery rooms

USES OF CABLES THAT ARE

NOT ALLOWED
In

hoistways embedded in poured

cement, concrete or aggregate.

USES OF CABLES THAT ARE

NOT ALLOWED
TYPE

NM SHALL NOT be used in the

following places/locations.
Those exposed to corrosive fumes or
vapors

USES OF CABLES THAT ARE

NOT ALLOWED
Those

embedded in masonry, adobe

concrete, fill or plaster.