Here we start all you want to know about What Does NM Stand For In Electricity? GFCI outlets, lights, and wall outlets are examples of household electrical devices that include independent circuits made of copper wires. These copper wires often run parallel in a tightly packed bundle, but they must be kept apart.
Running each wire separately would be logistically challenging, necessitating a tight bundle. The circuit, however, would not function if bare wires were permitted to touch. Circuit wires must remain separate but near together.
These parallel lines have been coiled and split in various ways over the decades that electricity has powered dwellings. With NM-coated cables, such as the well-known Romex brand, this separated-wire bundle is most frequently and effectively created for residential applications. Due to its widespread use, the name “Romex” is frequently used to refer to any NM cable brands.
What Does NM Stand For In Electricity?
NM in electricity stands for Non-Metallic. The outer coating that groups individual wires into a cable is non-metallic (NM). The bundle of individual conductors in metallic sheathed cable or conduit wire, on the other hand, is shielded by a metal coil or conduit in some manner. There are usually three components to NM cable, regardless of the brand you buy: individual wires, wire insulation, and the outer cable covering (conductors).

NM Wiring Advantages And Disadvantages
Although metallic-encased cable or conduit can also be used to wire a residence, NM wiring is particularly frequent in residential wiring. NM wire is the most often used type of wiring because of its many benefits, particularly among homeowners.

When all things are equal, DIY electricians will discover that employing NM wiring makes their projects more straightforward and affordable. Compared to other materials, NM wire offers the do-it-yourselfer many benefits.
Pros
- NM wire can be put within plastic boxes without the need to ground the box first.
- NM wire is easier to handle because it is lighter than metallic sheathed wiring.
- The PVC covering on NM wire makes it simpler to unspool and straighten it up.
- The smooth wrapping makes it simpler to pull through stud holes. Romex has a coating that is added to make the sheathing slicker.
- Cutting NM cable is more straightforward when using only a pair of side-cutting pliers. The wire stripper can even be used to snip smaller gauges.
- Metal-sheathed wiring is more expensive than NM wire.
- Since the NM cable’s covering is made of plastic rather than metal, it is more likely to rupture. You can alternatively cut the sheathing with a utility knife and rip it back by hand. However, a ripping tool makes your job easier.
- Because just lightweight plastic cable staples are needed to secure NM cable to framing members, it is simpler to install.
Cons
NM cable cannot be utilized in several circumstances, such as outdoors (UF-type cable is an exemption because it is rated for direct burial) or when wiring is exposed along the face of foundation walls. The electrical code requires conduit installations in these circumstances.
This cable also needs protection in some applications or while not within a wall. Additionally, it cannot be used in light commercial applications above drop ceilings.
What Is Romex Brand Electrical Cable?
Romex is the brand name for a single non-metallic (NM) encased electrical cable produced by Carrollton, Georgia-based Southwire Company, LLC. It is merely one of many readily accessible brands of NM cable. The Romex brand is “vigorously monitored and protected,” according to Southwire.
While this is a standard legal boilerplate for many items, it is essential for Southwire and Romex because consumers and some electricians frequently use the term Romex to apply to all NM-sheathed electrical wires.
Romex is frequently used incorrectly and generically in building supplies, much like Kleenex is frequently used to refer to any tissue. Romex should, therefore, only be used to refer to NM-encased electrical cable produced by Southwire Company under the Romex trademark, not NM cable produced by other manufacturers, technically speaking.
Origin Of Romex Brand Wire
Rome Cable Corp. in Rome, New York, the company that created the cable in the first place, gave it the name Romex. Before declaring bankruptcy in 2003 and having its manufacturing severely destroyed in 2010, the business was a leader in the sector.
Rome Cable Corp. was also a significant aluminum wire supplier made by Alcoa, the parent firm. Aluminum wire is less reliable than copper wire and is considered hazardous in your house. A court judgment required Alcoa to sell its ownership of Rome Cable Corp. in 1964.
Romex undoubtedly refers to the business that made it, but it needs to be clarified where the suffix (-x) came from. It may imply that the wire at the time was experimental, or it could have been a practical way to develop a brand name.
Romex Brand Vs Other NM Wire Brands
Even though Romex brand NM-sheathed is not the only brand of NM wire, it dominates sales in North America. Romex has SIMpull, an embedded slick coating on the sheathing that decreases friction while drawing the cable through studs and other challenging passages. This is one of the features of Romex. Similar coatings are now being used by other brands as well.
Other than this, there are no discernible differences between Romex’s copper wire and other brands. The wire gauges and metallic content will be the same as electrical codes require. Individual preferences exist among qualified electricians.
One electrician might opt for a less expensive brand to save money, while another might favor Romex. This presents no issues because different NM cable brands can coexist in the same electrical system or circuit.
Conclusion
After reading the above information, I hope you understand What Does NM Stand For In Electricity? Any manufactured or natural material devoid of metal is referred to as non-metallic. During the machining process, these materials can maintain their distinctive chemical properties.
Non-metallic materials come in a wide range of types, such as rubber, ceramics, fiber, and plastics. Plastics are a popular option for various tasks since they are cheaper and more adaptable than non-metallic. These substances often consist of a natural or artificial binding agent, plasticizers, colors, and fillers.
Thermoset and thermoplastic plastic are the two forms of plastic that a producer may select from depending on the project criteria. Thermoset binders cannot be reshaped after being heated and shaped. On the other hand, thermoplastic keeps its plasticity, enabling manufacturers to reshape it as often as necessary.