 Romex® NMB by Southwire is a throughly insulated electrical wire developed in 1922. It was originally owned by the Romex® Wire Company, which was later on purchased by General Cable in 1927, and purchased by Southwire in 2001. Romex® wire is often used in home and small business wiring applications.
Before its Southwire acquisition, Romex® was originally wrapped with braided cotton. It was modified later on and provided with PVC covering and non-metallic nature. The non-mettalic nature of Romex® NMB by Southwire proved to be a disadvantage though as it became very sensitive to heat, water and physical damage. Because of this, Romex® NMB by Southwire became limited -- it cannot be used in areas where heat, agitation, water and even dampness is present.
This however did not make Romex® altogether inefficient. It was later on discovered that this type of wire is very useful outdoors and inside the house when provided with sufficient covering. They became useful for interior walls, garages and above ground surface wiring applications. However, there are careful measures that you have to do first to ensure that you can safely install Romex® wires outdoors. There are also specifications that you have to remember so that you will not violate National Electric Code regulations.
Your first priority must be prevention of damage to the Romex's® sheathed cables or any point where it will enter or leave. You must make sure that these points are fitted by the appropriate connectors or brushings at all times. Look for connectors and brushings that are specifically manufactured for Romex® conduits.
You must also be careful not to place your Romex® wire in conduits which are too small for the cable size. Doing this may damage, bind or crush the sheathing. Make sure you always select a conduit size that will allow your Romex® cable to pass through easily.
Take note of your local jurisdiction code. The NEC codes usually vary from state to state. Look for your local code enforcement building department so you can ask for guidance whenever you plan on installing Romex® wires. They will send building inspector as well as a very experienced technician to check if your wiring project can be approved.
Try to place your Romex® wires in PVC pipes before using them. Make sure the wires are not buried more than 3 to 4 inches from the ground's surface. If you can, just run the wires along building bolders -- you can later on clip them in place so that they won't slip or be exposed to element exposure.
If you can, hire a very good technician who can help you obtain stable electrical condition especially when the wires are installed outdoors. Make sure you replace your Romex® wires after a year or two. Always have your wires inspected so that they will still conform to NEC standards during use.
Romex® wires are indeed very useful. However, always bear in mind that it has a very sensitive nature. Making sure you comply first with the NEC codes before you set a wiring project in motion can save you lots of trouble.
UF-B Cable can be used outdoors and underground if you need more protection. We also offer many types of portable power cable that have a rubbder insulation and jacket for added flexibility and protection outdoors.
Please call us with any specific requirements. We also offer FREE SHIPPING over $250.00 and stock this material in many different areas throughout the USA. Call now (800) 334-8400!
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