A cable<\/strong> is a combination (or assembly) of two or more wires, assembled using a single jacket. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable (Type NM) is a cable assembly with an outer sheathing made of non-metallic outer covering.<\/p>\n Simply put? A wire is one electrical conductor, and a cable is multiple conductors encased in sheathing.<\/p>\n The color of the insulation covering a wire will tell you the purpose of the wiring. These are fairly standard across the industry but be sure to always read the manufacturer\u2019s recommended usage.<\/p>\n White insulation<\/strong> \u2014 usually considered grounded or neutral conductors. Under specific situations, they can sometimes be used as ungrounded or hot wiring, and are often marked with black or red to indicate when it is now an ungrounded hot (live) wire conductor<\/p>\n Green insulation and bare copper<\/strong> \u2014 equipment grounding conductors or bonding wire conductors<\/p>\n Blue or Yellow insulation<\/strong> \u2014 Not limited to but could include ungrounded conductors hot wire pulled through a conduit<\/p>\n Black insulation <\/strong>\u2014 Not limited to but could include ungrounded conductors hot wire for switches and outlets<\/p>\n Red insulation<\/strong> \u2014 Not limited to but could include ungrounded conductors hot wire for switch legs and hardwired smoke detectors<\/p>\n Everything that you need to know about a cable is usually stamped on the surface of the cable.<\/p>\n Ownership<\/strong> \u2014 The name of the manufacturer, a trademark, or other distinctive marking to let you identify the organization responsible for the cable. Additional manufacturing information may also be listed (such as the date it was made).<\/p>\n Type \u2014<\/strong> The proper tyle letter or letters that indicate the type of cable being used. For example, is it a NM-B or a UF?<\/p>\n AWG Size or Circular Mil Area<\/strong> \u2014 In other words, the number of wires in the cable. For example, a cable that indicates 14-2 indicates that there are two insulated conductors (14 gauge).<\/p>\n Voltage rating<\/strong> \u2014 the maximum voltage that the cable can safely carry.<\/p>\n Presence of an Equipment Grounding Conductor\u00a0 <\/strong>\u2014 If the word \u201cGROUND\u201d or the letter \u201cG\u201d indicates the presence of a ground wire.<\/p>\nColors<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Marking (NEC<\/em> 310.8)<\/h2>\n
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