I have a new old box of 12/2-NM that has been in my shop for years. Is it OK to use it today? I see that the cable sold now is 12/2-NM-B. I am not concerned about the age, it is in the box and not damaged, but not sure if it up to code.
Can I use 12/2-NM Cable?
- Thread starter RonRock
- Start date
pattenp
Well-known member
What color is the outer jacket and is the ground conductor the same size as the current carrying conductors?
pattenp
Well-known member
Is the ground wire also a #12. Some of the really old NM has a ground wire that's smaller than the other two wires. If the jacket is white then it's not that old.
Edit: I would think it still meets code. What do you want to use it for?
Edit: I would think it still meets code. What do you want to use it for?
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Thanks. I'm doing a bit of work in my basement right now. Need to home run for a circuit that had a wall removed. I hate to drop the coin on a roll of 12/2 at today's price if I can use what I have. Not really concerned about any inspection, it is my own house. But still don't want to do something unsafe.
I'll have to check on the size of the ground wire. But I think it is also 12 gauge.
I'll also use the roll for circuits in my pole barn.
Appreciate the help.
I'll have to check on the size of the ground wire. But I think it is also 12 gauge.
I'll also use the roll for circuits in my pole barn.
Appreciate the help.
Speedy Petey
Well-known member
Since even brand new NM cable with THHN conductors is limited to the 60 deg C column, and further choked in ampacity by 240.4(D), I see absolutely no reason not to use it.
As long as (like pattenp said) the ground is the same size as the other conductors.
As long as (like pattenp said) the ground is the same size as the other conductors.
Gooch
Well-known member
I don't understand why people think NM-B cable has THHN conductors. If you've ever had both next to each other, they are definantly NOT the same.
I've used the older NM cable with no issues. like as stated, just make sure the ground wire is of sufficent size.
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Speedy Petey
Well-known member
You CANNOT be serious.
It is not labeled as such, but it is the same conductor.
http://www.wesbellwireandcable.com/Romex/Romex_Wire_Information.html
http://www.cerrowire.com/nmb
Gooch
Well-known member
You CANNOT be serious.
It is not labeled as such, but it is the same conductor.
http://www.wesbellwireandcable.com/Romex/Romex_Wire_Information.html
http://www.cerrowire.com/nmb
first link is a joke.
second link lists nothing about using THHN wire.
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I say the NM cable is scrap metal, see NEC art 334.112 , the color of the outer sheath is not a code requirement, but the fact they are not 90 degree C rated is a deal killer.
334.112 Insulation. The insulated power conductors shall
be one of the types listed in Table 310.13(A) that are suitable
for branch-circuit wiring or one that is identified for
use in these cables. Conductor insulation shall be rated at
90°C (194°F).
FPN: Types NM, NMC, and NMS cable identified by the
markings NM-B, NMC-B, and NMS-B meet this
requirement.
Existing NM that is not 90 degree C is fine but NOS, New Old Stock is not & the 90 degree requirement has been in place since the 1987 NEC as 336-26.
334.112 Insulation. The insulated power conductors shall
be one of the types listed in Table 310.13(A) that are suitable
for branch-circuit wiring or one that is identified for
use in these cables. Conductor insulation shall be rated at
90°C (194°F).
FPN: Types NM, NMC, and NMS cable identified by the
markings NM-B, NMC-B, and NMS-B meet this
requirement.
Existing NM that is not 90 degree C is fine but NOS, New Old Stock is not & the 90 degree requirement has been in place since the 1987 NEC as 336-26.
Speedy Petey
Well-known member
Whatever gooch. I really don't feel the need to argue this with you. It's the same stuff and that's all that matters.
Speedy Petey
Well-known member
Wow. I hadn't looked at that section in years. I never knew of the 90 deg C requirement.
Thanks.
Wow. I hadn't looked at that section in years. I never knew of the 90 deg C requirement.
Thanks.
I like the pre-yellow NM-B for "bootleg wire".
sberry
Banned
It woudnt cause me any lack of sleep to use it.
matt151617
Well-known member
My house has mostly white Romex, but there's still some of the old black/tar coated Romex. That stuff has a smaller ground wire... I'm in the process of slowly replacing it.