Everything You Need To Know About NM Cable

Unless you are still living in very old premises, chances are your wiring system comprises NM cable. Even if you are planning to buy cables for the electricity transmission, you may opt to buy the NM cable.

If you are planning to buy and install them, here is a perfect guide for you. We are going to analyze everything you should know about NM cables.

What is an NM cable?

The abbreviation NM stands for non-metallic. It is a type of electrical cable that is specifically used for the transmission or distribution of electricity.

It was first introduced in the early 20th century when electricity was being transmitted over a long distance.

History of NM cable

To know more about NM cables, it will be prudent to review their history. Where they originated from and who invented them.

NM cables were invented in 1922 by a company known as Romex. It was a company that was established in 1894. The company manufactured electrical cables for the first time and it was a very successful business for them. They were also the first company to manufacture electrical cable with copper core and plastic sheath.

The name of the company has been changed several times over the years, but it is still known by that name today. The last name of the company has been changed from Romex to Nema Cable.

NM cables were not that popular initially until 1960 when the plastic sheath materials were replaced by woven materials. This was mainly done by the companies which used to make the cables.

The popularity of NM cables increased in the 1970s after they were used as a replacement for steel cables. This was mainly due to the fact that steel cable was made from a chemical compound that would corrode and break down over time.

The popularity of NM cable grew even more in the 1980s and 1990s when they were used for telephone and computer cables. This was mainly because they were cheaper than their steel counterparts, could be easily installed, and had good flexibility. The sheath material on them also made them more flexible than their steel counterparts.

At present, NM cable is still being manufactured by several companies around the world. The main reason for this is that they are durable cables that are resistant to corrosion and can be installed in a relatively short time.

Currently, China is among the leading manufacturers of NM cables in the world. The main reason behind this is that China has a large manufacturing industry. As such, it can manufacture many types of cables that are needed for various applications.

NM cable has been in use for decades now, and it has seen quite a few changes over time. They are lighter, stronger, and more durable than the initial cables.

How does it work?

NM cables are mainly used for the transmission and distribution of electricity, although they can be used for other purposes as well. They are available in various sizes and specifications, which can be chosen according to the requirement.

The NM cables are made up of copper wires that are insulated with rubber or plastic jackets. The copper wire is coated with colored paint, making them easily recognizable and easy to install. The copper wires can also be un-insulated.

These cables are mainly used in the industrial sector, as they are used to transmit power over long distances. They are also used in the manufacturing sector, as they can be easily installed without any hassle.

Components of NM cable

A typical NM cable comprises three parts. These are:

– Conductor or core

– Insulation

– Sheath

Let’s look at each of these components individually and analyze what they do.

Conductor/core

This is the main component of the cable. It is made up of copper wires or strands that are insulated with plastic or rubber jackets.

The copper wires are coated with colored paint so that they can be easily recognized and identified. The cores are further divided into four types:

-Solid wire core: this is the basic type of core, which comprises a solid copper wire, which is insulated with rubber or plastic insulation.

-Stranded wire core: this type of core consists of several strands of copper wires, which are insulated together and then used to make a cable. This helps in making cables more flexible and also less expensive.

-Bare stranded wire core: this type of core contains bare stranded wires, which are not insulated with any material.

-Braided wire core: this type of core consists of a bundle of copper wires, which are braided together. These wires are then coated with insulation to make a cable.

Insulation

This is the coating that is used to protect the copper cores from any external damage or wear and tear. The insulation material is usually made up of plastic or rubber, as this is a relatively cheap and also efficient material to use for cable insulation. The insulation acts as a protective layer around the copper core, preventing it from being exposed to moisture or any other harmful chemicals present in the surrounding environment.

Sheath

This outer layer of the cable protects it from external damage and also prevents the copper core from being exposed to the environment. The sheath is usually made up of hard and durable plastic or rubber material, which ensures that the cable does not break or get damaged.

The sheath should also withstand the stress and pressure of being used in the cable and should not let any wear or tear occur on the cable.

When it comes to creating connections, the sheath is usually ripped using a wire stripper to expose the copper core. The cable should not be damaged in any way during this process.

Types of NM cables

Well, not all NM cables in the market are the same. They come in different designs and construction. Here are the most common types of NM cables:

Two-wire NM cable

These cables are also called “twin cables” or “twin-lead” cables. They can be used to connect two devices by connecting pins 1 and 2 of the cable.

These cables are commonly used to connect a router and a printer.

Two-wire NM cables are also known as “straight-through cables”.

One-wire NM cable

These cables are also called “single lead” or “single-wire” cables. They can be used to connect one device by connecting pin 1 of the cable. These types of cables are commonly used to connect a computer and a modem/router.

One-wire NM cables are also known as “serialized cables”.

This type of cable is more popular in the field of industrial automation, where it is used to connect sensors to actuators.

Three-wire NM cable

These cables are also called “three lead” or “three-wire” cables. They can be used to connect three devices by connecting pins 1, 2, and 3 of the cable. These types of cables are commonly used to connect a computer and a printer.

Four-wire NM cable

These cables are also called “four lead” or “four-wire” cables. They can be used to connect four devices by connecting pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the cable. These types of cables are commonly used to connect a computer, router, printer, and modem/router.

This type of cable is more popular in the field of industrial automation where it is used to connect sensors or actuators with a computer.

NM building cable

These cables come in different forms. They are mainly used for internal wiring purposes in the buildings. They are mainly used to connect the devices in the building like lights and sockets to their respective devices.

NM CRT cable

These cables are used for connecting a monitor to an external CRT. These cables come in different types. Some of them come with a four-pin connector that is used for connecting a monitor to its CRT. Other cables use two connectors, one for connecting the monitor and another for connecting the CRT.

NM underground feeder cable

These cables are used to connect the underground feeders of electrical distribution panels. They are mainly used to receive power from the underground feeders and distribute it to the stations, sub-stations, and consumer units.

NM fiber optic cable

They are mainly used for the long-distance transmission of data from one place to another.

These cables are made up of optical fibers. These fibers transmit light signals that carry the information from one point to another. There are different types of these cables that can be used in different applications.

So, which of the above NM cables are you planning to buy? Keep in mind that you should choose a cable that will perfectly suit your application area.

What are the applications of NM cable?

The popularity of the NM cables makes them applicable in a different sphere. Here are some of the application areas of NM cables;

-Computer network

-Data transmission

-Communication

-Cable television (CATV)

-Telephone networks

-Power distribution in buildings and skyscrapers.

-Network connection for industrial automation and building automation.

From this list, where are you planning to use these cables? Let us know and you will get quality cables from ICRFQ: a trusted NM cable supplier in China.

Pros and Cons of NM Cable

Advantages of NM cables

Are the NM cables that good as I have stated?

To answer this question, we have outlined the top pros and cons of N cables.

-Strong and durable: The cables are made of high-quality materials and they are durable. You will not spend huge amounts on repairing and replacing your cables often.

-High performance: The cables offer high performance as well as strong signal transmission. They can achieve this goal with the help of their high-quality materials and strong insulation.

-Widely available: The cables are widely available, you will be able to find them in different sizes and lengths.

-High quality: The cables are of high quality, they can offer the best performance in your application area.

-Low price: The cables are affordable, you will be able to get them at affordable prices without sacrificing their quality.

-Saves energy: These cables will save energy for you as they consume less power than other types of cables. You can use them without worrying about huge electricity bills when the bills come at the end of the month.

This is all about NM cable, we hope that this article

-Easy to install: The NM cables are easy to install. You do not need an expert to do the installation.

-Affordable: You can get these cables at reasonable prices.

-Lightweight: These cables are lightweight and they will not add any burden on your project.

Disadvantages of NM cables

Are there any cons of NM cable? Yes, there are some cons of N cable. Here is a list of the top disadvantages of NM cables;

-The cable has limited bandwidth and it can only transmit signals that have low-frequency levels.

-The cable has lower resistance compared to other wires and its resistance is high at low temperatures.

-The cable is not suitable for outdoor applications due to the poor moisture resistance.

-The cable is not suitable for heavy-duty applications as it can be easily damaged by extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NM cables are one of the best choices for your home improvement projects. They are affordable and they will save you money in the long term. They consume less power and that makes them a good option for saving electricity bills. The cables are easy to install and they have low resistance levels hence they will not overheat when used in your devices or appliances.

And in case you would like to buy NM cables, let us help you. At ICRFQ, we are a reliable NM cables supplier in China. We are dedicated to providing you with the best quality products at the most affordable prices. Our cables are durable and they will serve you for a long time. Feel free to browse through our website and find the cable that suits your needs. For inquiries, contact us today!