{"id":11900,"date":"2025-11-24T09:29:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T01:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900"},"modified":"2025-11-24T09:29:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T01:29:24","slug":"what-does-nm-b-stand-for-understanding-nm-b-wire-and-romex-cable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900","title":{"rendered":"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>{&#8220;main-title&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;main-title&#8221;,&#8221;title&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;subtitle&#8221;:&#8221;NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C  in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.&#8221;,&#8221;title_content&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title_image&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;title-image&#8221;,&#8221;image&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp|380|800|11901&#8243;,&#8221;full_screen&#8221;:false,&#8221;full_screen_height&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;parallax&#8221;:false,&#8221;bleed&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;ken_burn&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;overlay&#8221;:&#8221;transparent-dark&#8221;,&#8221;breadcrumbs&#8221;:true,&#8221;white&#8221;:true,&#8221;position&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_section&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;,&#8221;section_width&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;vertical_row&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;box_middle&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;section_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_column&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;column_vtfQF&#8221;,&#8221;column_width&#8221;:&#8221;col-md-12&#8243;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;main_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_wp_editor&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;Xhugf&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;editor_content&#8221;:&#8221;<strong>NM-B stands for &#8216;Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B,&#8217; where the &#8216;B&#8217; indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C (194\u00b0F) in dry locations.<\/strong> This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call &#8216;Romex&#8217; (a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable).\\n\\n<div id=\"attachment_11901\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11901\" class='wp-image-11901 size-full' src='https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp' alt='what does the b stand for in nm-b wire' width='800' height='380'><p id=\"caption-attachment-11901\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">what does the b stand for in nm-b wire<\/p><\/div>\\n\\nIf you&#8217;ve ever looked at electrical wire and seen &#8216;NM-B&#8217; printed on the jacket alongside size markings like &#8217;14\/2&#8242; or &#8217;12\/2,&#8217; you&#8217;re looking at the standard cable that powers outlets, lights, and appliances throughout millions of homes. In this guide, we&#8217;ll explain exactly what NM-B means, how it differs from older NM cable, and when it should (and shouldn&#8217;t) be used.\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>What Does NM-B Wire Mean?<\/h2>\n<p>\\nLet&#8217;s break down the <strong>NM-B meaning<\/strong> piece by piece:\\n<\/p>\n<h3>NM-B Wire Meaning Explained<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Component<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>What It Means<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>NM<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Non-Metallic sheathed cable<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>-B<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Type B designation (90\u00b0C rated)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Non-Metallic<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Outer jacket is plastic (PVC), not metal conduit<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Sheathed<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Individual wires wrapped together in a protective outer jacket<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Type B<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Modern standard with higher temperature rating<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>What Does &#8216;B&#8217; Stand For in NM-B Wire?<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<strong>The &#8216;B&#8217; in NM-B stands for the second generation of non-metallic cable<\/strong> with improved temperature ratings. Here&#8217;s the evolution:\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Type<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Temperature Rating<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Status<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>NM<\/strong> (original)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>60\u00b0C (140\u00b0F)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Obsolete, replaced in 1984<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>NM-B<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>90\u00b0C (194\u00b0F)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Current standard since 1984<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>NM-C<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Does not exist<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Not a real designation<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<strong>Important<\/strong>: While NM-B is rated for 90\u00b0C conductor temperature, the <strong>ampacity<\/strong> (current-carrying capacity) is still based on the 60\u00b0C column of the NEC ampacity tables for most applications. The higher temperature rating provides a safety margin.\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>NM-B vs Romex: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/h2>\n<p>\\nMany people ask about <strong>NM-B vs Romex<\/strong>\u2014but they&#8217;re actually the same thing.\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Understanding the Terms<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>NM-B<\/strong> = The official electrical code designation (what electricians and inspectors call it)<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Romex<\/strong> = A brand name owned by Southwire that has become the common term (like &#8216;Kleenex&#8217; for tissues)<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<strong>All Romex is NM-B cable, but not all NM-B cable is technically &#8216;Romex&#8217; brand.<\/strong>\\n\\nWhen you go to a hardware store and ask for &#8216;Romex,&#8217; you&#8217;ll get NM-B cable. When reading electrical codes or inspection reports, you&#8217;ll see it called &#8216;NM-B&#8217; or &#8216;Type NM-B.&#8217;\\n<\/p>\n<h3>What &#8216;Romex&#8217; Actually Means<\/h3>\n<p>\\n&#8217;Romex&#8217; is simply a trade name that stuck. Other manufacturers make identical NM-B cable under different brand names:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Southwire&#8217;s Romex<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Cerrowire&#8217;s NM-B<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>United Copper&#8217;s NM-B<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>And many others<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\nThey all meet the same NEC standards for Type NM-B cable.\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>What Is NM-B Wire Used For?<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<strong>Type NM wire<\/strong> is the standard cable for residential electrical installations. Here&#8217;s where it&#8217;s commonly used:\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Common NM-B Wire Applications<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Application<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Typical Wire Size<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Lighting circuits<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>14\/2 or 14\/3 NM-B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>15-amp circuits<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>General outlets<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>14\/2 or 12\/2 NM-B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>15 or 20-amp circuits<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Kitchen outlets<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>12\/2 NM-B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>20-amp small appliance circuits<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Bathroom outlets<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>12\/2 NM-B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>20-amp circuits<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>240V appliances<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>10\/2 or 8\/3 NM-B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Dryers, ranges, water heaters<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Air conditioner<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>10\/2 or 12\/2 NM-B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Based on unit requirements<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Three-way switches<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>14\/3 or 12\/3 NM-B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Requires 3-wire cable<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Where NM-B Cable Can Be Used<\/h3>\n<p>\\n\u2705 <strong>Approved locations:<\/strong>\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Inside walls, ceilings, and floors<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Exposed in dry locations (basements, attics)<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>One and two-family dwellings<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Multi-family dwellings (with restrictions)<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Apartments and condos (interior only)<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n\u274c <strong>Not permitted:<\/strong>\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Exposed to moisture or wet locations<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Underground (direct burial)<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Embedded in concrete<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Exposed outdoors<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>In corrosive environments<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>As service entrance cable<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>In commercial\/industrial buildings (with exceptions)<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Exposed in garages (must be protected above 8 feet)<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding NM-B Wire Size Markings<\/h2>\n<p>\\nWhen you look at NM-B cable, you&#8217;ll see markings like &#8217;14\/2,&#8217; &#8217;12\/2,&#8217; or &#8217;10\/3.&#8217; Here&#8217;s what they mean:\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Decoding Wire Size Numbers<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<strong>Format: [Gauge] \/ [Number of Conductors]<\/strong>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Marking<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Wire Gauge<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Number of Conductors<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>What It Contains<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>14\/2<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>14 AWG<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>2 current-carrying<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>1 hot (black), 1 neutral (white), 1 ground (bare)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>14\/3<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>14 AWG<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>3 current-carrying<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>1 hot (black), 1 hot (red), 1 neutral (white), 1 ground (bare)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>12\/2<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>12 AWG<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>2 current-carrying<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>1 hot (black), 1 neutral (white), 1 ground (bare)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>12\/3<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>12 AWG<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>3 current-carrying<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>1 hot (black), 1 hot (red), 1 neutral (white), 1 ground (bare)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>10\/2<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>10 AWG<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>2 current-carrying<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>1 hot (black), 1 neutral (white), 1 ground (bare)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<strong>Note<\/strong>: The ground wire is not counted in the &#8216;\/2&#8217; or &#8216;\/3&#8217; designation\u2014it&#8217;s always present as an extra bare or green wire.<code>\\n<\/code>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>NM-B Wire Ampacity Chart<\/h2>\n<p>\\nThe <strong>NM-B wire ampacity<\/strong> determines how much current the wire can safely carry. This is critical for proper circuit protection.\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Standard NM-B Ampacity Ratings<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Wire Size<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Maximum Ampacity<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Circuit Breaker Size<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Common Use<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>14 AWG<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>15 amps<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>15-amp breaker<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Lighting, general outlets<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>12 AWG<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>20 amps<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>20-amp breaker<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Kitchen, bathroom, general outlets<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>10 AWG<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>30 amps<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>30-amp breaker<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Water heater, window AC, dryer (partial)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>8 AWG<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>40 amps<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>40-amp breaker<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Electric range, large AC units<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>6 AWG<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>55 amps<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>50-amp breaker<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Electric range, large appliances<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Important Ampacity Notes<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<strong>Temperature derating<\/strong>: When multiple NM-B cables are bundled together or pass through insulation, ampacity must be reduced. Consult NEC Article 310 for specific derating factors.\\n\\n<strong>Voltage drop<\/strong>: For long runs (over 50-100 feet), consider using larger wire to minimize voltage drop, even if ampacity is adequate.\\n\\n<strong>Always use proper breaker size<\/strong>: The breaker must match the wire size, never exceed it:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>14 AWG \u2192 Maximum 15-amp breaker<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>12 AWG \u2192 Maximum 20-amp breaker<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>10 AWG \u2192 Maximum 30-amp breaker<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>NM vs NM-B: What Changed?<\/h2>\n<p>\\nUnderstanding <strong>NM vs NM-B<\/strong> helps explain why the &#8216;B&#8217; designation was added.\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Evolution of Non-Metallic Cable<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Feature<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Original NM<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Modern NM-B<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Introduced<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>1920s<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>1984<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Conductor insulation<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>60\u00b0C rated<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>90\u00b0C rated<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Jacket material<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Paper\/fabric early, then PVC<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Modern PVC compound<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Conductor material<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Copper<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Copper (aluminum available in some sizes)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Ampacity<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Based on 60\u00b0C<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Rated for 90\u00b0C, used at 60\u00b0C ampacity<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Code status<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Obsolete<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Current standard<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Color coding<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Varies<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Standardized (black=hot, white=neutral, red=second hot)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Why the Change to NM-B?<\/h3>\n<p>\\nThe upgrade to NM-B in 1984 provided:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Better heat resistance<\/strong>: Safer in bundled applications<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Improved safety margin<\/strong>: More tolerance for temperature rise<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Modern insulation materials<\/strong>: Better durability and flexibility<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Standardization<\/strong>: Consistent specifications across manufacturers<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>NM vs NMC Cable<\/h2>\n<p>\\nAnother common question: <strong>NM vs NMC cable<\/strong>\u2014what&#8217;s the difference?\\n<\/p>\n<h3>NM-B vs NM-C Cable Comparison<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Feature<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>NM-B<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>NM-C<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Full name<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Non-Metallic sheathed cable, Type B<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Non-Metallic sheathed cable, Type C (corrosion-resistant)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Jacket<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Standard PVC<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Reinforced, moisture-resistant<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Approved locations<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Dry locations only<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Damp, moist, or corrosive locations<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Standard<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>30-50% more expensive<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Common use<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Interior residential wiring<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Barns, garages, crawl spaces<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Availability<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Widely available<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Less common<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<strong>When to use NM-C:<\/strong>\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Unfinished basements with potential moisture<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Attached garages<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Agricultural buildings<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Any location subject to dampness or corrosion<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<strong>Most residential work uses NM-B<\/strong> because interior spaces are considered dry locations.\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>NM-B Installation Requirements<\/h2>\n<p>\\nProper installation of Type NM cable ensures safety and code compliance.\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Securing and Supporting<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Requirement<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Specification<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Support spacing<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Within 12&#8242; of boxes, every 4.5 feet along runs<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Staple type<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Insulated staples that don&#8217;t damage cable<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Bending radius<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Minimum 5\u00d7 cable diameter<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Protection<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Required where subject to physical damage<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Running NM-B Through Framing<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Holes in studs<\/strong>: 1-1\/4&#8242; minimum from edge of stud<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Notches<\/strong>: Protect with 1\/16&#8242; steel plate<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li><strong>Multiple cables<\/strong>: Maintain spacing when possible to prevent overheating<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Exposure and Protection<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Location<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Requirements<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Attics<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Protected from damage, run along joists or through holes<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Basements<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Can be exposed on walls, must be supported properly<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Garages<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Protected above 8 feet from floor<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Crawl spaces<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Protected where accessible<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>Common NM-B Wire Questions<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Can I use NM-B wire outdoors?<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<strong>No.<\/strong> NM-B is rated for dry locations only. For outdoor use:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Use UF (Underground Feeder) cable<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Use individual THWN wires in conduit<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Use direct burial rated cable<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Can NM-B wire be used in conduit?<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<strong>Technically yes, but it&#8217;s not ideal.<\/strong> NM-B can be run through conduit for physical protection, but:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Individual THWN wires are preferred for conduit runs<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>NM-B jacket doesn&#8217;t slide easily through conduit<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Multiple NM-B cables in conduit require derating<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>What&#8217;s the difference between with ground and w\/ground?<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<strong>They mean the same thing.<\/strong> Modern NM-B always includes a ground wire:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>&#8216;With ground&#8217; or &#8216;w\/ground&#8217; on the jacket<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Always includes bare or green ground conductor<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Ground wire not counted in the \/2 or \/3 designation<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Can I bury NM-B wire?<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<strong>No.<\/strong> NM-B is not rated for burial. Use:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>UF (Underground Feeder) cable for direct burial<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Schedule 40 PVC conduit with THWN wire<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Metal conduit with appropriate wire<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>Safety Considerations<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>Identifying NM-B Cable Problems<\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<table>\\n<\/p>\n<thead>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Warning Sign<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>What It Means<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th>Action<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Melted or burned insulation<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Overheating, overloaded circuit<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Replace immediately<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Exposed conductors<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Damaged jacket<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Repair or replace<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Water exposure<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Cable compromised<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Replace with appropriate cable type<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Rodent damage<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Chewed insulation<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Replace affected sections<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr>\\n<\/p>\n<td><strong>Old fabric-wrapped wire<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Pre-NM-B cable<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td>Consider upgrade during renovation<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3>When to Call an Electrician<\/h3>\n<p>\\nDIY electrical work is legal in most areas for homeowners working on their own property, but consider professional help for:\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Service panel work<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>240V circuits<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Any work requiring permits<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Situations where you&#8217;re unsure about code requirements<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Complex three-way or four-way switch circuits<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>\\nNM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B\u2014the &#8216;B&#8217; designation indicating the modern 90\u00b0C temperature-rated version that&#8217;s been the residential wiring standard since 1984. Whether you call it NM-B, Romex, or &#8216;that wire with the plastic jacket,&#8217; it&#8217;s the backbone of home electrical systems across North America.\\n\\n<strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong>\\n<\/p>\n<ul>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>NM-B means Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B (90\u00b0C rated)<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>The &#8216;B&#8217; distinguishes it from the older 60\u00b0C rated NM cable<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>&#8216;Romex&#8217; is a brand name that&#8217;s become synonymous with NM-B cable<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Use 14 AWG for 15-amp circuits, 12 AWG for 20-amp circuits<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Only use NM-B in dry locations\u2014never outdoors or buried<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Always follow NEC and local codes for proper installation<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li>Wire size markings (14\/2, 12\/3) indicate gauge and number of current-carrying conductors<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\nUnderstanding NM-B cable helps you make informed decisions about home wiring projects and communicate effectively with electricians and inspectors.\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\\n\\n<em>Have electrical wiring questions? Always consult a licensed electrician for work beyond your skill level and follow all local electrical codes.<\/em>&#8220;}]}],&#8221;section_settings&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;},&#8221;scripts&#8221;:{},&#8221;css&#8221;:{},&#8221;css_page&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;template_setting&#8221;:{&#8220;settings&#8221;:{&#8220;id&#8221;:&#8221;settings&#8221;}},&#8221;template_setting_top&#8221;:{},&#8221;page_setting&#8221;:{&#8220;settings&#8221;:[&#8220;lock-mode-off&#8221;]},&#8221;post_type_setting&#8221;:{&#8220;settings&#8221;:{&#8220;image&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp|380|800|11901&#8243;,&#8221;excerpt&#8221;:&#8221;NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C  in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.&#8221;,&#8221;extra_1&#8243;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;extra_2&#8243;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;icon&#8221;:{&#8220;icon&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;icon_style&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;icon_image&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}}}}<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>{&#8220;main-title&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;main-title&#8221;,&#8221;title&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;subtitle&#8221;:&#8221;NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.&#8221;,&#8221;title_content&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title_image&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;title-image&#8221;,&#8221;image&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp|380|800|11901&#8243;,&#8221;full_screen&#8221;:false,&#8221;full_screen_height&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;parallax&#8221;:false,&#8221;bleed&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;ken_burn&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;overlay&#8221;:&#8221;transparent-dark&#8221;,&#8221;breadcrumbs&#8221;:true,&#8221;white&#8221;:true,&#8221;position&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_section&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;,&#8221;section_width&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;vertical_row&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;box_middle&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;section_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_column&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;column_vtfQF&#8221;,&#8221;column_width&#8221;:&#8221;col-md-12&#8243;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;main_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_wp_editor&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;Xhugf&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;editor_content&#8221;:&#8221;NM-B stands for &#8216;Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B,&#8217; where [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11901,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TOT Wire &amp; Cable\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-24T01:29:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"380\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"totcables\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"totcables\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900\",\"name\":\"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-24T01:29:24+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66a1609cf8573817b344f580b01fc402\"},\"description\":\"NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp\",\"width\":800,\"height\":380,\"caption\":\"what does the b stand for in nm-b wire\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"\u9996\u9875\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/\",\"name\":\"TOT Wire & Cable\",\"description\":\"Leading Wire and Cable Supplier &amp; Manufacturer\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66a1609cf8573817b344f580b01fc402\",\"name\":\"totcables\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/60f095fd74e776119ea1c6bf287b8a494a9337c31ecfddd4b710685b0eba600e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/60f095fd74e776119ea1c6bf287b8a494a9337c31ecfddd4b710685b0eba600e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"totcables\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/totcables.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?author=1\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable","description":"NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable","og_description":"NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.","og_url":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900","og_site_name":"TOT Wire &amp; Cable","article_published_time":"2025-11-24T01:29:24+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":380,"url":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"totcables","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"totcables","Est. reading time":"1 minute"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900","url":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900","name":"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp","datePublished":"2025-11-24T01:29:24+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66a1609cf8573817b344f580b01fc402"},"description":"NM-B stands for Non-Metallic sheathed cable, type B, where the B indicates the cable is rated for 90\u00b0C in dry locations. This designation identifies the most common electrical cable used in residential wiring\u2014what most people call Romex a brand name that has become synonymous with NM-B cable.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/what-does-the-b-stand-for-in-nm-b-wire.webp","width":800,"height":380,"caption":"what does the b stand for in nm-b wire"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11900#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"\u9996\u9875","item":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Does NM-B Stand For? Understanding NM-B Wire and Romex Cable"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/","name":"TOT Wire & Cable","description":"Leading Wire and Cable Supplier &amp; Manufacturer","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#\/schema\/person\/66a1609cf8573817b344f580b01fc402","name":"totcables","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/60f095fd74e776119ea1c6bf287b8a494a9337c31ecfddd4b710685b0eba600e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/60f095fd74e776119ea1c6bf287b8a494a9337c31ecfddd4b710685b0eba600e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"totcables"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/totcables.com"],"url":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?author=1"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11900"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11900\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11902,"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11900\/revisions\/11902"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}