ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Romex?

A small local EC (buys from big boxes) brought me a section of wire for an opinion. The labeling is:GCC-K Romex 14/3 with ground Type NM-B 600 volts (UL) 6/27/01 #2173/2616.
The conductors are THHN but the insulation is thinner than some THHN that I have and there is no filler in the jacket. It is about 25% smaller overall than some 14/3 w/g that I have. Since I haven't been active in homes, is this normal now or is this an import from China?
Rowdy

That's how all the 14/3 and other types of NM cable are made now. If it's from General Cable then it's American made. Although the actual copper could come from anywhere.

The "K" stands for Kingman, which was General Cable's Kingman, Arizona plant before it was sold to Southwire.

</totally useless information>

Rowdy,

I'm not sure of the particular piece you have but I have noticed a real need to make sure that romex connectors (metal) are not tightened too much on these new 'thinner' cables. They seem to short very easily.

Bill

The Southwire 14/3 is a lot tighter that the stuff my supply house sells ( usually General or Carroll). Same with all Southwire Romex. Even though it's smaller I've found it's tougher to pull than the old stuff. Don't know why though.

Bill:

How common is it (among you pros out there) to test (with a continuity tester, etc.) before turning on the power? I agree that the newer cable jacketing is not very forgiving.