Romex - Modern household wiring
Romex is the modern standard for household wiring. Its technical name is Non-metalic,or NM cable. The newest kind is NM-B. NM-B is the new standard, so if you have new wiring installed, this is the kind you would get.
What is important to know is that this wiring, when installed correctly, is very reliable, and should last for decades.
Unlike Knob and Tube, or some older cloth wiring, romex always has a ground wire, which does make it inherently safer, both from a fireproofing standpoint, and it is less likely to allaw someone to be shocked.
Its outer jacket is slipperly and makes installation easy. The only problem is that the cable is relatively soft, and can be damaged by a nail or screw that is driven into the wall. It is important to know that if you see an electrician installing romex that it should be run through the very center of the studs.
It is required to be 1 1/4" inches in from the face of the stud, on both sides. If this is impossible, the a nail guard(steel plate), must be put over the wire to prevent someone from using a nail or screw there.
In all new residential installations Arc Fault Breakers are required in most of the circuits in your house. These breakers will not reset if the wire is damaged, or installed incorrectly. It is a good idea to have them put in existing houses, because they really do help prevent electrical fires.
The good news is that if you see you service panel is fuilled with romex wires, you can rest assured that the wiring is not that old, and is certainly not rotting.
What is important to know is that this wiring, when installed correctly, is very reliable, and should last for decades.
Unlike Knob and Tube, or some older cloth wiring, romex always has a ground wire, which does make it inherently safer, both from a fireproofing standpoint, and it is less likely to allaw someone to be shocked.
Its outer jacket is slipperly and makes installation easy. The only problem is that the cable is relatively soft, and can be damaged by a nail or screw that is driven into the wall. It is important to know that if you see an electrician installing romex that it should be run through the very center of the studs.
It is required to be 1 1/4" inches in from the face of the stud, on both sides. If this is impossible, the a nail guard(steel plate), must be put over the wire to prevent someone from using a nail or screw there.
In all new residential installations Arc Fault Breakers are required in most of the circuits in your house. These breakers will not reset if the wire is damaged, or installed incorrectly. It is a good idea to have them put in existing houses, because they really do help prevent electrical fires.
The good news is that if you see you service panel is fuilled with romex wires, you can rest assured that the wiring is not that old, and is certainly not rotting.
We are not like other Ithaca Electricians
LaMorte Electric was founded by Brian LaMorte and Dawn Bricen LaMorte to provide quality electrical contracting services to Ithaca (14850), Tompkins County and the surrounding areas. All of our Electricians are highly trained, clean, polite, and prompt. It is not uncommon for electricians to be rude, late, or turn down work that they think is beneath them, we promise to treat you the way you want to be treated.
If you would like to see our reviews of LaMorte Electric, click here.
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Glossary -Good things to know
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If you would like to see our reviews of LaMorte Electric, click here.
Contact us by Service Request Form
Glossary -Good things to know
Need a Graphic Designer?
Check out Sunrise Studios Design at www.sunrisestudiosdesign.com
