What is Romex?

Romex is the trademark brand for non-metallic sheathed cable, officially called NM cable. It consists of two or more individual copper wires with individual insulation, bundled together and enclosed in a flexible plastic outer sheath. The cable comes in various gauges (12 AWG, 10 AWG, and others) depending on the circuit's amperage rating.

In residential work, Romex runs inside walls, attics, and crawl spaces to carry power from the breaker panel to outlets, switches, and fixtures. It is flexible enough to navigate tight spaces and is faster to install than older wiring methods like knob-and-tube or rigid conduit. The plastic sheath provides basic protection, though it still requires protection from physical damage in accessible areas like basements or garages.

Most residential electricians in Sanford work with Romex regularly. It must meet local electrical codes and building standards, and building inspectors verify that cable runs are properly supported, not damaged, and correctly terminated at boxes and connections. Understanding Romex cable specifications, rating, and installation rules is essential for any new circuit, repair, or service upgrade in a home.