Which type of cable is most commonly utilized for residential wiring within walls?

Which type of cable is most commonly utilized for residential wiring within walls?

• A. Armored cable
• B. Non-metallic sheathed cable (NM cable)
• C. Metal-clad cable
• D. Fiber optic cable

Answer: (B)

Non-metallic sheathed cable, commonly known as NM cable, is the most prevalent choice for residential wiring within walls due to several practical advantages. This type of cable typically consists of two or more conductors insulated with a non-conductive material, and it is often covered with a flexible plastic sheath that helps to protect the wires. One of the key reasons NM cable is favored for residential use is its ease of installation. The lightweight and flexible design makes it simple to maneuver in tight spaces within walls. Additionally, NM cable is cost-effective compared to armored and metal-clad options, making it an attractive choice for home builders and electricians. Moreover, NM cable is approved for use in a variety of residential settings, provided it is installed according to local electrical codes. It adequately meets the electrical requirements of common household circuits without the need for added lateral protection, as required for armored cables in some applications. In contrast, armored and metal-clad cables are primarily used in areas where additional protection against physical damage is necessary, such as commercial settings or exposed installations. Fiber optic cable, while important for telecommunications, is not suitable for standard residential electrical wiring applications. Therefore, NM cable stands out as the best choice for typical residential wiring inside walls.

Non-metallic sheathed cable, commonly known as NM cable, is the most prevalent choice for residential wiring within walls due to several practical advantages. This type of cable typically consists of two or more conductors insulated with a non-conductive material, and it is often covered with a flexible plastic sheath that helps to protect the wires.

One of the key reasons NM cable is favored for residential use is its ease of installation. The lightweight and flexible design makes it simple to maneuver in tight spaces within walls. Additionally, NM cable is cost-effective compared to armored and metal-clad options, making it an attractive choice for home builders and electricians.

Moreover, NM cable is approved for use in a variety of residential settings, provided it is installed according to local electrical codes. It adequately meets the electrical requirements of common household circuits without the need for added lateral protection, as required for armored cables in some applications.

In contrast, armored and metal-clad cables are primarily used in areas where additional protection against physical damage is necessary, such as commercial settings or exposed installations. Fiber optic cable, while important for telecommunications, is not suitable for standard residential electrical wiring applications. Therefore, NM cable stands out as the best choice for typical residential wiring inside walls.