Southwire introduces four-conductor NM cable

Southwire Company has announced the introduction of a new four conductor non-metallic (NM-B) cable that will provide labor savings to contractors while meeting new code requirements. The Type NM-B 2/2/conductor cable, marketed by Southwire under the ROMEX®brand name, is designed for running two circuits to bedrooms in areas that require the new Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI).

The new ROMEX® Extra Circuit NM-B, available in 14 and 12 gauge, contains four conductors-black, white, red, and white with red stripe- and a bare copper grounding conductor.

"Historically, contractors have used three conductor cables and a shared neutral for two bedroom circuits to reduce the labor costs over installing two cables," explained Dave Mercier, technical director for Southwire's Electrical Division. "However, with the newly required AFCI breakers for bedrooms, many builders must now use separate neutrals when two circuits are needed. Southwire's new 2/2/conductor cable with two neutrals solves this problem for the contractor while continuing to offer labor savings and convenience," he added.

According to Mercier, the new four-conductor NM product can also be used for other applications requiring separate circuits and provide similar benefits for the contractor. "Over the years, local codes have been developed in certain areas of the country that require separate circuits for bedrooms," he noted. "Our ROMEX® four conductor NM product is ideal for these special requirements. It allows the contractor to run back-to-back bedroom circuits while simplifying installation and reducing unsightly bundles of cable at the breaker box," said Mercier.

"The introduction of our new ROMEX® four-conductor NM-B cable is another industry first for Southwire and a direct response to a customer need," said Jack Carlson, president of Southwire's Electrical Division.

"We're proud to continue the Southwire tradition of introducing innovative products that are destined to become industry standards."

Along with the new four-conductor cable, the ROMEX® product offering includes a new line of color-coded NM cable introduced by Southwire in December 2001. The new ROMEX® Extra Color NM-B is color-coded by gauge size, providing inventory and installation advantages to the construction and retail markets.

A technology leader in the market for more than 50 years, Southwire Company is North America's largest building wire producer and one of the world's leading wire and cable manufacturers. The company's product line includes copper and aluminum building wire, industrial power cable, flexible power cord, metal-clad (MC) cable, utility products, and copper and aluminum rod. Southwire's headquarters is in Carrollton, Ga., 40 miles west of Atlanta.

For more information, please visit: Southwire Company

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