NNC Wire And Cable Buyer Guide - Nassau National Cable

Welcome to the NNC Cable Buyer’s Guide! This guide simplifies the process of selecting the perfect cable for residential, commercial, or industrial projects.

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Before You Start - NNC Cable Buyer Guide Glossary

Basic Terms

• Amperage (A): Measures the flow of electrical current in amperes (amps). Indicates how much current a cable can carry safely.
• Voltage (V): Measures the electric potential difference in volts. Determines how much force pushes electrons through the conductor.
• Wattage (W): Measures electrical power, calculated as volts × amps. Shows the power consumption or output.
• Resistance (Ω): Opposes the current flow, measured in ohms. Lower resistance improves efficiency.
• Gauge (AWG): Indicates wire thickness. Lower numbers mean thicker wires, which carry more current.
• Conductor: The material (usually copper or aluminum) inside the cable that carries electricity.
• Insulation: The protective layer around the conductor. Prevents electrical shocks and shorts.

Amperage Chart

Amperage Ratings wire size 14 12 10 8 6 4 3 2 1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 Cooper NM-b, UF 15 20 30 40 55 70 85 95 RHW, THWN, XHHW, SE, USE 15 20 30 40 55 70 85 95 RHH, THHN 15 20 30 55 75 95 110 130 150 170 195 225 260 Aluminum RHH, THHN 15 25 45 60 75 85 100 115 135 150 175 205

Common Cable Comparisons

• Stranded vs. Solid Wire: Stranded wire is flexible. It is ideal for movable applications, while solid wire is stiffer and better for fixed installations.
• Copper vs. Aluminum Cables: Copper cables offer better conductivity and durability. Aluminum cables are lighter and more cost-effective.
• THHN vs. THWN Cable: THHN is rated for dry locations only. THWN is rated for both wet and dry locations.
• UF-B vs. NM-B Cable: UF-B is suitable for underground and direct burial. NM-B is for indoor use and must be protected from moisture.
• SER vs. SEU Cable: SER is used for multi-conductor service entrances. SEU is for single-phase service entrance connections.
• Tray Cable (TC) vs. Control Cable: Tray cable is designed for industrial use in trays. Control cable transmits signals in machinery or processes.
• Direct Burial vs. Underground Service Cable (USE-2): Direct burial cable can be installed directly into the ground. USE-2 is rated for ducts or conduits.
• SOOW vs. SJOW Cable: SOOW is heavy-duty and oil-resistant. It is suitable for outdoor use, while SJOW is light-duty and better for indoor use.
• XHHW vs. THHN: XHHW is resistant to heat and moisture. It is ideal for outdoor use, while THHN is economical and suited for indoor applications.
• Overhead Duplex vs. Triplex vs. Quadruplex: Duplex is for low-power single-phase. Triplex is for moderate-power single-phase, and quadruplex is for high-power three-phase connections.

Cable Letter Codes

• T: Thermoplastic insulation.
• H: Heat-resistant.
• HH: High Heat-resistant.
• W: Water-resistant.
• X: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation.
• R: Rubber insulation.
• O: Oil-resistant outer jacket.
• OO: Oil-resistant outer jacket and insulation.
• U: Underground use.
• S: Service cord for portable power.
• E: Thermoplastic elastomer jacket.
• J: Junior service cord (300V).
• V: Light-duty vacuum cleaner cord.
• USE-2: Underground Service Entrance cable.
• MTW: Machine tool wire for industrial use.
• Z: Weather-resistant.

Insulation Types Glossary

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A cost-effective and widely used insulation material. It offers flexibility and is suitable for indoor applications.
• Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE): A durable insulation material with excellent resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals. It is ideal for outdoor and high-temperature environments.
• Rubber Insulation: Provides flexibility and is highly resistant to heat and abrasion. Is suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• Silicone Rubber: Offers excellent high-temperature resistance, often used in industrial and high-performance applications.
• Teflon (PTFE): Known for its high resistance to heat, chemicals, and abrasion, it is used in high-performance and specialty cables.
• Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR): A flexible and durable insulation material with good heat and moisture resistance, often used in industrial applications.
• Neoprene: A flexible, oil-resistant insulation used in marine and industrial cables.
• High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE): Highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and moisture, used in direct burial cables.