Wire and cable make up the delivery system for electricity in
your home. Running from the main breaker panel or fuse box to
outlets, appliances and fixtures indoors and out, wire and cable
must be sized and installed appropriately to keep electricity
running through your home—and to pass an electrical inspection.
While the terms wire and cable are often used interchangeably,
technically wire is one electrical conductor and cable is a
group of conductors, or wires, encased in sheathing. The
National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes regulate
the types of wire and cable that can be used in specific
electrical applications, as well as the manner of installation.
Check with your local building inspector before you start any
wiring and cable electrical project and be sure to obtain
required permits. When your work is complete, always have it
inspected for compliance with local codes to ensure that it has
been safely installed. This buying guide will explain the
different types of wire and cable and th