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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Necro on October 20, 2008, 12:56:43 pm

Title: NM Wire for AC Power?
Post by: Necro on October 20, 2008, 12:56:43 pm

Just wondering, is there a reason people don't use NM wire for running the AC wiring in their cabs?  I'm debating using it for my two flourescent lights (with pigtails to split it) but I'm trying to determine why people almost never use it.  Seems like it would be preferred/cleaner than using 3 strands of 14 gauge wire (which you'd need to buy 3 colors to do).

Just curious as I'm trying to determine how much/what wire to buy.

Title: Re: NM Wire for AC Power?
Post by: Kevin Mullins on October 20, 2008, 01:40:51 pm

Functionality wise .... nothing wrong with it.
But the solid copper core might be difficult to work with depending on what it's getting connected to and how.
Wire nuts and such would be OK for something like a fluorescent light fixture.
But crimping spade connectors or something to it would be a bit more troublesome. (say if you were trying to connect the NM to a fuse block,  etc)

Title: Re: NM Wire for AC Power?
Post by: Necro on October 20, 2008, 02:40:46 pm

Gotcha.

Was assuming I would be getting solid core for the AC power no matter what, but I'm thinking stranded might be better. 

Given, a foot of 3 wires is actually cheaper than a foot of NM cable so...

Thanks!