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14-Gauge Wire
Medium-thick wire commonly used in residential lamps, receptacles and light-duty cords
12-Gauge Wire
Medium-thick wire used for household circuits, such as outlets and kitchen appliances
10-Gauge Wire
Thick wire used for powering heavy-duty appliances, like water heaters and air conditioners
8-Gauge Wire
Heavy-duty wire often powering large appliances, like electric ranges, dryers or subpanels
6-Gauge Wire
Thick, high-capacity wire used for large appliances, subpanels or electric vehicle chargers
4-Gauge Wire
Heavy-duty conductor used for high-current applications, like large subpanels or high-power vehicle chargers
Electrical wiring and electrical connectors are essential elements in residential and commercial buildings. In fact, the average home has about two miles of cable running through it. There are a variety of cables and connectors that offer different uses, from doorbell wiring and thermostat wiring to ROMEX Wire, ethernet cord wires, weatherproof wiring connectors and more. Below we’ll provide some helpful information to make it easier to identify the many types of wiring available.
How to Identify Wiring and Cables
On wiring jackets, you’ll see a letter code, which indicates attributes of the wire, including material, gauge and voltage rating. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has a letter system that makes it easy to quickly identify a wire’s capabilities. Some common codes include THHN, XHHW and THW. THHN is the most commonly used wire in conduit and cable trays for services in commercial or industrial applications. Below are some common letters and attributes seen regularly in residential wiring:
Most residential wire is labeled “CU” for copper, the standard conductor for home electricity. Copper wires are insulated to prevent fire and shock since current flows along their surface.
Aluminum wire, while more conductive, deteriorates faster and is rarely used in modern homes. Older wiring may be aluminum or copper-clad aluminum. Per NEC guidelines, only a licensed electrician should install aluminum wiring.
Color-Coded Jackets for NM-B
Color-coded jackets are used on non-metallic (NM-B) wiring as a simple way to identify the gauge of the wires inside. The colors include:
Popular Cable Types
These are just a few of the many wiring types that we carry. For a more in-depth look, check out our Electrical Wire and Cable Buying Guide. Whether you just need to pick up a coaxial cable or butt connector or need to learn how to run electrical wiring in a new home or addition, we’ve got all of the supplies from trusted brands like Southwire, tools and knowledge you need to safely do the job.
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