Choosing the right electrical wiring is fundamental to any building project’s safety, efficiency, and compliance. For standard interior residential power applications, Flat Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (Flat NM Wire) is a common choice. If your project operates under Philippine standards or requires export to the Philippine market, PNS35 certification becomes critical. At JZD Cable (jzdcable.com), we specialize in manufacturing high-quality PNS35 certified electrical cables, including Flat NM Wire.
Let’s delve into what this cable is, its primary applications, and crucially, how it differs from NM-B wire, especially within the PNS35 framework.
What is Flat NM Wire?
Flat NM Wire, often called “Romex” (a common brand name), is a type of electrical cable designed for indoor use in dry locations. Its distinctive characteristic is its flat, oval-shaped cross-section. This cable bundles two or more insulated current-carrying conductors (typically solid copper THHN/THWN) along with a bare copper ground wire, all encased within a flexible, flame-retardant, moisture-resistant thermoplastic outer jacket.
- Key Features:
- Construction: Solid copper conductors (e.g., THHN/THWN), bare ground wire, thermoplastic sheath (PVC).
- Shape: Flat/oval profile, making it easy to run through framing and staple to surfaces.
- Design Purpose: Primarily for permanent installation within walls, ceilings, and floors in homes and buildings.
- Environment: Rated for dry locations only. Not suitable for wet areas, direct burial, or conduit use.
Why PNS35 Certification Matters: The Philippine National Standard (PNS) 35 sets stringent safety, performance, and dimensional requirements for thermoplastic insulated electrical wires and cables. This certification by the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) is mandatory for wires and cables sold or used in the Philippines. Using PNS35 certified Flat NM Wire (like ours at JZD Cable) ensures compliance with local regulations, guarantees minimum safety standards are met (especially concerning fire resistance and electrical performance), provides reliable quality, and facilitates project approval during inspections. Always look for the official PNS mark.
What is Flat NM Wire Used For?
Flat NM Wire is the backbone wiring for standard power circuits within homes and buildings across the Philippines and many other regions. Its PNS35 certification is essential for these installations within the Philippine market.
- Primary Applications Include:
- Residential Branch Circuits: Powering lighting outlets, receptacle outlets (sockets), switches, and other common household circuits.
- Appliance Circuits: Feeding specific appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, or dishwashers (within their designated current rating).
- Interior Wiring: Running wiring behind walls, above ceilings, and beneath floors in areas protected from moisture.
- Light Commercial Buildings: Office spaces, retail stores, etc., for lighting and general purpose receptacles in dry locations.
- Renovations and Additions: Extending existing circuits or adding new circuits within dry areas of a structure.
PNS35 & JZD Cable Advantage: When you source JZD Cable’s PNS35 certified Flat NM Wire, you ensure your project adheres to Philippine safety regulations. Our cables provide reliable power distribution while meeting the rigorous fire safety and performance tests mandated by the standard.
What is the Difference Between NM and NM-B Wire?
The terms “NM” and “NM-B” often cause confusion, as both refer to Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable. The key difference lies in the temperature rating of the conductor insulation:
- Traditional NM Cable: Older versions (largely obsolete now) used conductors insulated with materials having a maximum operating temperature rating of 60°C (140°F).
- NM-B Cable: The “-B” suffix stands for the higher temperature rating of the conductor insulation. Modern NM-B cables use thermoplastic insulation (like PVC) rated for 90°C (194°F) on the conductors insidethe jacket.
Why This Difference Matters:
- Safety & Capacity: The 90°C rating of NM-B allows for slightly higher ampacity (current-carrying capacity) under certain conditions defined by modern electrical codes (like the Philippine Electrical Code, based on the NEC). It provides an important safety margin concerning heat buildup within circuits.
- Modern Standard: NM-B is the current industry standard for new installations. You will rarely find new stock of the older 60°C rated NM cable. Virtually all NM cable sold today, including PNS35 certified cable, is NM-B. The “NM” designation is still commonly used conversationally, but technically, the product sold is NM-B.
- PNS35 Alignment: The PNS35 standard incorporates requirements aligned with modern materials and safety practices, effectively mandating the performance characteristics found in NM-B cables (including the 90°C rating) for compliance.
Key Differences Summary (NM-B vs. Obsolete NM)
| Feature | NM-B Cable | Obsolete NM Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Suffix | -B | None (or older labels) |
| Conductor Temp Rating | 90°C (194°F) | 60°C (140°F) |
| Current Standard | YES – Required for new installs | NO – Obsolete |
| Ampacity | Higher under certain conditions | Lower |
| Modern Material | PVC insulation rated for 90°C | Older materials (Rubber, etc.) |
| PNS35 Status | Standard Type under PNS35 | Non-compliant & Obsolete |
Choosing the Right Flat NM Wire: PNS35 is Key
For projects in the Philippines or requiring Philippine compliance, PNS35 certification is non-negotiable. Ensure your Flat NM Wire supplier provides genuine PNS35 marked cable. At JZD Cable, we are committed to manufacturing reliable, high-performance PNS35 certified Flat NM Wire (NM-B type) to power your residential and light commercial projects safely and efficiently.
JZD Cable: Your Trusted Source for Compliant Wiring Solutions. Explore our range of Flat NM Wire at jzdcable.com or contact us for your project needs. Let’s build safely, together.
