Can Romex be used outdoors?

Romex is generally intended for protected locations. Outdoor wiring needs a cable or raceway system rated for moisture, sunlight, and physical exposure.

Why does Romex have different jacket colors?

Romex jacket colors commonly help identify the cable type or conductor size. Electricians still verify the printed markings before selecting cable for a circuit.

Glossary

What Is Romex?

Q: Is Romex the same as electrical wire?

Romex is a complete cable assembly that contains multiple insulated conductors and a grounding conductor. Electrical wire can also refer to an individual conductor.

Romex is a common trade name for nonmetallic-sheathed cable used in residential wiring. The cable contains insulated conductors and a grounding conductor inside a flexible plastic jacket. Electricians use it for branch circuits in walls, ceilings, and other protected spaces where the installation conditions suit nonmetallic cable.

Quick Facts About Romex

Key Takeaways About Romex

Romex has a flexible nonmetallic outer jacket.
The cable carries circuit conductors and a grounding conductor.
Romex is not the same as conduit or individual wire.

How Romex Works

Two men carefully strip and connect yellow electrical cable at a cluttered workbench indoors

Romex carries electrical current through insulated conductors enclosed by a protective nonmetallic jacket. A separate grounding conductor travels inside the cable. The jacket keeps the conductors together and helps protect them during installation in suitable enclosed building spaces.

Related glossary terms: Branch Circuit, Conduit, Junction Box.

Electricians select cable based on the circuit design, conductor arrangement, and installation conditions. Each conductor connects to the correct device, switch, panel, or junction point. The cable ends inside an approved electrical box, where connections remain protected and accessible for inspection or repair.

Romex in Wiring Repair

During wiring repair, an electrician checks the jacket for damage and examines how the cable enters boxes. The repair also includes checking conductor connections and confirming that the grounding path remains continuous. Damaged cable may need replacement when repairs cannot restore a sound, protected connection.

A coiled yellow hose shows the blue word Romex against a blurred indoor background

From the Chris Miller Electric team

When we inspect Romex, we check the cable jacket, cable entry points, and connections inside each accessible box. We also trace the circuit to identify damaged sections, loose terminations, or wiring that does not suit the surrounding installation.

Romex in Practice: A Real-World Example

A homeowner finds a damaged cable behind an outlet during an electrical wiring repair. We inspect the exposed section, check the connected circuit, and determine whether the cable can be repaired or needs replacement.