Wire & Cable

Wire & Cable brings together building wire, low-voltage cable and the tools and accessories used to run and terminate it. Southwire supplies much of the building wire, including SIMpull NM-B in 14/2, 12/3 and 10/2, THHN/THWN conductors and 14/2 UF underground feeder cable, alongside 6/3 copper cable from Arizona Electrical Solutions. NAOEVO offers 16 AWG low-voltage cable. Accessories include Wago lever-nut connectors, nail plates for studs, cushioned cable clamps, a Klein ratcheting cable cutter, a hydraulic crimper, an RJ45 crimp kit, pipe heating cable and short Maximm extension cords.

Conductor size is the first decision because it sets how much current a circuit can safely carry. In typical residential copper wiring, 14 AWG serves 15 A circuits, 12 AWG serves 20 A and 10 AWG serves 30 A loads such as dryers and water heaters, with larger sizes like 6 AWG for ranges and subpanels. The second number in a label such as 12/3 counts insulated conductors, not including ground. Then match the cable type to the location: non-metallic sheathed cable for dry interior walls, UF-type cable for direct burial and single THHN conductors pulled through conduit. Connectors must be rated for the number and gauge of wires they join.

In Canada, residential wiring is governed by the Canadian Electrical Code, and non-metallic sheathed cable here is normally designated NMD90. Cable sold under US designations such as NM-B or UF should be checked for markings that show it is certified for Canadian use before it goes into a wall. Most provinces require a permit for new circuits. Fit nail plates wherever cable passes within about 32 mm of a stud face, and always de-energize a circuit before cutting into it.

Frequently asked questions

What does 14/2 or 12/3 mean on electrical cable?

The first number is the conductor gauge in AWG; a smaller number means a thicker wire. The second number is how many insulated current-carrying conductors are in the jacket, not counting the bare or green ground. So 14/2 has black and white conductors plus ground, while 12/3 adds a red conductor for three-way switches or split circuits.

Is NM-B wire the same as NMD90?

They serve the same purpose, non-metallic sheathed cable for dry interior locations, but NM-B is the US designation under the National Electrical Code and NMD90 is the Canadian designation under the Canadian Electrical Code. Inspectors in Canada look for cable marked as certified for Canadian use, so check the jacket printing before installing any building wire.

Can UF cable be buried directly in the ground?

Yes, UF (underground feeder) cable is designed for direct burial, unlike standard indoor sheathed cable. Required burial depth depends on the circuit, the location and whether the cable is protected by conduit or a concrete cover. Where it rises out of the ground it usually needs mechanical protection. Check your provincial electrical code for the exact depths and requirements.

Are Wago lever nuts as reliable as twist-on wire connectors?

Lever-action connectors like the Wago 221 series are widely used and are tested and listed for building wiring within their rated wire range and current. They make it easy to add or remove a conductor without twisting. Strip the wire to the length shown on the connector, insert fully and close the lever. Confirm the listing covers your wire gauge.