How to Install Romex Wiring | eHow

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Jerry Walch

Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jerry Walch has been writing articles for the DIY market since 1974. His work has appeared in Family Handyman magazine, Popular Science, "Popular Mechanics," Handy and other publications. Walch spent 40 years working in the electrical trades and holds an Associate of Applied Science in applied electrical engineering technology from Alvin Junior College.

In 1922, General Cable of Rome, New York invented and patented the Romex brand of nonmetallic sheathed cable. Before that BX armored cable was the most common wiring systems used in homes. BX cable replaced the older knob and tubing wiring method. Today Romex is the trade name given to many different brands of nonmetallic sheathed cable.

Romex is the wiring method of choice when wiring homes because it's the easiest wiring method to install. Unlike wiring systems involving conduit, the electrician doesn't need expensive cutting, threading and bending tools. All the electrician needs to install it are regular hand tools.

Route the Romex cable from the service panel to its destination. Install the cable by stapling it to the side of framing members and by passing it through holes drilled in framing members. You may also lay the cable into notches cut into the face of framing members as long as nailing plates protect the cable.

Drill the holes through the framing members so that the front edge of the holes are at least 1 1/4 inches in from the front edge of the framing members using the 3/8-inch drill/driver and a 1/2-inch spade bit. The National Electrical Code requires this minimal spacing to protect the cable from being damaged by nails or screws when the wall finish is installed.

Lay the Romex cable into notches cut into framing members when installing Romex in a finished wall. Using notches requires less cutting into the finished wall than drilling through studs does. Most electricians remove the baseboards in a room and cut their notches behind the baseboard using the baseboard to conceal their cuts. The National Electrical Code requires that a steel nailing plate be installed over the cable when it's laid in a notch to protect it from damage by nails or screws.

Staple the Romex along the sides of the framing member so that it's at least 1 1/4 inches back from the front edge of the framing member as required by code.

Secure the cable to the side of framing members using cable staples. Place staples within 6 inches of each box and at a maximum of 48 inches in between. This is a code requirement also.

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How to Install Romex Wiring | eHow