Translations:Conductor types/12/en
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All circuits involve more than one conductor, therefore using cables that include multiple cables can save time and reduce costs on installations. Additionally, using cables of this type brings advantages that single wires do not offer.
| Type | Characteristics | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Non-metallic indoor rated (NMC) | A varying number of wires of a chosen size bundled inside of a flexible plastic jacket or fused together. Cheap and easy to use with but should only be installed in locations where it is protected from damage or in a conduit if it is an appropriate type of cable to be used in a conduit. | Indoor circuits in protected locations. |
| Service entrance cable (SE and USE) | A varying number of wires of a chosen size bundled inside of multiple layers of insulation that provide excellent protection against damage, water and degradation. SE cables can only be used above ground and have a a jacket that provides protection against sun damage and fire. USE cables can be directly buried underground without conduit if at a sufficient depth, but do not have the same protection against the sun or fire. Cheap and easy to use. | Outdoor circuits that need to be run underground. |
| Metal clad indoor rated (MC) | A varying number of wires of a chosen size bundled inside of a flexible metal jacket. More expensive than other cable options but provides superior protection. | Indoor wiring used in a location where it must be protected. |
| Stranded parallel thermoplastic (STP) | Two conductors joined together by plastic that are used to for one circuit. Cheap and easy to use with. Should be installed in a conduit. | Low-current indoor circuits. |
