Orange cable?


  #1  
Old 09-23-18, 05:35 PM
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Orange cable?

Is cable like this still legal or does it need to be replaced when renovating?
it's copper wire bit no markings at all on the cable. Wires seen to be wrapped in some sort of brown layer then insulation.
 
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Old 09-23-18, 05:48 PM
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Color of the cable does not matter and having cloth sheathing is ok.
However, not having ground wire makes it illegal.
 
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Old 09-23-18, 05:50 PM
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That cable most likely has a ground but it will be smaller than the current carrying conductors.
 
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Old 09-23-18, 06:09 PM
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It has ground, someone had just cut it off inside the sheath.
How do I know if it's nmd90 without markings?
 
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Old 09-23-18, 06:10 PM
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If it does have ground, then it is ok to use. Not ideal, but ok.

I would replace if it is easy to do so. If not, just keep it.
 
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Old 09-23-18, 06:17 PM
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Cloth covered non-metallic (NM) cable was used a while back, I think beginning in the 60's. As long as it's in good condition, there's no real reason it needs to be replaced. The wire is actually rubber-coated, so it's much safer and lasts longer than cloth covered wire (which often disintegrates).

The only real issue with this older wire is that it's rated at only 60deg. Newer NM-B/Romex is rated at 90deg. Some light fixtures, especially those with enclosed bulbs may require 90deg wiring. It's less of an issue these days with LED lamps, but it's something to be aware of.

Also, as Pete mentioned, the ground is typically a smaller gauge. Not code compliant for new installations, but really shouldn't be much of an issue for existing installations.
 
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Old 09-24-18, 07:38 AM
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What constitutes new?
As I understood it if I extend a circuit and I find this cable, I have to upgrade since it's not nmd90.
If I just replace a receptacle with no extension of circuit then I can leave as is. Though having receptacles run off nmd60 may not be good.
 

Last edited by qwertyjjj; 09-24-18 at 09:15 AM.
  #8  
Old 09-24-18, 04:36 PM
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You may extend it. It is just that you cannot have lighting (or any other devices) requiring 90C wire.
If runs to the outlets or switches, then this will not be a problem at all.
 
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Old 09-25-18, 04:41 AM
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Ah ok so the nmd90 requirement is only for fixtures with heat ?
Normal receptacles can always be nmd60?
What about portable AC running at 12A - still ok on nmd60?
 
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Old 09-25-18, 05:31 AM
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Normal receptacles can always be nmd60?
New circuits needs to be 90. Existing cable can remain.

Running portable AC is not a problem.
 
 

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