Run residential 20-amp three-conductor circuits with this 250-foot length of 12/3 NM-B non-metallic sheathed cable. Three insulated 12 AWG solid copper conductors (black, white, red) plus a bare copper equipment ground run inside a purple PVC outer jacket. The extra red conductor is what 3-way and 4-way switch loops need for the traveler, and what kitchen multi-wire branch circuits use to share one neutral between two 20-amp small-appliance circuits.

• 12 AWG, 3 solid copper conductors plus a bare copper equipment ground
• Conductor colors: black, white, red, plus bare copper ground
• Purple outer jacket
• Individual conductor insulation rated 90 deg C as required by the NEC and by UL 719
• 600 volt rating
• Ampacity limited to that for 60 deg C conductors per the NEC - 20 amps at 12 AWG
• For exposed and concealed work in dry locations, including air voids of masonry block or tile walls that are not wet or damp locations
• Not for direct burial or outdoor use - see UF-B cable for those
• UL 719 listed, NEC Article 334
• Length: 250 Ft

Common Uses: 3-way and 4-way switch loops on 20-amp lighting circuits, kitchen and dining-area multi-wire branch circuits sharing one neutral between two 20-amp small-appliance circuits (requires handle-tied breakers per NEC 210.4), and split-receptacle outlets where top and bottom are separately switched or fed.

Install Tip: Staple within 12 inches of the box and every 4-1/2 feet thereafter (NEC 334.30). When the cable passes through a stud bore less than 1-1/4 inch from the stud face, protect it with a 1/16 inch steel nail plate so drywall screws cannot pierce the jacket. 12 AWG belongs on a 20-amp breaker, never 30.

Important: The conductors inside NM-B are not listed or marked as THHN, or as any other NEC recognized conductor type, and may not be pulled out and installed on their own. Conductors routed inside a panelboard or box for termination there are still part of the complete cable.