Identify UF

[Mike Lamb]

Are there any tell tale ways to identify UF if it is not marked?

I'm used to a flat cable. Does this NM mean there is no ground?

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[charlieb]

NM means non-metallic sheathed.

If you look at the end of the cable where the insulation is stripped away, UF cable is insulated conductors encased in solid plastic. NM cable as you know, has a paper wrapping around the insulated conductors.

[Mike Lamb]

Thanks, Charlie. I did not look any further than this.

An electrician can look when he puts the above grade feed in protective pipe.

[rkenney]

Cerro Wire 12 AWG UF Underground Feeder Cable. Was carried by Lowes, now discontinued. Does have a ground.

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[Mike Lamb]

Thanks, Bob.

[John Dirks Jr]

NM means non-metallic sheathed.

If you look at the end of the cable where the insulation is stripped away, UF cable is insulated conductors encased in solid plastic. NM cable as you know, has a paper wrapping around the insulated conductors.

Actually, the paper in NM is wrapped around the ground conductor only. The individually insulated hot and neutral conductors are not wrapped in paper.

[John Kogel]

For Canadian inspectors, it is NMW, non-metallic Wet, if it has a black jacket.

The NMW is rated for direct burial, but needs protection where it is exposed.

[Jim Port]

The cable is required to be marked at regular intervals. With as much cable as I see there should have been several markings that were visible.

The grounding conductor is bare so it takes up less space.

[charlieb]

NM means non-metallic sheathed.

If you look at the end of the cable where the insulation is stripped away, UF cable is insulated conductors encased in solid plastic. NM cable as you know, has a paper wrapping around the insulated conductors.

Actually, the paper in NM is wrapped around the ground conductor only. The individually insulated hot and neutral conductors are not wrapped in paper.

Thank you for the correction John. We all want it to be correct.

[Mike Lamb]

The cable is required to be marked at regular intervals. With as much cable as I see there should have been several markings that were visible.

Does the NEC require it? UL doesn't.

[Jim Katen]

The cable is required to be marked at regular intervals. With as much cable as I see there should have been several markings that were visible.

Does the NEC require it? UL doesn't.

I don't know about UL, but the NEC requires it in 310.120.