HomeKnowledgeNEC Article 334 — Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable (Romex)
📋 Codecodeselectrical

NEC Article 334 — Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable (Romex)

Updated Mar 26, 2026
NM cable (Romex): permitted uses, installation, support, protection for residential wiring.

NEC Article 334: NM cable (Type NM, NMC, NMS) for residential wiring. 334.10 uses permitted: Types I-V construction (originally limited to Types III-V, expanded in recent editions). Not permitted in commercial above 3 stories. 334.12 not permitted: exposed in dropped/suspended ceilings in commercial, any hazardous location, embedded in poured concrete. 334.15 exposed work: follow surface, protect with conduit where subject to damage. 334.23 conductor types: THHN/THWN-2 insulation. 334.30 securing: within 12in of every box, every 4.5ft along run. Staples: flat staple over cable (do not damage sheath). 334.80 ampacity: follow Table 310.16 at 60C column for NM cable (even though conductors are rated 90C, the cable jacket limits to 60C). Common sizes: 14/2 (15A lighting), 12/2 (20A receptacles), 10/3 (30A dryer), 6/3 (50A range).

TAGS
NECRomexNM-cableresidentialwiringcable
DETAILS
code year
2023
code system
NEC
code section
Article 334
RELATED KNOWLEDGE
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.1 — Group A Occupancies (Sprinkler Requirements)
Automatic sprinkler system required throughout buildings with Group A occupancy where fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet, or overall building area exceeds 12,000 square feet, or occupant load of the fire area exceeds 300.
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.7 — Group M Occupancies (Retail Sprinkler Requirements)
Automatic sprinkler system required in Group M (mercantile) occupancies where fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet or building is more than three stories above grade.
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.11.3 — Buildings 55 Feet or More in Height
Automatic sprinkler system required throughout buildings with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
📋 Code
IBC 1015.1 — Exit and Exit Access Doorways Required
Two exits or exit access doorways required from any space where occupant load exceeds the table values. Spaces with occupant load exceeding 500 require a minimum of 3 exits. Spaces exceeding 1,000 require 4 exits.
📋 Code
IBC 1017.2 — Exit Access Travel Distance
Maximum travel distance from any point in a building to an exit shall not exceed 200 feet unsprinklered or 250 feet sprinklered for most occupancies. Specific occupancies have modified limits.
📋 Code
IBC Table 601 — Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements
Specifies minimum fire-resistance ratings for structural elements based on construction type (Type I through V). Type IA requires 3-hour rated structural frame, 2-hour floors, and 1.5-hour roof.
← Back to Knowledge Garden