SPECNM-B (Romex) spec sheet
| Voltage rating | 600 V |
|---|---|
| Conductor | Solid/stranded copper with bare ground |
| Construction | PVC/nylon conductors in a PVC outer sheath |
| Standards | UL 719; NEC Article 334 |
| Example print | ROMEX SIMPULL 12-2 WITH GROUND TYPE NM-B 600V |
Sizes we buy in NM-B (Romex)
01Identify NM-B Cable From Its Jacket Print
NM-B is nonmetallic-sheathed building cable commonly left over from residential electrical work. The construction described here uses solid or stranded copper conductors with PVC/nylon insulation, a bare grounding conductor and a PVC outer sheath. Its voltage rating is 600 V; the relevant references are UL 719 and NEC Article 334.
A typical marking reads “ROMEX SIMPULL 12-2 WITH GROUND TYPE NM-B 600V.” In that print, “12” identifies the conductor gauge, “2” identifies the insulated conductor count, and “WITH GROUND” indicates a separate grounding conductor. “TYPE NM-B” identifies the cable type, while “600V” states the voltage rating. ROMEX SIMPULL is product branding, not a substitute for the type designation.
Send a clear photograph of the complete marking rather than identifying cable by color alone. Include any manufacturer information and date code visible on the sheath or packaging. Our guide to reel tags and jacket print helps you organize those details.
02NM-B Sizes, Conductor Counts and Packaging We Buy
We consider NM-B in 14 AWG, 12 AWG, 10 AWG, 8 AWG, 6 AWG, 4 AWG and 2 AWG. Common jacket colors are white for 14 AWG wire, yellow for 12 AWG wire, orange for 10 AWG, and black for 8 and 6 AWG. Confirm the gauge from the printed marking; jacket color alone does not establish the complete specification.
Include the insulated conductor count and whether the marking specifies a ground. Different configurations serve different needs, so we review the actual cable designation rather than treating every coil of the same gauge as interchangeable.
Common leftovers arrive as 250 ft coils and 1,000 ft reels. We also review partial reels, opened coils, boxes and cut lengths that remain reusable. Tell us whether the footage is printed, measured or estimated, and keep different sizes and configurations separate. Original labels and intact packaging help document what you have, but opened packaging does not automatically rule material out.
03What Makes Leftover Romex Valuable as Surplus
Reusable NM-B is usually worth more than its scrap, or melt, value because it can retain value as electrical cable rather than only as recovered copper. That depends on the specification, condition and current demand. An identifiable coil with useful remaining footage is different from a mixed pile of short, damaged pieces.
Our review considers the copper market, cable type, gauge, footage, manufacturer, date code, packaging condition, quantity and pickup logistics. No single factor establishes the offer. Keeping labels with the material and documenting lengths helps us assess it accurately.
If you plan to sell leftover Romex, leave usable coils and reels intact while they are being evaluated. Stripping the sheath removes product identification and changes what we can assess. Short pieces, burned cable or heavily damaged material may be better suited to scrap. We focus on reusable wire and will tell you what appears reusable rather than treating every leftover as resale-quality cable.
04Condition Checklist Before You Send Photos
Start with photos that show the whole coil or reel, then add close-ups of markings and any damage. Do not hide questionable areas under wrapping or photograph only the cleanest section. The goal is to establish both the cable specification and its actual condition.
- Show whether cut ends are sealed or protected, and disclose moisture exposure.
- Photograph jacket cuts, crushing, abrasion, discoloration or heat damage.
- Show the reel, coil wrapping or box, including broken or loose packaging.
- Capture the manufacturer label and date code where available.
- Separate intact material from short, burned or heavily damaged pieces.
Protected ends and sound packaging help preserve material, but neither proves that the entire length is suitable for reuse. Likewise, a date code supports identification but is not an automatic acceptance or rejection rule. If cable was stored outdoors, returned from a job or exposed to damage, include that history with your photos so we can review it honestly.
05Who Typically Has Surplus NM-B in Greater Houston
Houston homebuilders and multifamily projects commonly generate NM-B leftovers when purchasing quantities exceed the final installed footage. Electrical contractors may also have unopened coils, partial reels or cable carried over from completed work. Distributors and supply houses can have surplus inventory with original product labels still attached.
We work with sellers who can document what remains, whether it is a single material type or a mixed surplus lot. For general contractors and homebuilders, separating NM-B by gauge and conductor configuration makes the review more useful than sending one distant photograph of an entire storage area.
Our service area is Greater Houston only: Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers and Waller counties. Pickup is scheduled at the seller’s site. Our address is 6402 McGrew St, Houston, TX 77087, in southeast Houston’s Mayfair area near I-45 and I-610. Drop-off is by appointment only, so call before bringing material.
06How to Sell Romex Wire in Houston
Text 951-403-5738 or email industrial832@gmail.com with photos of the jacket print and reel or coil labels. Include available footage or weight, the sizes and configurations, packaging condition, and the material’s location. If a length is an estimate, say so rather than presenting it as verified footage.
As NM-B cable buyers, we first review the information to determine whether the material fits our reusable-wire focus. We then provide a written offer. After that, we schedule pickup at your site or an appointment for drop-off at McGrew St.
At the scheduled visit, we verify the material on site, with payment per the written offer. Keep the cable accessible and grouped to match the photos and inventory you submitted. If you discover damage or a different quantity after submitting details, let us know before the visit. Use our offer request page to start with the information needed for review.
07How NM-B Compares With Other Cable Types
Similar-looking wire and cable should not be grouped under an NM-B label without checking the markings. UF-B cable is a distinct type associated with underground feeder applications, while NM-B is generally intended for dry-location building wiring. A 600 V marking alone does not make these cable types interchangeable.
MC cable uses metallic armor rather than NM-B’s PVC outer sheath. THHN/THWN-2 wire consists of individually identified insulated conductors, not the same assembled cable construction as NM-B. Keep each type separate when preparing a surplus inventory so its specification and condition can be reviewed correctly.
We buy multiple reusable wire and cable categories, but identifying a material for purchase is not approval for a particular installation. Suitability depends on the complete listing, location, wiring method and applicable code requirements. For design or installation questions, consult a licensed electrician or engineer rather than relying on jacket color or a surplus sales description.
FAQQuestions sellers ask
Is Romex the same thing as all nonmetallic cable?
No. Romex is a brand name commonly used when discussing NM-B, but not every nonmetallic cable is that brand or cable type. Send the actual jacket marking when asking us to evaluate a lot. Houston Wire Buyers is not affiliated with Houston Wire & Cable Company or any manufacturer.
Should I unroll a sealed coil to confirm its length?
Start by photographing the original packaging and footage label rather than opening it solely for a quote. Tell us whether the coil remains sealed and whether the label matches the cable. If the packaging is already open or the quantity is uncertain, disclose that so the review uses the right information.
Can I submit NM-B together with other surplus wire?
Yes. We buy reusable surplus copper and aluminum wire across multiple categories, so you can submit a mixed inventory. Identify NM-B separately from other cable types, and provide photos and quantities for each group. That lets us review the materials individually instead of assuming the entire lot has the same specification.
Do you accept NM-B without its original box or reel label?
Missing packaging does not automatically exclude cable from review. Photograph readable jacket print, show the full coil or length, and provide the footage or weight you can support. Tell us what is unknown. Clear cable identification and an honest condition description matter more than guessing at a missing label.
Can you buy material located outside Greater Houston?
Our service area is Greater Houston only, covering Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers and Waller counties. Include the material’s actual location in your inquiry, even if your company is based in Houston. We use that location when reviewing pickup logistics and arranging the next step.