12/2 NM-B Copper Building Wire with Ground, 600V (Yellow Jacket)

Parent SKU :  NMB12-2

SKU :  NMB12-2-250

SOLID COPPER • 600V • NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE
Wire Size 12 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Solid
Outer Diameter .200 x .400 in.
Conductor Count 2
Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 20
Weight per Foot 0.079 lb

Get Product Details

Get Product Details

The versatile mainstay of modern residential electrical systems, this 12 AWG NM-B Copper Building Wire is specifically engineered for 20-amp branch circuits. Featuring two high-conductivity copper conductors and a dedicated bare grounding wire, this cable is easily identified by its signature high-visibility yellow jacket, ensuring quick identification for installers and inspectors alike.

Why Choose 12/2 NM-B Copper Building Wire?

This 2-conductor (with ground) configuration is a fundamental requirement for the increased power demands of contemporary homes. Designed for interior dry-location wiring, the Type NM-B construction allows for rapid routing through wooden framing without the need for conduit, significantly reducing labor time and material costs compared to traditional piping methods.

  • Color-Coded Circuit Identification: The bright yellow PVC jacket provides an immediate visual signal that the circuit is rated for 20 amps, helping to prevent cross-wiring with 15-amp (white) or 30-amp (orange) circuits.

  • Superior Copper Conductivity: Annealed (soft) copper conductors provide the reliable electrical performance and low resistance necessary for consistent power delivery to sensitive electronics and kitchen appliances.

  • Low-Friction Pulling Jacket: The outer PVC sheath is formulated with a slick finish, allowing the cable to glide through bored studs and floor joists with minimal effort.

  • Reliable Dual-Layer Insulation: Each conductor is shielded with heat-resistant PVC and topped with a tough nylon jacket (THHN/THWN-2), providing enhanced protection against abrasions during the rough-in stage.

Technical Specifications: 12/2 NM-B Copper

  • Conductor Size: 12 AWG

  • Number of Conductors: 2 (plus Ground)

  • Color Code: Black, White, Bare Ground

  • Jacket Color: Yellow

  • Ampacity: 20 Amps at 60°C (NEC Table 310.16)

  • Voltage: 600V

  • Insulation: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) with Nylon Covering (Type THHN)

  • Max Temp: 90°C (Dry locations only)

  • Conductor Material: Annealed (Soft) Copper

  • Standards: UL Standard 83, UL Standard 719, ASTM B-3, B-8, Federal Spec A-A-59544

Common Applications

  • Kitchen Branch Circuits: The standard choice for GFCI-protected outlets serving countertops and heavy kitchen appliances.

  • Dedicated Laundry Room Circuits: Frequently utilized for washing machines and shared laundry area outlets.

  • Home Office & Entertainment Centers: Ideal for powering computer workstations and home theater systems that require a stable, 20-amp dedicated feed.

  • Bathroom GFCI Circuits: The industry standard for wiring bathroom receptacles to handle high-wattage hair dryers and personal grooming tools.


Technical Note: All values are nominal and subject to industry tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that all materials meet the specific requirements of the project and comply with local electrical codes. NM-B is for dry, indoor use only.

 

*All values are nominal and subject to correction. Ampacity is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) 60°C column for NM-B cable, regardless of the conductor temperature rating.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 12 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Solid
Strand Count 1
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) .200 x .400 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 2
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (PVC) Polyvinyl Chloride
UL Listing Numbers UL 83

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 20
Submersible No
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards US 719
UL 83
ASTM B3 and B8
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsWiring outlets, switches, and lighting circuits in residential buildings.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.079 lb

Shipping and Returns

Shipping and Returns

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.

12/2 NM-B Copper Building Wire with Ground, 600V (Yellow Jacket)

Parent SKU :  NMB12-2

SKU :  NMB12-2-250

SOLID COPPER • 600V • NON-METALLIC SHEATHED CABLE
In Stock
Ships in 1-2 days

Parent SKU :  NMB12-2

SKU :  NMB12-2-250

$227/ea.
$451/ea.
$897/ea.
$2,231/ea.
$0.92/ft.
Please select an option
Min: 250 ft., Max: 10,000 ft.
Spool (250 ft.)
$227.00
Please select an option
Maximum reached, contact us for custom orders
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  • Competitive Pricing
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Get Product Details

Get Product Details

The versatile mainstay of modern residential electrical systems, this 12 AWG NM-B Copper Building Wire is specifically engineered for 20-amp branch circuits. Featuring two high-conductivity copper conductors and a dedicated bare grounding wire, this cable is easily identified by its signature high-visibility yellow jacket, ensuring quick identification for installers and inspectors alike.

Why Choose 12/2 NM-B Copper Building Wire?

This 2-conductor (with ground) configuration is a fundamental requirement for the increased power demands of contemporary homes. Designed for interior dry-location wiring, the Type NM-B construction allows for rapid routing through wooden framing without the need for conduit, significantly reducing labor time and material costs compared to traditional piping methods.

  • Color-Coded Circuit Identification: The bright yellow PVC jacket provides an immediate visual signal that the circuit is rated for 20 amps, helping to prevent cross-wiring with 15-amp (white) or 30-amp (orange) circuits.

  • Superior Copper Conductivity: Annealed (soft) copper conductors provide the reliable electrical performance and low resistance necessary for consistent power delivery to sensitive electronics and kitchen appliances.

  • Low-Friction Pulling Jacket: The outer PVC sheath is formulated with a slick finish, allowing the cable to glide through bored studs and floor joists with minimal effort.

  • Reliable Dual-Layer Insulation: Each conductor is shielded with heat-resistant PVC and topped with a tough nylon jacket (THHN/THWN-2), providing enhanced protection against abrasions during the rough-in stage.

Technical Specifications: 12/2 NM-B Copper

  • Conductor Size: 12 AWG

  • Number of Conductors: 2 (plus Ground)

  • Color Code: Black, White, Bare Ground

  • Jacket Color: Yellow

  • Ampacity: 20 Amps at 60°C (NEC Table 310.16)

  • Voltage: 600V

  • Insulation: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) with Nylon Covering (Type THHN)

  • Max Temp: 90°C (Dry locations only)

  • Conductor Material: Annealed (Soft) Copper

  • Standards: UL Standard 83, UL Standard 719, ASTM B-3, B-8, Federal Spec A-A-59544

Common Applications

  • Kitchen Branch Circuits: The standard choice for GFCI-protected outlets serving countertops and heavy kitchen appliances.

  • Dedicated Laundry Room Circuits: Frequently utilized for washing machines and shared laundry area outlets.

  • Home Office & Entertainment Centers: Ideal for powering computer workstations and home theater systems that require a stable, 20-amp dedicated feed.

  • Bathroom GFCI Circuits: The industry standard for wiring bathroom receptacles to handle high-wattage hair dryers and personal grooming tools.


Technical Note: All values are nominal and subject to industry tolerances and manufacturer corrections. Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that all materials meet the specific requirements of the project and comply with local electrical codes. NM-B is for dry, indoor use only.

 

*All values are nominal and subject to correction. Ampacity is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) 60°C column for NM-B cable, regardless of the conductor temperature rating.

See Full Specifications

See Full Specifications

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 12 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Solid
Strand Count 1
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) .200 x .400 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 2
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (PVC) Polyvinyl Chloride
UL Listing Numbers UL 83

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 20
Submersible No
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards US 719
UL 83
ASTM B3 and B8
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation

Primary ApplicationsWiring outlets, switches, and lighting circuits in residential buildings.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.079 lb

Shipping and Returns

Shipping and Returns

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.

Physical Specifications

Wire Size (AWG/MCM) 12 AWG
Conductor Material Copper
Conductor Type Solid
Strand Count 1
Outer Diameter (OD) (in/mm) .200 x .400 in.
Jacket Type PVC
Conductor Count 2
Shield Unshielded
Insulation Type (PVC) Polyvinyl Chloride
UL Listing Numbers UL 83

Technical Specifications

Voltage Rating 600V
Ampacity Rating 20
Submersible No
Temperature Rating 90ºC
Standards US 719
UL 83
ASTM B3 and B8
Miscellaneous Information All values are nominal and subject to correction.
RoHS Compliance Yes

Usage & Installation:

Primary ApplicationsWiring outlets, switches, and lighting circuits in residential buildings.

Packaging & Dimensions:

Weight per Foot 0.079 lb

Have Questions?

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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

Email Us

This 12 AWG, 2-conductor cable is the heavy-duty workhorse of modern residential electrical systems. It is the specific requirement for 20-amp branch circuits, providing significantly more power capacity than standard 14-gauge lighting wire. It is most commonly used for "small appliance" circuits in kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms, as well as for dedicated outlets for laundry rooms and garage workshops. By using 12-gauge copper, it ensures that high-draw appliances like hair dryers, toasters, and power tools can operate without tripping breakers or overheating the wire.

The industry-standard Yellow Jacket is a vital safety and identification feature. Introduced to help standardize residential wiring, the color-coding allows for instant recognition of the wire gauge:

  • Visual Verification: The yellow color signals to electrical inspectors and contractors that the wire is 12 AWG, ensuring it has been paired with the correct 20-amp circuit breaker.
  • Safety First: This prevents the dangerous mistake of accidentally using 14 AWG (white) wire on a 20-amp circuit, which would create a fire hazard.
  • Installer Efficiency: The jacket is treated with a specialized lubricant coating to reduce the effort required to pull the cable through bored holes in wooden wall studs.

The "2-conductor" designation refers to the two insulated wires (Black and White), plus a bare copper ground.

  • Standard 120V Loads: This is the ideal setup for standard outlets and light fixtures where a dedicated "hot" and "neutral" are required.
  • Space Saving: Because it lacks the third insulated conductor (red wire) found in 12/3, this cable has a smaller diameter, making it much easier to pull through tight spaces and take up less room in electrical junction boxes.
  • Reliable Grounding: the bare copper grounding wire provides a dedicated path to the panel’s grounding bus, protecting residents from electrical shock.

Per NEC Article 334.80, all NM-B cables must be rated using the 60°C temperature column of the ampacity table. For 12 AWG copper, this fixes the maximum allowable limit at 20 Amps. While the internal conductors feature 90°C rated insulation, the assembly is capped at the lower temperature rating to account for the heat-retention properties of residential wall cavities and thermal insulation. This ensures the outer PVC jacket does not become brittle or degraded over decades of use.

12 AWG copper is stiffer than 14 AWG and requires proper technique to ensure a professional, code-compliant installation:

  • Dry Locations Only: Like all NM-B, this yellow-jacketed cable is strictly for indoor, dry use. It must never be used in damp or wet locations, such as underground conduit or outdoor runs.
  • Bending Radius: To maintain the integrity of the solid copper and its insulation, the bending radius should not be less than 5 times the diameter of the cable.
  • Support: The cable must be secured with approved staples or straps within 12 inches of every electrical box and at intervals not exceeding 4.5 feet along the run.
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Call Us.

(833) 268-8644

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