New Romex Outer Jacket

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Any thoughts on the new outer jacket insulation on Romex? It's very stiff and much harder to work with. Not happy.

 

[infinity]

Are you talking about the actual Southwire brand?

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Yes

 

[865resi]

Yes, it's very frustrating after using Romex brand for 20 years. I started a thread "Romex brand 14/2 and Ginsu utility blades" a few weeks ago. I don't know if anyone remembers the Ginsu knife commercials about cutting through a shoe. Well I need some Ginsu utility blades. I haven't seen a change in 14/3 or 12/2 YET.

 

[infinity]

Anyone know why they changed it? Is it a new listing requirement of some sort?

 

[Little Bill]

Where's "Master of the NEC" when you need him? Didn't he work for them or some wire mfg?

 

[infinity]

Where's "Master of the NEC" when you need him? Didn't he work for them or some wire mfg?

That was Encore wire and cable.

 

[James L]

I've used a couple of rolls. I immediately thought of @865resi and that other thread.

New sheathing takes 3x the time and effort.
I won't be buying any more of it

 

[letgomywago]

I get it cheaper by about 30 bucks a roll from the supply house than Cerro from HD so I'm OK with it still. I get the 14 2 from republic and they're comparable in ease to work with so no complaints from me. In remodels I deal with the old black or white sheath with a yellow string in it and those must have been real slow to work with.

 

[Sea Nile]

By the way, do not do a search for "kline strippers" with safe search turned off.

That being said, these kline strippers are a life saver with this new hard jacket. I measure the wire to the box, clip it with the end, then stick it in the box and yank the jacket right off.

The end will only cut the jacket on 12/2 and 14/2. It's very handy.

 

[kec]

Any thoughts on the new outer jacket insulation on Romex? It's very stiff and much harder to work with. Not happy.

Funny you mention it. I thought the same thing.

 

[jimport]

With the thicker sheath I was worried about knicking the conductors inside using the NM strippers.

 

[Sea Nile]

With the thicker sheath I was worried about knicking the conductors inside using the NM strippers.

I've tested it, cut the jacket 5 times or so and slid the pieces off. The insulation was not damaged.

I figure it's no more risky than trying to cut it with a blade. Been doing it for a couple of weeks now and I endorse it.

Just cut it at a perpendicular angle.

 

[Fred B]

Plus side, It does seem it would be less likely to nick from pulls in joists or other edges. Maybe less rodent damage as a result?
I've been using the southwire nm stripper without nicking the conductors on that new southwire. Maybe the intent of making the sheathing tougher, sell more strippers? It works nice on the UF cable, that was always a pib to strip.
Still not sure I like the tougher sheath though. If the same compound will be used on the 14/3 or 12/3 will have to buy their 3 wire stripper too. Master plan?

 

[LarryFine]

The end will only cut the jacket on 12/2 and 14/2. It's very handy.View attachment 2562631

They work fairly well on UF, too.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Anyone know why they changed it? Is it a new listing requirement of some sort?

Probably has something to do with profit margin. They found a way to make a few more pennies. It will be a real bitch when the weather gets cold.

 

[curt swartz]

Since there are a couple threads on this........... has anyone tried contacting Southwire to inquire about the change?

 

[Ponchik]

Pictures?

 

[letgomywago]

Left is old right is new

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Since there are a couple threads on this........... has anyone tried contacting Southwire to inquire about the change?

I called tech support yesterday and failed to reach a live person.......