Safe NM Cable Wiring for Homes and Businesses
If you’re updating wiring, adding a new circuit, or replacing damaged lines, choosing the right type of cable matters. Type NM cable—also known as non-metallic wire or simply NM wire—is one of the most common options for safe, reliable electrical installations inside homes and businesses.
At B Powered Electric, our licensed electricians help homeowners and business owners choose and install the right residential NM cable or commercial NM cable based on the amperage, length, and code requirements of your project. If you’re looking for an electrician in New Orleans who can handle NM electrical wiring safely and correctly, we are the ones you’re looking for.
What Is NM Cable?
Type NM cable, also known as non metallic wire or NM wire, is a flexible electrical cable wrapped in a durable plastic sheath. It’s designed specifically for indoor use and is one of the most common wiring types found in homes and light commercial buildings. Because it’s easy to run through walls and ceilings, it works well for everyday circuits that power outlets, lighting, switches, and smaller appliances. Most residential electrical systems rely on NM electrical wiring because it’s efficient, cost-effective, and meets code requirements for dry, protected environments.
In New Orleans homes and buildings, type NM cable shows up everywhere behind the walls. Electricians typically use it for 15-amp and 20-amp branch circuits that supply the basic power needs of a house. It’s also the go-to wiring during interior remodels or additions, where new outlets or light fixtures need to be added inside finished spaces. Since the cable isn’t meant to handle moisture, it’s installed only in low-humidity interior areas where the protective sheath can safely do its job.
Where NM Cable Can—and Can’t—Be Used
Type NM cable works extremely well in the right environment, but it isn’t designed for all conditions. Because non metallic wire is protected only by a flexible plastic sheath, it performs best in dry areas where the cable won’t be exposed to moisture or physical damage. In most New Orleans homes and buildings, NM electrical wiring is used to power everyday circuits safely and efficiently, as long as it stays within these appropriate indoor locations.
Use NM Cable For:
You can safely use type NM cable in dry, protected indoor spaces where the wiring remains behind walls, ceilings, or other finished surfaces. It’s commonly found throughout home interiors and in the interior sections of commercial buildings that don’t require metal conduit. These environments provide the stable, low-moisture conditions this wiring needs, making it a reliable choice for both residential NM cable and commercial NM cable installations.
Avoid NM Cable For:
NM wiring should not be used in areas where humidity, water, or physical exposure are concerns. That includes exterior walls that can absorb moisture, underground pathways, or garages and workshops that experience fluctuating temperatures and dampness. Any scenario involving outdoor use NM cable is not suitable, as the insulation and sheathing aren’t designed to withstand weather, UV exposure, or soil contact. In these cases, safer alternatives like UF cable or conduit-protected wiring are essential to meet electrical code and prevent long-term damage.
Circuit Amperage & Cable Length Options
Different electrical projects require different amperages and cable lengths, and choosing the right combination keeps your wiring safe and code-compliant. Many homes in New Orleans rely on circuits rated at 15 amp, 20 amp, or 30 amp, but if you’re not sure what your system needs, that’s completely normal. We can take a look at your existing wiring, calculate the load, and confirm the safest type NM cable for your setup.
Cable length matters just as much as amperage. Smaller upgrades may only require 25 feet or 50 feet of wire, while larger remodels or room additions often need 100 feet or even 250 feet or more. No matter the size, we’ll measure the run accurately so the installation stays efficient, compliant, and tailored to your project.
When You Might Need NM Cable Installed or Replaced
There are a few situations where updating or adding NM cable becomes necessary, especially in older homes or during renovation work. Many homeowners reach out when they notice electrical issues or when new circuits are needed to support additional appliances or lighting.
Renovations that require new or expanded circuits
Outdated or deteriorated wiring that no longer meets code
Breakers tripping more than usual
DIY wiring that needs to be corrected
Electrical upgrades to support higher demand
Adding outlets, switches, or lighting in new areas
If any of these situations apply to your home or business, NM cable may be the right solution depending on the amperage, length, and layout of the wiring needed.
Our NM Cable Wiring Services
We offer complete NM electrical wiring solutions for both homes and businesses in New Orleans. Whether you’re updating old wiring, adding new circuits, or bringing a building up to code, we make sure every installation is done safely and correctly.
New NM cable installations
If you’re adding outlets, lighting, or expanding an existing electrical system, we install the appropriate type NM cable based on your load needs and layout.Old or unsafe wiring replacement
Aging, damaged, or improperly installed wiring is a major fire risk. We replace faulty lines with modern non-metallic wire that meets today’s standards.Circuit and breaker upgrades
When your system needs more capacity, we upgrade circuits and breakers and pair them with the correct NM wire to ensure safe performance.Electrical remodeling projects
Renovations often require new or rerouted wiring. We handle everything from kitchen updates to room additions using the right residential NM cable or commercial NM cable.Code corrections for failed inspections
If an inspector flagged your wiring, we correct violations and install compliant NM cable to get your property back on track.Load calculations for proper amperage
To avoid overloads or hazards, we calculate the required amperage and match it with the correct NM cable size and rating.
Everything we install meets NEC guidelines and New Orleans electrical code, giving you safe, reliable wiring you can count on.
Our Electrical Services
We provide reliable electrical services for homes and businesses. From installations and repairs to upgrades and generator maintenance, our licensed electricians deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality results every time.
Residential Electrical Services
Our licensed electricians provide safe, code-compliant electrical services for homes of all sizes. From lighting upgrades and panel replacements to full-home rewiring and outlet installation, we ensure your home’s electrical system runs safely and efficiently.
Commercial Electrical Services
B Powered Electric delivers reliable commercial electrical solutions for offices, retail spaces, and industrial properties throughout New Orleans. We handle new construction wiring, electrical upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting to keep your business running without interruption.
Generator Installation & Maintenance
Stay powered during storms or outages with our expert generator installation and maintenance services. We install and service top-quality generators to ensure your home or business never loses power when it matters most.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
Old or overloaded panels can lead to power issues and safety risks. Our electricians specialize in electrical panel upgrades, providing safe, modern solutions that handle today’s increased power demands efficiently.
Lighting Installation
Brighten up your property with our custom lighting installation and design services. Whether you need indoor, outdoor, or landscape lighting, our team designs systems that enhance both aesthetics and energy efficiency.
EV Charger Installation
Power your electric vehicle conveniently at home or work. Our team installs reliable, code-compliant EV charging stations for residential and commercial clients throughout New Orleans.
What's new in the electrical industry?
Does Your Appliance Circuit Need an Upgrade? Key Signs to Watch For
Your kitchen looks sleek. Your laundry room is stacked with the latest tech. But behind the walls, your appliance circuits might be straining under the pressure. Modern appliances—from double ovens to high-efficiency washers—demand more power than older homes were ever built to deliver. If your home’s circuits weren’t designed for
How to Modernize Your Home’s Electrical Panel Without Breaking the Bank
If your home was built more than 25 years ago, chances are your electrical panel wasn’t designed to handle today’s power demands. With smart devices, energy-hungry appliances, and electric vehicles becoming the norm, many older homes are operating on panels that are dangerously outdated. An electrical panel is the heart
Why Whole-Home Wiring Upgrades Matter for Safety and Efficiency
Many homes in New Orleans still rely on electrical wiring that was installed decades ago. Whether it’s aging knob-and-tube systems, aluminum wiring from the 60s and 70s, or simply outdated panels and circuits, old wiring poses more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious safety hazard. If you’ve noticed flickering lights,
Do You Need a Transfer Switch for Your Generator? Here’s Why It Matters
When a storm hits or the power grid fails, having a backup generator can feel like a lifesaver. But owning a generator isn’t just about plugging it in and hoping for the best—it’s about powering your home safely and efficiently, especially in emergencies. That’s where a transfer switch becomes essential.
What to Know Before Installing Outdoor Lighting in the Gulf South
Outdoor lighting adds safety, curb appeal, and functionality to homes and businesses—but in the Gulf South, where humidity, storms, and salt air are common, there are some important factors to consider before installation. Whether you’re planning to illuminate your garden path, accent a commercial façade, or increase nighttime security, choosing
LED Retrofits vs. New Installations: Which Lighting Solution Saves More?
When it comes to upgrading lighting systems, both residential and commercial property owners are often faced with a key decision: should they go for an LED retrofit or opt for a new lighting installation from scratch? Both options come with their own set of advantages, but the best solution often
