Best Electrical Wire for DIYers
Romex (NM-B) cable runs branch circuits inside walls; THHN runs in conduit. The gauge sets the amperage: 14-gauge for 15-amp circuits, 12-gauge for 20-amp. Always match wire size to the breaker. Follow code.
What to look for
- ·Match wire gauge to the breaker: 14 AWG for 15-amp circuits, 12 AWG for 20-amp, 10 AWG for 30-amp. Never undersize.
- ·Use NM-B (Romex) inside dry walls, THHN in conduit, and UF-B for direct burial outdoors. The job dictates the cable type.
- ·Color of the jacket signals gauge by convention (white = 14, yellow = 12, orange = 10). Always confirm and follow local code and permits.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwire Romex 12/2 NM-B | Editor's pick | Varies (~$0.80 to $1.50 per ft) | 20-amp branch circuits |
| Southwire Romex 14/2 NM-B | Editor's pick | Varies (~$0.55 to $1 per ft) | 15-amp lighting and outlets |
| Southwire SIMpull THHN | Editor's pick | Varies (by gauge, per ft) | Conduit and exposed runs |
| Cerrowire 12/2 NM-B | Best value | Varies (~$0.70 to $1.40 per ft) | Value 20-amp wiring |
| Cerrowire 14/2 NM-B | Best value | Varies (~$0.50 to $0.95 per ft) | Value 15-amp wiring |
| Southwire 10/2 NM-B | Best value | Varies (~$1.50 to $2.50 per ft) | 30-amp appliance circuits |
| Store-Brand 14/2 NM-B | Budget pick | Varies (~$0.45 to $0.85 per ft) | Budget 15-amp runs |
| Store-Brand 12/2 NM-B | Budget pick | Varies (~$0.65 to $1.25 per ft) | Budget 20-amp runs |
| Southwire UF-B Underground Cable | Budget pick | Varies (by gauge, per ft) | Outdoor direct burial |
Editor's pick
Southwire Romex 12/2 NM-B
Varies (~$0.80 to $1.50 per ft)
The market-leading 12-gauge NM-B cable for 20-amp circuits in kitchens, baths, and garages. Reliable, code-compliant, and the easy-pulling standard pros trust.
Best for: 20-amp branch circuits
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Southwire Romex 14/2 NM-B
Varies (~$0.55 to $1 per ft)
The standard 14-gauge NM-B for 15-amp lighting and general outlet circuits. Dependable and widely stocked, the everyday choice for interior wiring.
Best for: 15-amp lighting and outlets
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Southwire SIMpull THHN
Varies (by gauge, per ft)
Individual THHN conductors with a slick jacket for easy conduit pulls, in garages, basements, and exposed runs. The pro standard for conduit wiring.
Best for: Conduit and exposed runs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Best value
Cerrowire 12/2 NM-B
Varies (~$0.70 to $1.40 per ft)
A quality 12-gauge NM-B cable at a value price, code-compliant for 20-amp circuits. A strong value alternative widely stocked at home centers.
Best for: Value 20-amp wiring
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Cerrowire 14/2 NM-B
Varies (~$0.50 to $0.95 per ft)
Dependable 14-gauge NM-B for 15-amp circuits at a friendly price. A solid value for lighting and general-use wiring throughout a home.
Best for: Value 15-amp wiring
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Southwire 10/2 NM-B
Varies (~$1.50 to $2.50 per ft)
Heavier 10-gauge NM-B for 30-amp circuits like water heaters and some appliances. The right cable when 14 or 12 gauge is not enough.
Best for: 30-amp appliance circuits
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Store-Brand 14/2 NM-B
Varies (~$0.45 to $0.85 per ft)
Basic code-compliant 14-gauge NM-B at the lowest cost for 15-amp circuits. Standard performance, the budget way to wire a lot of lighting runs.
Best for: Budget 15-amp runs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Store-Brand 12/2 NM-B
Varies (~$0.65 to $1.25 per ft)
Budget 12-gauge NM-B for 20-amp circuits at a low price. Code-compliant and serviceable, the cheap option for kitchen and garage runs.
Best for: Budget 20-amp runs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Southwire UF-B Underground Cable
Varies (by gauge, per ft)
Direct-burial UF-B cable for outdoor circuits to sheds, lights, and outlets. The correct (not optional) cable for anything buried, at a fair price.
Best for: Outdoor direct burial
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
What gauge wire do I need?+
Match the wire to the circuit amperage: 14 AWG for 15-amp circuits (lights, general outlets), 12 AWG for 20-amp (kitchens, bathrooms, garages), and 10 AWG for 30-amp (dryers, some AC). Undersized wire is a fire hazard, so never put a larger breaker on smaller wire.
What is the difference between Romex and THHN?+
Romex (NM-B) is a jacketed cable with multiple conductors for running branch circuits inside dry, protected walls. THHN is individual insulated wire pulled through conduit, used in garages, basements, and exposed runs. Use the right type for the location.
What do the wire jacket colors mean?+
By common convention, white NM-B is 14 AWG (15-amp), yellow is 12 AWG (20-amp), and orange is 10 AWG (30-amp). This is a quick visual guide, but always confirm the printed gauge and follow code rather than relying on color alone.
Can I do electrical wiring myself?+
Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to wire their own home with a permit and inspection; others require a licensed electrician. Electrical work is dangerous and code-regulated, so check local rules, pull permits, and if unsure, hire a pro. Always work on de-energized circuits.
What wire do I use outdoors or underground?+
Use UF-B (underground feeder) cable for direct burial, or THWN/THHN in conduit for wet and outdoor locations. Standard NM-B Romex is for dry interior use only and must not be buried or exposed to moisture.