What's the Difference Between All These Wire Types?!?!

[@turrubiartes21ify]

I would love to share the following information: No H - 60 Celsius insulation rating H - 75 Celsius insulation rating HH - 90 degree Celsius permitted in dry or damp locations -2 - 90 degree Celsius permitted in wet or dry locations N - Nylon outer cover T - thermoplastic insulation U- underground W- permitted in wet locations

[@URBANENGINEER]

X - Thermoset insulation.

[@carultch]

@@URBANENGINEER X means cross-linked polyethylene.

[@DominickRuocco]

This channel easily deserves 1 million subscribers. I have been in the electrical field for 15+ years but I still learn something new after watching one of Dustin's videos.

[@ElectricianU]

Thank you my dude we’ll get there ⚡️⚡️💪

[@meganw6007]

I just looked up... 432,000 currently, as of 4 August 2022. Almost halfway there!

[@mikeburrello4396]

As a veteran who got discharged during the height of c19 I was offered NO type of technical training schools because they all shut down. This channel has given me so much hope that there's a career I can delve into without needing to pay for a formal education. Thanks for everything you put into this channel man, really 🙏

[@Tom-og7fi]

​​@@mikeburrello4396if you want to learn the trade to a very very in depth study of electricity and most everything about the entire trade including why electricity functions the way that it does right down to how to produce electricity then I would strongly suggest a real union apprenticeship. As far as no programs available during Covid I have to say the union apprenticeships did not stop taking in apprentices.

[@antoniomorales261]

I’m a apprentice electrician just finally got my hours needed to go for journeyman’s. Your channel has been so helpful on my journey so far really can’t see myself doing anything else love being a electrician

[@adrianmendez98]

Did you ever get your license?

[@shponjoel]

Right? Did you get your license?

[@InphazeC8]

You don’t know how many times I’ve seen so many contractors or even guys who been doing this for years who don’t use the right type of insulation for the right applications. Love this video!

[@IceBergGeo]

If you're dealing with building wire (single conductor wires) almost all them are multi-purpose, meaning they have many different ratings to each wire. If you look at a THHN listed wire, it'll also be rated THWN, THW-2, MTW, T9O, etc. Good for use both in USA and Canada. (Which is why most wires are rated 600V instead of 480.)

[@normILL]

For context, almost all "THHN" on the shelf is going to be cross listed as THWN as well so you can use it in PVC which is considered a wet location. Also, almost everyone I know uses XHHW for overhead services where the conductors are exposed to rain/snow.

[@arcadiaoutlaw]

This is really good to know, Thank you !

[@markchidester6239]

Excellent video Being a plastics injection molder, this was very interesting. Thermosets will not melt again. There is a chemical transition that happens when heat is applied to the material. It can burn, but not melt. Good examples of their use is a plastic ashtray and these newer soft cooking utensils. Some electrical boxes and circuit breakers are also a thermoset.

[@GB-yo8xf]

I always remember "stat" means quickly..."set" means just that....Set ( leave and forget)

[@JohnDoe-tb2fl]

Dustin is the man! I’m very appreciative for his information and entertainment. All the electricians I know under 40 all watch his videos.

[@shawny6997]

Thank you so much for explaining these questions. Electrician U is definitely the most interesting and useful channel if you're interested in electrical stuff.

[@ElectricianU]

Why thank you Shawn Y 👌 glad I saw the comment, keep them coming!

[@nicholasmoore8424]

Nice work on the code book video, I really like seeing the layout and the zooming capabilities in action. No one else has this (apparently) and it makes a world of difference. Thanks for the commitment to continued improvement of teaching methods, Dustin! We see you bro...

[@pebs1070]

No BS I was just googling types of wire yesterday! You the man Dustin!

[@goodolsparky9386]

Your the man Dan!! I’m a licensed electrician in Massachusetts and I have a brand new apprentice that still has not attended school but will be in 6 months or so . I’m not the best at teaching or the technical stuff so I tell him to watch a lot of your videos , this way he may understand a bit better . Your awesome at explaining things even for me who is a licensed journeyman. I hope you extend over to Massachusetts for the continued education part . Love your channel and will continue to support it! Last note … I need to get me a ElectricianU shirt and hat !! Love the logo . Anyways take care and keep up the awesome work 🤙🏻👍🏻. - Chris Schwab

[@stevesargent4269]

Great video! I used to work in the plastics department at an auto plant in the plastics department. Propylene is just another type of plastic. Just different manufacturing processes. Think dash of your car vs insulation on speaker wire. At any rate, keep up the great work you're doing👍

[@morrisstewart1528]

I went through hvac school. I wish it was more focused on the electrical end. Currently working at a hardware store and these videos are extremely helpful and entertaining and just the right length.

[@micahclark1583]

A video interviewing a inspector would be great. Some topics can include common code violations/misconceptions, and quality of work in the trade. Thanks!

[@ElectricianU]

That’s a great idea

[@Jeff-xy7fv]

Absolutely! Even better would be actual body-cam footage of electrical inspectors yelling at homeowners for not doing the work to Code, and making dumb mistakes that clearly indicate that they don't know what they're doing!

[@lanceleavitt7472]

Yes, this helps. We always ran THHN for our automatic electric gates but never knew why. -- Thanks ---

[@Tubiggiesmalls]

This is the greatest KZbin channel of all time, undisputed.

[@nebraskaninkansas347]

I literally have used a website called wire and cable your way. They have wire of all kinds, sell it by the foot, and I've always got good quality from them.

[@tylerblazejewski3184]

So happy you got back into making these videos, always stoked when I get the notification 👍

[@ElectricianU]

Thanks for watching my dude!

[@shanemoore8025]

Thank you for this information!! But now it leads me to the additional question; how do you calculate what the heat rise will be so you then know which covering to use?

[@ljprep6250]

So, Dustin, "etc." is the written abbreviation for "et cetera". The little 3 up to the right of the note is superscript (subscript is written below the base height). Electricians are generally brighter than the average public, so I'm surprised you were never taught these common details. American public schools have been totally failing our students. This is so sad. Your coverage of the NEC table was good, so good vid.

[@jhill.7216]

I appreciate you for bringing this content I’m in hvac but I thank you for this!! 👏🏽

[@josephdestaubin7426]

That was awesome, it was not a question that I knew I needed to ask. So I'm really grateful that someone else asked.

[@dannywitz]

It would be great if you covered the assembled cords too! SJ JOOW, PVC and more, you could get less common and cover some of the spiffy wires used in solar also, this is interesting stuff

[@IceBergGeo]

Well said. Pretty straight and to the point. All the info that 95% of guys will need to know.

[@bigcountry5520]

The outer coating of THHN also provides less surface resistance, and allows for an easier pull.

[@Merescat]

The MOST succinct explanation I have ever heard on this topic! Well worth the listen! 😃

[@Aepek]

For next vid, explain to ppl what types of these conductors (& romex) that can be run through conduit outdoors (or underground) & in diff weather conditions etc…. As get so many questions all the time about that, & another question I get: having J-boxes in attics, crawl spaces & the “types of materials they made from” & if need cover plate or not. Last question answer a lot (these like top 3 I get) is: what do we do with wires we cut & are not working (maybe breaker tripped or disconnected), we cut & shove into wall to remove “outlet/switch” that’s in the way BUT are working & can be live, etc….. Never a dull day😊 Just use Romex (nm-b) outdoors in 1 inch of water when rains inside conduit to a 20a receptacle. Hey, it’s gfci, not TWR rated, but it’s gfci, & is what the contractor ran from my parents 15a outlet (on inside of wall they drilled they & took a traveler to a new outdoor outlet) to a 20a & from the 20a connected a sprinkler controller (if not familiar, sprinkler systems aren’t supposed to be connected to gfci when “hardwired”): & did back stab connections & didn’t even “screw down” hot & common terminals in the side. Hate backstab & wish didn’t make ever, although back connections are great. Also, finding THWN not easy to find in my area AT ALL. THHN, easy to find & THWN, gotta work for it😉. Now, I gotta get that romex out of the conduit & redo everything. Oh joy for handymen: which in my state can’t even legally install a ceiling fan, let alone electrical rough in & anything else a remodel includes. Imo, this guy messed up this house as flickering lights, tripped breakers, & so on (installed water heaters & oh boy, that cost $1300 to fix & bring to code). Thx Dustin, cheers!

[@hanksnowden5288]

I was just looking this up over the weekend. The timing couldn't have been better!

[@ubersham]

LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for explaining this in simple terms with code references!

[@christopherworks400]

I loved it the one day in class, the teacher brought 20 3ft pieces of wire. Showed the difference in casing and how the casing can look similar but have totally different rating/use.

[@nicogalvan4466]

Dustin can you do a video on how to navigate through the Code book? I have trouble going through even when I was in school.

[@josephnicolas2158]

This Chanel is truly one of a kind!! 5 Diamond status! Keep up the amazing work and thank you kindly for all involved bringing this info to us.

[@lauramagagnoli7750]

This chanels helped me so much with figuring out what the hell everything means and just getting a general understanding of everything thanks for spreading ur knowledge

[@ElectricianU]

No problem my friend, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@Keepitchristian1]

If THHN is cross listed as MTW or THWN or THWN-2 how do you know which temperature rating to reference in 310.4A. Also my PDF version of the 2020 NEC Book does even have THHN listed in the 310.4A table.

[@denverbraughler3948]

You may use the highest rating that is suitable for the application, e.g., if it’s a wet location, you can’t use the dry rating.

[@courant37]

Nice presentation. Love the animation with the arrow pointing my attention to where I need to be looking at as he explains. Dummy - proof! Great content overall!

[@shifty2492]

really appreciate this video, we’re doing correction factor calculations in class right now !

[@aldenbrooks3931]

This is so helpful! Im just getting into the trade and wow this was a super simple and well spoken video!! Thanks!

[@HeatGeek1]

Very solid introduction. Thank you. I don't have time to dig into it at the moment but this gives me a platform to answer some questions I have about wiring inside furnaces. I'm HVAC. Thank you again!

[@TheWmiller8]

Thank for the great explanation. What about high temp wire. In work in facility that has a very hot room? At the top of the 20 foot ceiling can be up to 200 degrees f due to a burner we have the heat molten sulfur up to 1200 degrees f to burn the material into a gas

[@sparkytas]

Howdy from an Australian "Sparky" (Aussie slang for electrician - or do US electrians get called "Sparkies" too?). Love the videos, thinking of travelling to the US someday and interested on how you do things. All my fellow Australians who have travelled around the US have loved it! We never (at least I've never heard of it being used) Aluminium in any conductors in a house, or even inside commercial building. Only in overhead and underground mains belonging to the energy distribution companies. Aluminium isn't against code, its just never used.

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

Enjoying this video with some beers bro. Thanks for posting this. Just an average retiree trying to learn a little something tonight to clear up the murky magic that is y'all's world of electrical

[@raymond3722]

Thanks for the explanation well illustrated.

[@MagnificentVillain]

Very well explained. Thank you for the information.

[@alexbemis2656]

Keep it's up, man. Your videos are essential to the trade!

[@BigGuy8059]

One little point: Ampacity is all about the metal conductor size. You can look up the number of amps it is safe to run through various conductor sizes. This is how we get 14 gauge for 15 amp circuits versus 12 gauge for 20 amp. You can also look up how much power will be dissipated per foot by gauge and current. This will always be much lower than that needed to get to the 75 degree or 90 degree insulation rating. The insulation rating is for environments like near furnace exhausts and such. But the spaces in a residence that you run wire in is never going to be 75 C! A Texas 150 F attic is only 66 C. If you ever have a wire that is hotter than 75 C just from the current going through it, you need a larger conductor.

[@smicaf]

Thanks for sharing your expertise and passion for the electrical trade. Got any advice for someone who is looking to get back into it after being out of it for 10+years?

[@ismael4443]

Dustin! Thank you my man for all the extraordinary content. 🤘🏽

[@tsmithdotks]

You're always sharing some important knowledge. Thank you.

[@ProfessorMurray]

Hi, It would be great if you could update the CC to use proper punctuation to aid accessibility. Paul

[@lrayvick]

Not even sure how to ask my question. I recently made a 250 foot extension cord out of TW 8 AWG flat 3 wire. The conductor bundle is wrapped in a black rubber-like protective layer. In our area this wire is normally used in water wells. It is in excellent condition. One end is plugged into a 30 amp RV recepticle off of our main breaker panel. We plug an RV "shore power" cable into the other end for occasional use. It is layed out across an open yard. We are in SoCal. From your presentation I conclude it has a 140 degree rating at about 40 amps. How do I test it for temp to see how I am doing relative to the spec? Do I wait until noon on a hot summer day, crank up the load and use an infared thermometer to measure the temp of the wire bundle? (Like most such specs I assume there is a pretty good safety factor i.e. that the cable covering/insulation won't melt until say 170 degrees). I assume I would do this closest to the load.

[@vince6829]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@trardo890]

Awesome video! Been going over this in school and they have a weird way of explaining this... you cleared it right up for me haha! Great video!

[@25TheCaveMan]

So much great info! Thanks man, you're doing good things here!!

[@morgan79347]

Well you hit on a lot of things I was looking for. I wish you had talked about what these wires are used for. I need to run from my panel through the basement then outside in conduit ending up at a sub panel. I was originally going to run SER 1/0 cable, it seems that electricians disagree on whether or not it could be burned in conduit. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Hi Dustin! Could you please do a video on SER cable? Please! I'm wiring a 100 amp sub panel (80 ft run, through attic). I love the price of aluminum, but I'm hesitant due to the cold creep issues and corrosion problems (with/without Noalox). Copper just seems to exceptionally stable. I'm honestly not sure if aluminum is worth using, albeit 1/3 the price of copper. Maybe I'm just too old school. Thank you.

[@Tech10x10]

I'm trying to figure out a similar situation. I would be interested in hearing what route you went. My job runs 90ft from the main panel in a garage, over rafters, down inside the wall, through a 2" hole and 1.25" PVC with a section of schedule 80 underground 18" deep then up and through a shed wall to a subpanel. That was the plan, anyway, until I pulled it through the first wall and realized the twists from the spool made it nearly impossible and I was shredding the jacket trying to force it. It was 2-2-2-4 AL SER and I feel very stupid for trying. I'm still not sure if I should use THHN/THWN-2 #4 with a conduit in the walls or if I can pull them through holes in the studs to the panel. The rafters in the garage need a 17ft ladder to access. If I have to put conduit up there, I may just consider not having power instead.

[@barnburner2475]

Great information, thank you Dustin!

[@blakehorton8110]

Omg I love this thank you so much for keeping everyone humble man...facts I love it 👌🖖🤘

[@TheSpatulaCity]

Cool. Super Helpful.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Cool. Why would you use a thermoset over the other thermoplastic?

[@Enigma-Sapiens]

Great video and information, thank you for sharing it with us! Dustin, I'm looking for a very flexible wire that is impervious to gasoline, alcohol, oils (natural and synthetic), and other types of chemicals that may be found in the automotive world. Do you have any suggestions, please? Thank you!

[@44R0Ndin]

There's actually a rating for that, and its in my (now ancient) 3rd edition Pocket Ref book. What you're looking for is THOW or THOWN (not sure if they make a THOWN-2 tho). The "O" in those stands for "oil-resistant". However, I don't think there's a rating for specifically gasoline, or alcohol resistant insulation that I know of. Light hydrocarbons tend to attack most any kind of plastic we can come up with. IMO best bet would be Teflon or Silicone insulation, however I'm unsure if the NEC has anything about those particular materials used as electrical insulation. Silicone is an EXCELLENT high voltage insulator, and silicone-insulated wires are (were) often used for the wire leading from the flyback transformer to the CRT in old computer monitors and televisions. I know that much for certain.

[@whyqu.i.t]

Dude, I'm really appreciating these videos. I like to think I'm caught up and then bam there's another extremely relevant and practical application video WITH the details my brain needs to apply said details. Thank you for making an impact with the details by making it interesting and not dry and boring. U da man.... See what I did there....U

[@ElectricianU]

Hahaha thanks man I’m glad you get something from all this craziness. We have so much more coming, especially on the Website. Stay tuned 👌

[@secureedge7393]

Hey Dustin. Miguel here. If you have PVC conduit going underground; do you still have to use weather rated wire? ...Or even outdoor patio conduit for example... Could you just use THHN as long as it is inside conduit? Thanks bud, love the content!

[@isaeproductions5217]

No, conduit outside is a wet location Must use thhw

[@PGGraham]

@ISaeProductions is right, but most THHN is cross rated as THWN as well. Check the listing.

[@gregc8394]

Excellent. Question , can TNNW Tray cable be used in residential to feed subpanel in detached garage. 100 amp with conduit from house to garage .

[@aboodymahdy]

Thank You, man. That was really helpful.

[@cameronblanchard4631]

Hey Dustin. Can you explain how a rib relay works and how to wire it

[@tommycho9068]

Great education video Many thanks P.S. Please keep it up for us.

[@ElectricianU]

Thanks my friend! No plan on stopping anytime soon 🤙

[@josephrhodes4844]

Have you ever done a video on the proper use of a DMM ? I see people trying to troubleshoot circuits a lot of the times and the first thing they'll try to do is measure across a fuse...

[@misterkupsky7252]

If your circuit is otherwise complete, there will be voltage across the fuse if it is bad. That's how the blown fuse indicators work. Also a completed 3-phase circuit will put a voltage on both sides of a fuse which always confuses the newbies I am trying to mentor. Reading any voltage across a fuse indicates it is bad.

[@justincampbell9535]

THANK YOU! MUCH NEEDED VIDEO

[@frankdagreat598]

SHAWN Y THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION!!!!!

[@shawny6997]

My pleasure. Surprised to see he actually saw my question and made a video about that. Best and most interesting channel for those who are interested in electric trade.

[@caylan8095]

Super useful! Thank you.

[@docbrazen]

So there is stranded and solid too. Is stranded wire at the same AWG rated to the same ampacity? For example is 12 AWG THHN stranded and solid both OK for 20amp branch circuits?

[@snarkbark2714]

Correct me if I’m wrong, so even though romex and thhn have conductors with the same jacket properties, romex is in 60C because the sheathing will melt if it was at 90C?

[@bigcountry5520]

Thanks for the hard work

[@fuegoman45]

Super informative. Even for a non electrician 🤙

[@chamberlainguuee6705]

Thanks, your videos are really helpful

[@Moto_Rid3r]

Hey @Dustin, I’m confused about wire types to used for outdoor Generator Power Inlet box. Are the UF-B, THHN or THWN etc wires good for these application or what wire should I use? I am confused…all the video I watch only showing the ampacity and the wire size but never mentioned any type of wire. Hope you can help me out. Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

Just after 5:50, fun fact I had to look up today, I didn't know what mils was. It's thousandths of an inch, 20 mils is 0.020 inches. Used to measure plastic thickness, like garbage bags and glove thickness.

[@MrIsaacpr7]

Any chance you’ll be adding Florida to the continuing education list? Can’t wait! :)

[@nikolausnielsen6412]

My favorite channel for furthering my electrical knowledge. It’s also fun to put on because my wife automatically leaves the room . “ Why are you always watching that show?!!” I’m going to go to bed 🤪

[@44R0Ndin]

Kinda wish you got into the more exotic insulation types. Like MI for instance, whole buildings will be done in MI, but they're specialized buildings doing specialized things. I mean, from what I understand of electrical work, if you're building a rocket engine test stand, MI seems like a good choice. Same (but for different reasons) if you're supplying electricity to something like a rock crusher or wiring up a foundry. Things like that, what kinds of exotic wire types there are out there, and where you'd expect to find them, I think that could make an interesting video.

[@benkanobe7500]

I'm a HomeOwner. Designed and built my 4,200.SF home in San Diego, CA after purchasing the land and having the septic system installed. I used mostly Subs as an "Owner Builder". I learned a bunch, but electrical I left to the Pros. I am adding Solar to my home now and want to do as much of/some of the electrical (legal) myself both the DC and AC. Is there a book(s) you would recommend for a person like me that is basically familiar but not schooled in "electrical"? For example, would purchasing the NEC be good or should I just get Ugly's Residential guide? Is there a need for both? What do you recommend?

[@garrysekelli6776]

Is there counterfeit wires from chinese labs that is say like it is a certain product but actually it is not?

[@InspiredCraftsman]

I've noticed this in the 12 volt wiring of vehicles. The amount of copper varies by a lot between wire manufacturers even though it says the same gauge. I'd be interested to see if this happens in high voltage wires.

[@Dicer328]

Great edits adding the arrow to follow along.

[@billwilmar4920]

Thank you! Learn something new every video! Any chance you have or could do one on how 310.x and 240.x (2017) OCP marry up? 240.x

[@leemarker944]

Are you always available for questions? Thanks

[@5roundsrapid263]

2:43 Fluoridated ethylene propylene is a form of Teflon. It’s the version used to insulate wire.

[@ronblack7870]

actually aluminum alloy has changed over the years . old aluminum wire is not the same as new. aluminum wire older than 1971 has a different alloy . it is recommended to change it out.

[@Johnnybytheway]

Great video. I wish you would have made note of the diameter size difference which changes the number of allowable conductors in a raceway.

[@ravasavideos]

Hi Dustin. Saludos desde Tijuana, BC. México. Good video

[@earlgriffith3592]

What happened to the size of copper in wire after the late 70's? When in Electricity class in HS, used 12/2 back then and now 12/2 looks more like 14 gauge. It seems smaller and is easier to bend. 14 now looks like 16 or 18.

[@jasonhessels]

My observational guess is the copper has been better compressed into its circular profile ie less air space between strands as well as better insulation formulations allowing thinner coatings.

[@jeffreydavis9059]

Thanks for the knowledge it helps alot

[@paulmaxwell8851]

I'd really like to see you interview Steve.

[@qv6486]

If you have time what are the caveats to look out for with the 2023 edition of the NEC rules

[@Koumondji]

I need the specifications for a temporary electrical pole, please, is there anyway you can give them to me?

[@peTeMelster]

What does it mean when my Home Depot wire is labelled with multiple labels, specifically "THHN/THWN-2/MTW 6 AWG"? I see it has thicker individual copper strands that are overall more rigid than my "6 GA SAE J1127 Type SGX" cable, which has far more and far thinner individual strands, but the overall cable seems much thicker than the 6 AWG cable. Is it right that the overall 6 GA SAE wire is much thicker (but more flexible, more individual strands, much skinnier strands) than the overall 6 AWG THHN/THWN-2/MTW cable (more rigid, fewer individual strands, thicker individual strands)?

[@Koumondji]

What is the name of the thick wire used in temporary electrical power pole? There are 2 blacks and one silver for neutral?

[@Quagmire88]

I am installing a minisplit system. The max breaker size required is a double pole(240v) 15amp. I plan on installing this on an existing unused circuit. I plan on swapping out the 30amp double pole breaker for the 15amp double pole, but the would like to continue using the 10/2 wire that is still there. Are there any violations on using 10/2 wire on a 15amp 240v circuit? I know it is way oversized. Will the reduction in resistance, by using the thicker wire cause any negative effects?

[@OptimalOpinion]

this is a GREAT vid

[@TolaTrucking]

Hey guys a dumb question here, can I cut a 50 ft 14 guage extension cord in the middle cut the ends off, install new male/female ends to combine the four cut pieces and make a 25ft heavy duty extension cord?

[@nicd5439]

Would a hybrid of outside conduit going from breaker, through wall of house into a crawlspace, (crawlspace not using conduit) then back out through wall of house to an outside receptacle, again with conduit work? Or does thhn or the like need to be in conduit regardless of environment? I want to keep outside of house as non cluttery as possible.