Can You Mix Yellow and White Romex?
ROMEX® is a type of Non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable that is commonly used in residential wiring applications. It is manufactured by Southwire and consists of two or three Thhn wires and a ground wire. ROMEX® is available in four main types: white, yellow, blue, and green.
Each type has a different amperage rating and gauge size, which makes it suitable for different types of electrical installations.
In this article, we will discuss the properties, usage, and performance of ROMEX® white and yellow, and explain why it is not recommended to mix these two types of wire on the same circuit.
White Romex ( Properties, Usage, Performance)
ROMEX® white is a type of Non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable that is commonly used in residential wiring applications. It is made by Southwire and consists of two or three Thhn wires and a ground wire. The white ROMEX® has the lowest amperage available, with a load capacity of 15 amps.
It is typically used for outlets, lights, and smoke detectors in the home.
Denoted as 14-2
One of the main properties of white ROMEX® is its 14-gauge size, which is denoted as 14-2 when there are two insulated wire conductors and 14-3 when there are three wires.
This gauge size is relatively thin, which makes the wire flexible and easy to work with. However, it also means that the wire has a lower capacity for handling electrical current.
Usage
In terms of usage, white ROMEX® is suitable for most standard electrical installations in the home. It can be used to wire outlets, lights, and other small appliances that do not require a large amount of electrical power.
It is also often used to connect smoke detectors, as the 15-amp rating is sufficient for powering these devices.
Performance
In terms of performance, white ROMEX® is generally reliable and effective for its intended purposes. It is designed to safely carry electrical current and has undergone testing to ensure it meets industry standards.
As long as it is installed correctly and not overloaded, white ROMEX® should perform well and provide reliable power to the devices it is connected to.
Yellow Romex ( Properties, Usage, Performance)
ROMEX® yellow is a type of Non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable that is commonly used in residential wiring applications. It is made by Southwire and consists of two or three Thhn wires and a ground wire.
The yellow ROMEX® has a higher amperage rating than the white ROMEX®, with a load capacity of 20 amps. It is typically used for larger appliances, such as microwaves or welders, that require more electrical power.
Denoted as 12-2
One of the main properties of yellow ROMEX® is its 12-gauge size, which is denoted as 12-2 when there are two insulated wire conductors and 12-3 when there are three wires.
This gauge size is relatively thick, which makes the wire more durable and able to handle higher electrical currents. However, it also makes the wire less flexible and more difficult to work with.
Usage
In terms of usage, yellow ROMEX® is suitable for larger electrical installations in the home that require a higher amperage rating. It can be used to wire receptacles, three-way circuits, and appliances that need a higher electrical power supply.
It is also often used in outdoor installations, as the thicker gauge of the wire makes it more resistant to damage from weather and other external factors.
Performance
In terms of performance, yellow ROMEX® is generally reliable and effective for its intended purposes. It is designed to safely carry higher electrical currents and has undergone testing to ensure it meets industry standards.
As long as it is installed correctly and not overloaded, yellow ROMEX® should perform well and provide a strong and reliable power supply to the devices it is connected to.
Can You Mix Yellow and White Romex?
It is generally not recommended to mix different gauges of wire on the same circuit. This can cause confusion for future electricians working on the circuit, and it may violate local building codes. Additionally, using a higher gauge wire (e.g. 12 gauge) on a circuit with a lower amperage rating (e.g. 15 amps) will not provide any benefits and may actually cause problems, such as overloading the circuit. It is best to use the same gauge wire throughout a circuit to avoid potential issues.
Why You Can’t Mix the White and Yellow Romex? What Will Be the Problem?
Mixing white and yellow ROMEX® cables can cause several problems, including:
- Confusion for electricians: Using different gauges of wire on the same circuit can make it difficult for electricians to determine the correct wire size and amperage rating when working on the circuit in the future. This can lead to mistakes and potentially dangerous situations.
- Violation of building codes: In many cases, building codes specify the minimum gauge size that must be used for different types of electrical installations. Mixing wire gauges on the same circuit may violate these codes, which can result in fines or other penalties.
- Overloading the circuit: Using a lower gauge wire (e.g. white ROMEX®) on a circuit with a higher amperage rating (e.g. yellow ROMEX®) can cause the circuit to become overloaded. This can result in electrical fires, damaged equipment, and other hazards.
- Reduced efficiency: Mixing wire gauges on the same circuit can reduce the overall efficiency of the circuit. This is because the lower gauge wire may not be able to handle the electrical current being supplied by the higher gauge wire, which can cause voltage drop and other issues.
- Increased resistance: Using different gauges of wire on the same circuit can increase the overall resistance of the circuit. This can reduce the amount of electrical power that is available to the devices connected to the circuit, which can lead to poor performance and reduced efficiency.
- Poor aesthetics: Mixing white and yellow ROMEX® cables can result in an unsightly and unprofessional-looking installation. This can be a potential turn-off for homeowners or other potential buyers of the property, which can affect the value and marketability of the property.
Yellow Romex Vs White Romex
ROMEX® yellow and white are both types of Non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable that are commonly used in residential wiring applications.
Yellow ROMEX® has a higher amperage rating and a thicker gauge size than white ROMEX®, which makes it more suitable for larger appliances and installations that require a higher electrical power supply.
White ROMEX® has a lower amperage rating and a thinner gauge size, which makes it more suitable for smaller appliances and installations that do not require as much electrical power.
Amperage Ratings
One of the main differences between yellow and white ROMEX® is their amperage ratings.
Yellow ROMEX® is rated for 20 amps, while white ROMEX® is rated for 15 amps. This means that yellow ROMEX® is capable of safely carrying a higher electrical current, which makes it more suitable for larger appliances and installations that require more power.
White ROMEX® is better suited to smaller appliances and installations that do not require as much electrical power.
Gauge Sizes
Another key difference between yellow and white ROMEX® is their gauge sizes. Yellow ROMEX® has a gauge size of 12, which is thicker and more durable than the 14 gauge size of white ROMEX®.
The thicker gauge of yellow ROMEX® makes it more resistant to damage and able to handle higher electrical currents, but it also makes it less flexible and more difficult to work with.
White ROMEX® has a thinner gauge, which makes it more flexible and easier to work with, but it also means it has a lower capacity for carrying electrical current.
Usage
In terms of usage, yellow ROMEX® is typically used for larger appliances, such as microwaves or welders, and outdoor installations, where the thicker gauge and higher amperage rating are necessary.
White ROMEX® is typically used for outlets, lights, and smoke detectors in the home, where the lower amperage rating and thinner gauge are sufficient.
Performance
In terms of performance, both yellow and white ROMEX® are generally reliable and effective for their intended purposes. They are designed to safely carry electrical current and have undergone testing to ensure they meet industry standards.
As long as they are installed correctly and not overloaded, yellow and white ROMEX® should perform well and provide reliable power to the devices they are connected to.
Choice
Overall, the choice between yellow and white ROMEX® will depend on the specific requirements of the installation and the electrical power needs of the devices being connected.
Yellow ROMEX® is better for installations that require a higher amperage rating and can handle the thicker gauge wire.
While white ROMEX® is better for installations that do not require as much electrical power and can benefit from the flexibility and ease of use of the thinner gauge wire.
Which is Good for What?
Yellow ROMEX® has a higher amperage rating and thicker gauge size than white ROMEX®, which makes it more suitable for larger appliances and installations that require a higher electrical power supply.
White ROMEX® has a lower amperage rating and thinner gauge size, which makes it more suitable for smaller appliances and installations that do not require as much electrical power.
The following table summarizes the main differences between yellow and white ROMEX®:
| Property | Yellow ROMEX® | White ROMEX® |
|---|---|---|
| Amperage | 20 amps | 15 amps |
| Gauge | 12 | 14 |
| Weight | 82 lbs./1,000 ft. (12-2) <br> 107 lbs./1,000 ft. (12-3) | 57 lbs./1,000 ft. (14-2) <br> 74 lbs./1,000 ft. (14-3) |
| Usage | Larger appliances, outdoor installations | Outlets, lights, smoke detectors |
When to Use?
In general, yellow ROMEX® is best for installations that require a higher amperage rating and can handle the thicker gauge wire, such as receptacles and three-way circuits.
White ROMEX® is best for installations that do not require as much electrical power and can benefit from the flexibility and ease of use of the thinner gauge wire, such as outlets and lights.
It is important to always consult local building codes and the manufacturer’s specifications when choosing the appropriate wire for a specific installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Romex®?
ROMEX® is a type of Non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable that is commonly used in residential wiring applications. It is made by Southwire and consists of two or three Thhn wires and a ground wire.
What Are the Different Types of Romex®?
There are four main types of ROMEX® wires: white, yellow, blue, and green. White ROMEX® has the lowest amperage rating and is commonly used for outlets, lights, and smoke detectors in the home.
Yellow ROMEX® has a higher amperage rating and is commonly used for larger appliances and outdoor installations. Blue and green ROMEX® are less commonly used and are typically reserved for specialized installations.
What Are the Differences Between Yellow and White Romex®?
Yellow ROMEX® has a higher amperage rating and a thicker gauge size than white ROMEX®. This makes it more suitable for larger appliances and installations that require a higher electrical power supply.
White ROMEX® has a lower amperage rating and a thinner gauge size, which makes it more suitable for smaller appliances and installations that do not require as much electrical power.
Can Yellow and White Romex® Be Mixed on the Same Circuit?
It is generally not recommended to mix different gauges of wire on the same circuit. This can cause confusion for electricians and may violate local building codes.
Additionally, using a higher gauge wire (e.g. yellow ROMEX®) on a circuit with a lower amperage rating (e.g. white ROMEX®) can cause problems, such as overloading the circuit. It is best to use the same gauge wire throughout a circuit to avoid potential issues.
What Are the Potential Problems With Mixing Yellow and White Romex®?
Mixing yellow and white ROMEX® cables can cause several problems, including confusion for electricians, violation of building codes, overloading the circuit, reduced efficiency, increased resistance, and poor aesthetics.
It is generally best to avoid mixing different gauges of wire on the same circuit to avoid these potential problems.
Final Words
ROMEX® white and yellow are two commonly used types of Non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable for residential wiring applications. White ROMEX® has a lower amperage rating and a thinner gauge size, which makes it more suitable for outlets, lights, and smoke detectors in the home.
Yellow ROMEX® has a higher amperage rating and a thicker gauge size, which makes it more suitable for larger appliances and outdoor installations.
While it is technically possible to mix white and yellow ROMEX® on the same circuit, it is generally not recommended due to the potential confusion, code violations, and performance issues that can arise. It is best to use the same gauge wire throughout a circuit to avoid potential problems.
