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Common electrical terminology

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=== BX cable ===An armored cable historically known as BX and more correctly as Type AC is a fabricated assembly of insulated wires in flexible metallic armor, formed by wrapping an interlocking metal strip around the conductors.  Typically this is a hot, neutral, and ground set of copper wires with colored plastic insulation ran though a flexible metal conduit.  The "BX" name is actually an old GE trademark, but is now loosely applied to any flexible metal armored wiring like those with individual wires running through a flexible metal conduit.  These flexible armored cables usually consist of a helically wound steel strip.  BX cable is typically used in a commercial setting where as Romex is used in a residential setting.Modern Romex is a term describing plastic-coated wiring (typically 10-, 12-, or 14-gauge copper) wrapped in another plastic moisture resistant sheathing.  Romex is technically a brand name but the name is commonly applied to all flexible outer plastic sheathed cable consisting of a pair of inner plastic insulated wire, one black for hot and one white for neutral, and an uninsulated bare copper wire for the earth ground, along with a strip of paper to prevent stretching of the copper during wire pulling.  Romex does not protect the inner wires against punctures, perforations, lacerations which is why code requires the use of protective conduit or BX cable be used.  Romex should not be exposed to direct sunlight, excessive moisture, or conditions that could otherwise damage the plastic sheathing. 
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