12/2 diameter question

04-18-2008, 07:13 AM	#1
mark942 Member   Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NEPA Posts: 555	12/2 diameter question Hi It has been quite a long time since I have done ele work. Have they changed the diameter of 12/2 wire from say 15 years ago? 12/2 seems to be smaller in diameter than older 12/2.Here is a photo __________________

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04-18-2008, 07:32 AM	#2
Jim Port Licensed electrician   Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,035	12/2 diameter question The insulation material was changed and the jacket does not seem as thick also. Thinner insulation results in thinner cables.

04-18-2008, 07:34 AM	#3
mark942 Member   Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NEPA Posts: 555	12/2 diameter question Thank you Jim.Thought I had to do a little reno to re-place this. __________________

04-18-2008, 09:06 AM	#4
joed Member     Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,037	12/2 diameter question Also no paper fillers in the current cable like used to be in the older ones.

04-18-2008, 08:59 PM	#5
Cow Member   Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 116	12/2 diameter question Quote: Originally Posted by joed Also no paper fillers in the current cable like used to be in the older ones. What do you think is wrapped around the ground wire?

04-18-2008, 11:25 PM	#6
LawnGuyLandSparky Member   Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 561	12/2 diameter question A paper sheet, but XX/3 wire used to also contain 3-6 cord like "ropes" of tightly twisted paper. Possibly to round-out the finished product.