What type of cable is commonly used for residential wiring in Washington State?

Non-metallic (NM) cable is the type of cable most commonly used for residential wiring in Washington State. NM cable, often referred to as "Romex," is designed for indoor use within residential structures and is favored for its ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. This type of cable consists of two or more insulated conductors along with a bare ground wire, all encased in a non-metallic sheath, ensuring safety and compliance with electrical codes.

The popularity of NM cable for residential wiring is due to its flexibility, lightweight nature, and the fact that it can be used in various areas of a home, provided that it is protected from physical damage. It's particularly suitable for use in walls, ceilings, and floors where it won’t be exposed to conditions that would require a more robust type of cabling, such as armored cable.

In contrast, coaxial cable is primarily used for television and internet transmission, armored cable is used in applications where extra protection is needed against physical damage, and fiber optic cable is employed for high-speed data transfer, making them unsuitable for the general residential wiring needs addressed by NM cable.