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Ramcorp Wire & Cable

Wire & Cable Resources | Technical Guides & FAQs | Ramcorp

Wire and cable resources from Ramcorp Wire and Cable — technical guides, FAQs, and industry information for engineers, contractors, and procurement teams

Use this resource center to compare cable types, understand ratings and standards, review export requirements, and find application-specific guidance for commercial and industrial projects. Whether you are specifying cable for a new build, sourcing for a retrofit, or shipping internationally, these guides will help you make informed decisions.

Jump to: Tools  |  Popular Guides  |  Technical Guides  |  Locations  |  Industries  |  FAQs  |  Export & Shipping

Tools & Calculators

Free interactive tools for electricians, engineers, and project planners. Calculate wire sizing, voltage drop, and more.

  • Voltage Drop Calculator — Calculate voltage drop for copper and aluminum conductors using NEC Chapter 9, Table 8 values. Includes conduit reactance, power factor correction, and automatic wire gauge recommendations.
  • Wire Ampacity Calculator — Look up conductor ampacity from NEC Table 310.16 for copper and aluminum, then apply temperature correction and conduit fill derating factors. Includes high-temperature insulation support up to 250°C.
  • Conduit Fill Calculator — Calculate minimum conduit size for your wire pull using NEC Chapter 9, Tables 1, 4 & 5. Supports EMT, IMC, Rigid, PVC, FMC, and LFMC with single and mixed fill modes.
  • AWG to mm Wire Size Converter — Convert between AWG and metric (mm²) wire sizes with a complete reference table from 30 AWG through 1000 kcmil including diameter, area, and resistance.

Not sure where to start? These are our most-visited guides covering the questions engineers, contractors, and procurement teams ask most often.

  • Plenum vs. Riser Cable — Understand the difference between CMP, CMR, CL2P, and CL3P ratings and when each is required by the NEC.
  • AWG Wire Gauge Guide — Wire gauge sizes from 4/0 to 40 AWG with ampacity tables, diameter references, and selection criteria.
  • How to Choose the Right Cable — A step-by-step framework for selecting cable based on application, environment, voltage, and code requirements.
  • THHN vs THWN Building Wire — Compare temperature ratings, insulation types, and applications for the two most common building wire types.
  • MV-105 Medium Voltage Cable — Overview of MV-105 rated cable for 5kV–35kV applications including construction, shielding, and installation.
  • Fire Alarm Cable Guide — FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cable types, NEC Article 760 requirements, and selection for fire alarm circuits.

Quick Answers

What is the difference between plenum and riser cable?

Plenum cable (CMP) is rated for use in air-handling spaces — ducts, plenums, and raised floors — and uses low-smoke, flame-retardant jacketing. Riser cable (CMR) is rated for vertical runs between floors but does not meet the stricter smoke and flame requirements of plenum spaces. If your installation runs through a plenum or air return, plenum-rated cable is required by the NEC. Read the full guide →

What does MV-105 mean?

MV-105 is a rating for medium voltage power cables indicating a maximum conductor temperature of 105°C. These cables are designed for 5kV to 35kV distribution systems and are available in single-conductor and multi-conductor configurations with copper or aluminum conductors. Read the full guide →

How do I choose the right AWG size?

AWG (American Wire Gauge) selection depends on the current load, voltage drop over the run length, ambient temperature, and installation method. Larger gauge numbers indicate smaller wire — for example, 12 AWG is suitable for most 20A residential branch circuits, while 4/0 AWG handles heavy feeders. Always verify against NEC ampacity tables for your specific application. Read the full guide →

Technical Cable Guides

Explore guides on cable ratings, conductor sizing, insulation types, NEC-related topics, and common commercial and industrial applications.

Cable Comparison & Selection

Cable Type Guides

Specialty & Application Guides

Locations We Serve

Ramcorp Wire & Cable delivers to job sites and facilities across the United States. Select a location below for regional availability, shipping information, and local industry support.

Industries We Serve

Ramcorp supplies wire and cable products to a wide range of industries. Each page below includes product recommendations, specifications, and relevant resources for your sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about ordering from Ramcorp, shipping and delivery, returns, and cable specifications.

Common Questions

  • Do you cut cable to length? — Yes, most cable products can be cut to your specified length. Minimum order lengths vary by product. See ordering FAQs →
  • Do you ship internationally? — Yes, Ramcorp ships to Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and more. See international shipping →
  • Can you help identify an equivalent cable? — Our sales team can help you find cross-references and equivalent products across manufacturers. Contact us →
  • Are datasheets available? — Yes, datasheets and spec sheets are available for most products upon request. Request a datasheet →
  • What if I need a non-stock or special-order item? — Ramcorp handles special orders and custom cable builds. Learn about special orders →

Browse All FAQs

Export & International Shipping

Ramcorp ships wire and cable to customers in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. These resources cover export regulations, documentation, and country-specific import guidance.

Country Import Guides — South America

Country Import Guides — Central America & Caribbean

Country Import Guides — Middle East & Asia

Need Help Choosing the Right Cable?

Our sales team can help you select the right wire and cable for your project, provide technical specifications, or prepare a custom quote. Contact us today.

Contact Us Special Orders & Custom Cable

The information provided on this page and linked resource pages is for general reference only and may contain errors or omissions. Wire and cable selection and installation can be hazardous — always consult a licensed electrical professional. For current specifications, refer to the applicable edition of the NEC® (National Electrical Code®), UL standards, or manufacturer documentation. NEC® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®). All other trademarks, product names, and brand names referenced are the property of their respective owners. Ramcorp Wire & Cable is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations unless explicitly stated.

Technical Reference