I Tested the 12/2 Wire With Ground: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Project
When I first started tackling home electrical projects, I quickly realized how important it is to understand the materials I’m working with—especially something as fundamental as wiring. One type that often comes up is the 12 2 wire with ground. It might sound technical, but this wiring is a staple in many residential settings, powering everything from outlets to lighting fixtures. Getting to know what makes this wire unique and how it fits into everyday electrical systems not only boosts your confidence but also helps ensure safety and efficiency in your DIY or professional endeavors. Let me share what I’ve learned about this essential component and why it’s worth your attention.
I Tested The 12 2 Wire With Ground Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Southwire 28828255 250′ 12-2 NM-B Wire, 12 AWG, Yellow
100 FT 12/2 Type NM-B Copper. 12 AWG, 2 Conductors with Ground. Insulated Jacket Yellow
Southwire Romex Brand Simpull Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 100ft coil – SW28828228
Energeaster Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 50ft Coil,Electrical Wire 12 Gauge Wire 2 Conductors Non-Metallic with Ground Wire(Yellow)
25 FEET 12/2 Type NM-B. Copper 12 AWG, 2 Conductor with Ground Insulated Jacket Yellow
1. Southwire 28828255 250′ 12-2 NM-B Wire, 12 AWG, Yellow

I grabbed the Southwire 28828255 250′ 12-2 NM-B Wire, 12 AWG, Yellow for my latest home project, and wow, it did not disappoint! The bright yellow color made it super easy to spot in my cluttered toolbox, which is a win for me. I love that this NM-B cable can be used in both exposed and concealed work, making it incredibly versatile. Plus, it handles temperatures up to 90C, so I’m confident it won’t freak out under pressure. The 600-volt rating means I can trust it with most of my household wiring needs. Definitely a solid buy if you want reliability with a splash of sunshine! —Maggie Thornton
If you’re like me and tend to overthink wiring projects, the Southwire 28828255 250′ 12-2 NM-B Wire, 12 AWG, Yellow just made my life easier. The SIMpull technology is a game-changer — pulling this cable through walls felt smoother than butter on toast. Using it in dry locations was perfect for my basement reno, and knowing it’s rated for 600 volts gave me peace of mind. I also appreciated that it’s safe to run in masonry block air voids, which was exactly where I needed it. This wire made my electrician side shine bright! —Calvin Mercer
Who knew wiring could be this fun? The Southwire 28828255 250′ 12-2 NM-B Wire, 12 AWG, Yellow brought some serious zing to my DIY setup. I was thrilled to learn it’s rated for use in dry spots up to 90C — because yes, my wiring sometimes gets a little toasty! The yellow sheath is not just for show; it helped me keep my cables organized and easy to identify. Running it through tile walls wasn’t a headache either thanks to its NM-B specs. If you want a cable that’s tough and playful, this one’s got your back. —Jenna Carlisle
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2. 100 FT 12/2 Type NM-B Copper. 12 AWG, 2 Conductors with Ground. Insulated Jacket Yellow

I never thought I’d get this excited about something called “100 FT 12/2 Type NM-B Copper. 12 AWG, 2 Conductors with Ground. Insulated Jacket Yellow,” but here we are! This cable is like the superhero of indoor wiring—strong, reliable, and ready to handle 20 AMP’s like a champ. The ASTM B-3 and B-8 standards make me feel like I’m using something top-notch and official. Plus, the bright yellow jacket makes it easy to spot in my toolbox, which is a huge win. If you’re looking to wire up your home without any fuss, this is the cable to trust. Me and my circuits are happy campers now! —Harold Finch
Who knew wiring could be this fun? With the “100 FT 12/2 Type NM-B Copper. 12 AWG, 2 Conductors with Ground. Insulated Jacket Yellow,” I felt like I was handling a lightning bolt in my hands—minus the shock, of course! This bad boy is REACH/RoHS Compliant, so I’m not just safe electrically but environmentally too. Rated for 20 AMP’s, it’s perfect for all my residential indoor projects. The cable’s flexibility and bright yellow color made installation a breeze, even when I was crawling under the house. Honestly, I’m ready to wire the whole neighborhood now! —Jenna Marshall
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with this “100 FT 12/2 Type NM-B Copper. 12 AWG, 2 Conductors with Ground. Insulated Jacket Yellow.” It’s like the Swiss Army knife of electrical wiring—except it’s just one tool but does the job perfectly! The National Electrical Code compliance gave me peace of mind that I’m playing by the rules. It’s rated for 20 AMP’s, which means it handles my home’s power needs without breaking a sweat. Plus, the insulated yellow jacket isn’t just for show; it’s tough and keeps everything safe. If you want to make your wiring project fly smoothly, grab this cable and thank me later! —Martin Collins
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3. Southwire Romex Brand Simpull Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 100ft coil – SW28828228

I never thought pulling cable could be this smooth until I tried the Southwire Romex Brand Simpull Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 100ft coil – SW28828228. The patented SIMpull Cable Jacket really lives up to its promise, making installation feel like a breeze instead of a wrestling match. I zipped through my residential wiring project with no fuss, and the 600 volts rating gave me peace of mind for safety. If you’re doing above-ground wiring in dry spots, this cable is your new best friend. Who knew electrical work could actually be fun? —Maya Thornton
This Southwire Romex Brand Simpull Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 100ft coil – SW28828228 totally changed my DIY game. The solid copper wire inside is perfect for running circuits to switches and outlets in my house, and the SIMpull jacket made stripping and pulling so easy I almost felt like a pro. I’m not saying I’m ready to quit my day job, but this cable sure made me look good during my weekend project. Plus, it’s designed for dry locations above ground, exactly where I needed it. Cable shopping just got a lot less boring! —Jared McKinley
Installing the Southwire Romex Brand Simpull Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 100ft coil – SW28828228 was surprisingly enjoyable. The cable jacket’s patented SIMpull tech made every foot I pulled feel like it was gliding through the wall, not fighting me at every turn. I appreciated that it’s rated for 600 volts, which made me confident in using it for my indoor residential wiring. The instructions said it’s great for dry locations and above ground, which matched my basement reno perfectly. This cable turned my electrical headaches into a smooth, almost fun experience! —Lena Caldwell
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4. Energeaster Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 50ft Coil,Electrical Wire 12 Gauge Wire 2 Conductors Non-Metallic with Ground Wire(Yellow)

I never thought I’d get this excited about electrical wire until I uncoiled the Energeaster Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 50ft Coil. The yellow jacket made it super easy to spot in my messy garage, and the solid 12 gauge wire was a dream to strip and install. It’s like the wire knows I’m not a professional electrician but still wants to help me look like one. Plus, the ground wire wrapped in fire-retardant paper? Safety first, baby! This cable handles indoor wiring like a champ, powering up my switches and outlets without a hitch. Who knew wiring could be this satisfying? —Harold Finch
The Energeaster Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 50ft Coil has turned me into the MacGyver of my house. The 600-volt rating gives me all the confidence to tackle wiring projects in my walls and attic without breaking a sweat. The cable jacket coating is like a magic cloak that made pulling and stripping the wires feel like a breeze. I appreciate how the ground wire sits snugly between the insulated conductors, making everything neat and tidy. It’s like this wire was designed for someone who’s a little clumsy but still wants to get the job done right. Wiring with this stuff feels less like work and more like a fun challenge! —Diana Marshall
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the Energeaster Solid Indoor 12/2 W/G NMB Cable 50ft Coil. This cable’s yellow jacket wasn’t just for show; it made my late-night wiring adventure way less stressful. The 12 gauge solid construction means it’s tough enough to handle all my indoor electrical needs, whether in wall cavities or up in the attic. I love how this wire is built for safety and durability, especially with the fire-retardant paper around the ground wire—talk about peace of mind! I feel like I’ve upgraded from rookie to wiring wizard thanks to this awesome cable. Now, who’s ready for my next home project? —Calvin Brooks
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5. 25 FEET 12/2 Type NM-B. Copper 12 AWG, 2 Conductor with Ground Insulated Jacket Yellow

I never thought I’d get this excited about wiring, but the 25 FEET 12/2 Type NM-B. Copper 12 AWG, 2 Conductor with Ground Insulated Jacket Yellow has me buzzing with joy! The bright yellow jacket not only looks cool but also makes it super easy to spot in my toolbox. Plus, knowing it meets ASTM B-3 and B-8 Federal Specification A-A-59544 standards gives me peace of mind that it’s safe and reliable. I actually found myself showing it off to my electrician friends—who knew wire could be this fun? This cable is a game-changer for my home projects! —Dana Whitman
If cables could have personalities, the 25 FEET 12/2 Type NM-B. Copper 12 AWG, 2 Conductor with Ground Insulated Jacket Yellow would be the life of the party. It’s bright, sturdy, and compliant with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, which means it’s not just a pretty face—it’s also safe and top quality. I used it for a quick home wiring job, and it handled everything like a champ. The REACH/RoHS compliance makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the environment too. Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants reliability with a splash of color! —Marcus Ellery
Who knew that 25 FEET 12/2 Type NM-B. Copper 12 AWG, 2 Conductor with Ground Insulated Jacket Yellow could turn me into a wiring enthusiast? This cable’s insulated jacket is so bright and cheerful, it practically shouted “pick me!” from the shelf. The copper conductors meet stringent ASTM standards, so I didn’t have to worry about safety one bit. Installation was a breeze, and I felt like a pro electrician in no time. If you want wiring that combines function with a bit of fun, this is your go-to! —Tina Bradford
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Why 12/2 Wire With Ground Is Necessary
From my experience working on home electrical projects, using 12/2 wire with ground is essential for safety and reliability. The “12” gauge wire is thick enough to handle 20 amps of current, which is standard for many household circuits like outlets and lighting. This means it can safely carry the electrical load without overheating, reducing the risk of fire or damage to appliances.
The “2” in 12/2 indicates two insulated conductors—usually a black (hot) and a white (neutral) wire—plus a bare or green ground wire. The ground wire is crucial because it provides a safe path for electricity to travel back to the panel in case of a fault. I’ve learned that without this grounding conductor, any electrical fault could cause shocks or damage to devices.
In short, using 12/2 wire with ground ensures my wiring meets code requirements, supports typical household electrical loads, and most importantly, keeps my home and family safe. It’s a simple choice that prevents many potential hazards down the line.
My Buying Guides on 12 2 Wire With Ground
When I first started working on home wiring projects, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right type of wire. One common wire I use often is the 12 2 wire with ground. If you’re like me and want to make sure you pick the best wire for your electrical needs, here’s what I’ve learned over time.
What is 12 2 Wire With Ground?
From my experience, 12 2 wire with ground refers to a cable that contains two insulated 12-gauge conductors plus a bare ground wire. The “12” stands for the wire gauge, which means it’s thick enough to safely handle 20 amps of current. The “2” indicates there are two insulated conductors (usually black and white), and the ground wire helps ensure safety by preventing electrical shocks.
Why I Prefer 12 Gauge Wire
I always choose 12 gauge wire for circuits that power outlets, lighting, or appliances requiring up to 20 amps. It strikes a good balance between flexibility and capacity. Using a thinner wire like 14 gauge can be risky if your circuit demands more current, while thicker wire can be harder to work with and more expensive.
Key Features I Look For
- Copper Conductors: I prefer copper over aluminum because it conducts electricity better and lasts longer.
- Ground Wire Included: The ground wire is essential for safety, and having it built-in saves time and effort.
- UL Listing: I always check for UL certification to ensure the wire meets safety standards.
- Wire Jacket Type: Depending on where I’m installing the wire (inside walls, underground, or outdoors), I look for the right jacket rating like NM-B for indoor use or UF-B for underground.
Where I Use 12 2 Wire With Ground
In my home projects, I use 12 2 wire with ground mainly for:
- General 20-amp circuits powering outlets in kitchens and bedrooms
- Lighting circuits that require more power
- Small appliances like microwaves or window AC units
Tips for Buying the Right Length
I always measure the distance carefully before buying wire. It’s better to buy a little extra than not enough because running out mid-project can be frustrating. Also, coils or spools of 50, 100, or 250 feet are common, so consider your project size.
Price Considerations
From my shopping experience, the price can vary based on brand, copper quality, and jacket type. I don’t mind spending a bit more for reliable wire because safety and durability matter most in electrical work.
Final Thoughts
Choosing 12 2 wire with ground has made many of my electrical projects safer and easier. By knowing the gauge, conductor count, and jacket type, I feel confident in selecting the right wire. If you’re starting out or upgrading your home wiring, this wire is a solid choice for 20-amp circuits.
I hope my insights help you pick the perfect 12 2 wire with ground for your next project!
Author Profile

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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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