Which is better for wiring a single outlet?

The 25 ft roll. One outlet run rarely needs more, and you avoid leftover cable. Measure the path first, including up and around framing.

Can I run a 20-amp circuit with 12/2 NM-B?

Yes. 12-gauge copper is the standard choice for 20-amp branch circuits in residential wiring. The cable's ampacity is limited to the 60°C column per code.

Is the 50 ft roll worth stepping up to?

Step up if your run is longer than about 20 ft of actual path or you are wiring several boxes on one circuit. Otherwise the shorter roll leaves less waste.

Are the two cables the same product?

Yes. Both are Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B with ground, yellow jacket, 600V rating and 90°C jacket limit. Only the length differs.

Can either be used outdoors or in wet spots?

No. NM-B is for normally dry, indoor locations, exposed or concealed. Use a wet-rated cable such as UF for damp or outdoor runs.

Neither outlasts the other; the cable construction is identical. Service life depends on installation, protection from damage and staying within the dry-location and temperature limits.

Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire vs Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire

Both are the same Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B cable, so the real choice is length. The 25 ft roll suits short runs like a single outlet, switch or appliance circuit; the 50 ft roll suits longer runs or several boxes on one circuit. Build, jacket and 12-gauge solid copper are identical, and both rate 4.7 out of 5 with owners. Buy the length that covers your run with a little slack.

Choose the 25 ft Romex SIMpull if your run is short, such as one outlet, switch or dedicated appliance circuit, and you want less leftover cable.
Choose the 50 ft Romex SIMpull if your run is longer or you are wiring several boxes on one circuit and want slack for routing.

Prices

Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire: $32.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire: $32.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
Difference: both cost the same at the latest prices (Nov 9)

Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 25' Residential NM-B Cu Indoor Electrical Wire

What separates them

	Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire	Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire
Cable length	25 ft	50 ft
Gauge and conductors	12 AWG, 2 conductors plus ground	12 AWG, 2 conductors plus ground
Amp rating	12 amps listed	20-amp circuit use per NM-B 12-gauge practice
Voltage rating	600 volts	600 volts
Jacket	Yellow SIMpull NM-B	Yellow SIMpull NM-B
Temperature rating	90°C jacket, ampacity at 60°C	90°C jacket, ampacity at 60°C
Leftover waste on short runs	Less waste on short runs	More leftover on short runs
Splicing needed on long runs	May need a junction box on longer runs	Fewer splices on long runs

Specs compared

Spec	Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire	Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire
color	Yellow	Black
amps	12 Amps	—
cable_length	25 ft	—
multipack_quantity	1	—
size	—	EA
Conductor Size	—	12 AWG
Conductor Number	—	2
Conductor Strands	—	Solid
Ground Size	—	1x12
Approx. OD	—	0.422 inches
Approx. Weight	—	87 lbs/1000'
Voltage Rating	—	600 volts

Show all 18 specs

Spec	Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire	Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire
Jacket Color	—	YELLOW
Length	—	50 ft.
Maximum Temperature	—	90 deg C
Wire/Cable Type	—	NM-B
Weight	—	1.81 kg
Wire Gauge	—	12 gauge

Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire vs Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire

Prices

Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire vs Southwire Romex SIMpull 12/2 NM-B Wire

Prices