⚡ FAQs ABOUT ELECTRICAL SUPPLY PRODUCTS FOR BUILDING MATERIALS DISTRIBUTORS
Electrical supply products can seem simple on the surface — wire, conduit, panels, breakers — but for contractors and inside sales reps alike, the details can get tricky. What gauge is right? Which panel type fits this job? Is this item rated for outdoor use? And does it comply with code?
This FAQ-style guide answers the most common questions building material dealers get about electrical products — and shows how your ERP system can help you keep the right data, specs, and substitutes at your fingertips.
🔌 Q1: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NM CABLE, UF CABLE, AND BX?
NM (non-metallic) cable — also called Romex — is the most common residential electrical wire.
UF (underground feeder) cable is moisture-resistant and designed for direct burial.
BX cable is armored, typically used in commercial and industrial settings where extra protection is required.
📲 ERP Tip: Clearly tag each wire type in your catalog with application notes and NEC compliance codes so reps and contractors can select confidently.
⚡ Q2: HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT GAUGE OF WIRE?
The gauge of wire is based on:
Current load (amps)
Run length (voltage drop matters)
Application (indoor, outdoor, underground)
🧠 Common reference:
14 AWG = lights (15 amps)
12 AWG = outlets (20 amps)
10 AWG = water heaters, AC (30 amps)
8/6 AWG = ranges, dryers, subpanels
📦 ERP Help: Store a quick-reference chart or wiring guide under each SKU or wire type so sales reps can cross-check specs easily.
🧯 Q3: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BREAKER PANEL TYPES?
Contractors need to match breaker types to the brand and model of panel — otherwise, the system could fail inspection.
Types include:
Main breaker panels vs. main lug panels
Load centers vs. subpanels
Brands like Square D, Siemens, Eaton, and GE often have proprietary breaker types
✅ Your ERP should flag cross-compatible brands and alert reps when a SKU requires a specific matching panel.
🧲 Q4: WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF RETURNS IN ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS?
Ordering the wrong gauge or amp rating
Choosing an incompatible breaker
Color mismatches in visible wiring
Not accounting for weatherproof or code requirements
📊 Use your ERP to track return reasons, so you can build better prompts into your quoting or picking workflows.
🔌 Q5: DO I NEED TO STOCK WEATHER-RATED ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS YEAR-ROUND?
Yes — especially:
Outdoor boxes & covers
GFCI outlets
Conduit rated for wet locations
Weatherproof cable glands and connectors
📍 Use ERP-based sales seasonality reports to adjust your stock levels by region, month, or builder trends.
🛠️ Q6: WHAT ACCESSORIES DO MOST CONTRACTORS FORGET TO ORDER?
These items often get left off:
Romex connectors
Cable staples and clamps
Grounding wire
Breaker box labels
Expansion joints for PVC conduit
📦 Create ERP-triggered “You might also need…” prompts tied to core electrical SKUs to increase AOV and reduce forgotten items.
🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS
Electrical products are detail-driven. With clear product data and ERP-linked education tools, you can make sure your staff and customers feel confident in every purchase.
📞 Need help building an FAQ-style guide or spec sheet system into your ERP catalog? Let’s wire it up together.
