Thermoplastic-sheathed cable (TPS) consists of an outer sheath of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation (the thermoplastic element), one or more inner coloured thermoplastic sheaths, and a core (or cores) of plain annealed copper (single- or multi-strand). It comes in a variety of colours and wire gauges. The type of thermoplastic and size of the conductor(s) are covered by different regulatory bodies around the world. Flat TPS is more common, and is used for fixed wiring of domestic and industrial lighting, power outlets and heating. Round TPS is less common, and is usually used where cable glands are required.
TPS is vulnerable to rodent damage. It is more difficult to strip insulation from round TPS than from flat.
TPS is also often referred to as Tough Plastic Sheathed.
In North America, this type of cable is referred to as NM cable. NM means "Non Metalalic", but this refers only to the outer sheathing. Hence, the reference really should be NM-S.
(This type of cable is often referred to by the trade name of "Romex" in North America.)
Read more about Thermoplastic-sheathed Cable: See Also
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