What is excluded when counting conductors in NM cable?

When counting conductors in non-metallic (NM) cable, the ground wire is excluded from the total. This is because the purpose of counting conductors typically pertains to identifying the number of active (hot and neutral) conductors that can carry current in a circuit. The ground wire, while a vital safety component, does not carry current under normal operating conditions and is not considered part of the active conductors used for load calculations or circuit design.

By excluding the ground wire in the calculation, it allows electricians and inspectors to focus on the conductors that are relevant for assessing the ampacity and overall load capabilities of the circuit being evaluated. The other components such as insulated wires, connection points, and sheathing material are not excluded in this context, as they either contribute to the overall circuit design or do not directly relate to the count of conductors being evaluated for load and safety purposes.