In order to strip nonmetallic cable, often called NM cable or Romex, the easiest method is to use an NM cable stripper. This metal stripper slides over the NM cable and has a small cutter tip that pierces the cable sheathing that cuts the sheathing when it is pulled down the cable. The stripping tool also features four sizes of wire insulator cutters built right into the tool handle. This saves you from having a lot of tools on hand to complete the job.
In order to cut the sheathing of the cable, first mark a line on the cable for a starting line. This mark should be around 8" from the end of the cable. Press the cutter tip on the mark you made and squeeze the stripper tool together. Pull the stripper tool through the end of the cable.
Now pull back the sheathing and the inner paper wrapping back towards the starting cut line and trim it off with some side cutting pliers. Discard the excess sheathing and paper.
Using the wire stripper on the wire stripping tool or a pair of wire strippers, you can now strip the insulation from the individual conductors. Normally you'll take about 3/4" of insulation off of the conductors.
