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SOOW Cord

Unbreakable SOOW Cord: Durable, Oil-Resistant Power Cable

SOOW Cords are something you probably come across every day. Use an extension cord to power an air compressor in your workshop? There’s a good chance it’s an SOOW cord. Understanding the SOOW cord meaning is essential for anyone working with electrical equipment, as these versatile cables serve multiple industrial and commercial applications where reliability and durability are paramount.

SOOW Cord Meaning Explained

SOOW cord meaning refers to a specialized type of electrical cable where each letter represents a specific characteristic that defines its construction and capabilities. The acronym SOOW breaks down as follows:

  • S = Service Cord (portable power cable)
  • O = Oil-resistant jacket
  • O = Oil-resistant insulation
  • W = Weather/Water resistant

This designation system, established by the National Electrical Code (NEC), provides a clear understanding of the cable’s intended use and protective features. When you see “SOOW” on a cable, you immediately know it’s designed for demanding environments where exposure to oil, weather, and water is a concern.

What is SOOW Cord?

SOOW cord is exactly what its name indicates. Each letter in the name stands for something specific, creating a comprehensive description of the cable’s protective properties. Therefore, SOOW cord is a service cord that is constructed with an oil-resistant black thermoset polyethylene (CPE) jacket with color-coded synthetic oil, ozone, and water-resistant rubber (EPDM) insulation.

These cables are specifically engineered to handle the harsh conditions found in industrial, commercial, and outdoor environments. Unlike standard electrical cords, SOOW cords are built to withstand exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and physical stress while maintaining electrical integrity.

Construction and Materials

The superior performance of SOOW cords stems from their multi-layer construction:

Outer Jacket: The black thermoset polyethylene (CPE) jacket serves as the first line of defense against environmental hazards. This material is specifically formulated to resist oil penetration, UV radiation, and temperature extremes.

Insulation Layer: Each conductor is wrapped in EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber insulation. This synthetic rubber compound provides excellent resistance to oil, ozone, and water while maintaining flexibility across a wide temperature range.

Conductor Core: High-quality copper conductors ensure optimal electrical performance and heat dissipation.

Durability

The durability of SOOW cord is a result of the components of the jacket and insulation material. Its jacket material makes it weather-resistant. In fact, the components will harden under direct heat, creating a protective shell that maintains its integrity over time. This means that the cord will stand up to aging, abrasion, water, sunlight, and ozone abuse.

The temperature rating is particularly impressive—SOOW cords are safe for operation up to 221 degrees Fahrenheit (105°C) as well as 40 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit (-40°C). This wide temperature range makes them suitable for both hot industrial environments and cold outdoor applications. The insulation material adds to the durability by making the cord resistant to oil as well, preventing degradation from hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and other petroleum-based substances commonly found in industrial settings.

Flexibility and Performance

SOOW cord is also extremely flexible, a critical feature for portable applications. The reason for this exceptional flexibility is the stranding of the copper conductors. Think of a solid piece of copper; it has little flexibility and can crack under repeated bending. Now think of smaller copper wires stranded together; they retain flexibility and are strong because they are grouped, distributing stress across multiple wire strands.
Remee’s SOOW Cord is unique in that we use up to 12 strands of copper wire rather than the standard 7 to give our clients maximum flexibility and strength. This enhanced stranding configuration not only improves flexibility but also increases the cable’s resistance to work hardening—the process by which repeated flexing can cause conductor failure.
The flexibility also extends to installation benefits. SOOW cords can be routed around tight corners, through conduit systems, and in confined spaces without risk of conductor damage. This makes them ideal for temporary installations, equipment that requires frequent repositioning, and applications where cable routing must navigate obstacles.

What is SOOW Cable Used For?

The combined benefits of durability, flexibility, and environmental resistance make SOOW Cord ideal for a wide range of demanding applications:

Industrial Applications:

  • Heavy industrial equipment and machinery
  • Mining operations and underground applications
  • Oil and gas industry equipment
  • Chemical processing facilities
  • Manufacturing plant equipment

Commercial and Construction:

  • Heavy-duty power tools and equipment
  • Portable lighting systems for construction sites
  • Temporary power distribution
  • Event and entertainment industry equipment

Marine and Outdoor Applications:

  • Marine dockside power connections
  • Boat and yacht electrical systems
  • Outdoor event power distribution
  • Agricultural equipment and irrigation systems

Specialized Uses:

  • Fire alarm and temperature control systems
  • Remote control circuits for industrial automation
  • Emergency power systems
  • Backup generator connections
  • Small motors in harsh environments

Standards and Certifications

SOOW cords must meet strict industry standards to ensure safety and performance. These cables are typically rated for 600 volts and comply with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standards, CSA (Canadian Standards Association) requirements, and NEC (National Electrical Code) specifications. The standardized construction ensures consistent performance across different manufacturers while providing users with confidence in the product’s safety and reliability.

Maintenance and Lifespan

While SOOW cords are built for durability, proper maintenance can significantly extend their service life. Regular visual inspections for jacket damage, proper storage to avoid excessive bending or crushing, and protection from sharp objects will help maintain the cable’s integrity. The oil-resistant properties mean that incidental contact with petroleum products won’t immediately degrade the cable, but prolonged exposure should still be minimized when possible.

Our knowledgeable customer service representatives will work with you to get the cable you want in your hands when and where you need it. Give us a call at 800-431-3864 if you would like a sample of the product or any pricing/delivery information.

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