SOOW vs SJOOW vs SEOOW: Understanding The Specs
SO cords, or flexible portable power cables, are some of the most popular cables in the wire and cable market because of their incredible versatility and adaptability. Nassau National Cable is not an exception to this rule: our portable cord category has been the most popular segment on our website for years. The cables in this category are used for portable tools and equipment.
There are different types of portable power cords depending on their structure, features, voltage, and applications. Want to know how to read their names and what are they used for? Let’s find out!
SEOOW, SJEOOW, SOOW, SJOOW, SJTOW, STOW, STO, and SJTO: Learning The Difference
The different types of SO cords sold by Nassau National Cable include SEOOW, SJEOOW, SOOW, SJOOW, SJTOW, STOW, STO, and SJTO.
With so many similar varieties of cable present, it is easy to get confused, but the choice is quite easy once you understand the differences. Reading designations accepted by UL and CSA are the key to understanding the differences between portable cables.
- "S" , the one letter that all of them have in common, means that all of them belong to the service cord category. Most of the SO cords, including SEOOW, SOOW cord, STOW, and STO, are rated at 600 volts, except for the cables that have a rating of 300 volt. A service cord is a portable power cable meant for heavy duty service or light-duty service.
- "J" means junior service cable with a voltage rating of 300 volt. The cables that belong to this range are type SJOOW cable , SJTOW, and SJTO. For more details on differences between different junior service entrance cables, go here.
- "O" means that the cable has an oil-resistant outer jacket, but not the oil-resistant insulation. This means that the cable should not be penetrated in industrial conditions.
- "OO" indicates that the cable has an oil-resistant insulation and an oil-resistant jacket.
- "T" means that the type of insulation used in a portable power cord is thermoplastic. The standard insulations for service cords in cables like SOOW and SJOOW are thermoset.
- "W" is there to indicate weather and water resistance. This includes resistance to all environmental impacts, including sunlight, ozone, moisture, and many others. All of our portable cords are resistant to weather and water except for STO and SJTO.
All of our portable power cables are oil-resistant to the same degree. Portable power cables differ slightly when it comes to their jackets. Giving the possibility to choose a more cost-effective option for a particular project.
- "E" in the name indicates that SEOOW portable cord and SJEOOW portable cord have a thermoplastic elastomer jacket. Therefore, these cables enjoy a benefit of a more comprehensive temperature range. They also perform better at very low temperatures compared to their peers by demonstrating better flexibility.
- "V" indicates that the cable is a 300 v junior service cord for vacuum cleaners. This cable usually is not rated for outdoor use. You can learn more about this type of cords in this blog.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0213/7895/7412/files/2_1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1670428312)
Applications Of Portable Power Cables
Service cords have many applications. The one thing that they all have in common is that they bring flexibility to any project you use them on. Because of their durability, portable cords are perfectly capable of performing their duties both indoors and outdoors. SO cords are most commonly used in various tools, including motors and heavy-duty industrial equipment.
All thermoset portable power cables are designed for heavy-duty usage. Some heavy-duty implementations examples include construction tools, cranes, motor leads, welding leads, and different types of machinery.
SOOW cables are also used in commercial and residential settings, such as construction sights for power and lighting. A portable cable is ideal for portable tools, such as small motors, stage lights, and home appliances. Other applications include wiring remote control circuits for push-button stations, sound equipment, and fire alarm controls.
When it comes to portable power cords, there are many options to choose from as well as a vast number of possible applications. The consistent quality of SO cords ensures that the cables will not disappoint you, regardless of the exact type you end up buying. Without exaggeration, portable cables are a favorite product of our staff because of their incredible adaptability.
Once you discover the benefits of portable power cords, they will surely become your favorite companion for electrical projects as well. SEOOW, SJEOOW, SOOW, SJOOW, SJTOW, STOW, STO, and SJTO are available at excellent prices from Nassau National Cable.