What Does SOOW Stand For?

Have you ever wondered “what is SOOW cable?” It’s straightforward and fascinating. The letters in SOOW can be understood like this:

• S for Service, meaning it’s built to deliver power on the go.
  

• The OO? meaning both the insulation and the outer sheath repel oil.
  

• And W stands for weather- and water-resistant.
  

So, when someone asks, “What is SOOW cable?” you can say it’s a service cable made tough enough to work in greasy, wet, or outdoor conditions. 

These cables keep gear running smoothly on bad-weather job sites. It’s practical and smart without being flashy.

SOOW Cable Construction & Ratings

To understand what SOOW cable is, it helps to look inside. At its core, this cable is made of flexible stranded copper conductors. Stranded copper allows the cord to bend and coil easily without breaking, which is why SOOW cables are often used with portable tools and equipment.

Each conductor is insulated with EPDM rubber, a material that resists oil, water, heat, and abrasion. Covering everything is a CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) jacket, which gives the cord its heavy-duty toughness.

SOOW cable is rated for up to 600 volts, making it suitable for demanding electrical applications. It also handles temperatures from –40 °C up to 90 °C, meaning it performs reliably in extreme cold or hot conditions.

So, when someone asks, “What is SOOW cable?” you can explain that it’s a rugged copper cable wrapped in protective rubber and polyethylene, built to last. It’s designed for environments where safety and durability aren’t optional; they’re important. That combination of construction and ratings is exactly what makes SOOW cable such a trusted choice.

Key Features & Advantages

People often ask, “What is SOOW cable good for?” The answer comes down to its features. This type of cord is known for being flexible, durable, and resistant to the hazards that damage ordinary wires.

One of the biggest advantages is its oil resistance. In industrial settings, lubricants and solvents are everywhere, and many cables can break down when exposed. SOOW cable holds up.

Another key feature is its weather resistance. The jacket prevents cracking in sunlight, rain, and snow, which makes it a favorite for outdoor and temporary power setups. It also stands up to moisture, so accidental water contact isn’t a major concern.

Flexibility is another strength. Despite being thick and tough, SOOW bends easily. That makes it great for portable power distribution, think of job sites, construction projects, or even live events where cables need to be laid down and moved around daily.

So, what is SOOW cable? It’s the combination of strength and flexibility in one cord. That balance is why industries from construction to entertainment keep choosing it. In my experience, once a crew starts using SOOW cable, they rarely go back to lighter alternatives.

Usual Applications

When people search “what is SOOW cable used for?” the list is surprisingly long. This cord was designed for portable, temporary, and outdoor power needs, and it shines in all three areas.

On construction sites, SOOW cable connects generators, power tools, and heavy machinery. It’s also reliable when dragged across gravel, dirt, or concrete.

In industrial environments, factories and workshops use it to power equipment where oil and chemicals are common. The oil-resistant insulation makes it last longer in these harsh settings.

In the entertainment industry, SOOW is a go-to for stage lighting, sound systems, and portable power distribution. Its flexibility means crews can run it across venues quickly and pack it up without damaging the cord.

It’s also found in marine applications and temporary outdoor setups like fairs, carnivals, and festivals.

So, what is SOOW cable in practice? It’s a reliable workhorse that adapts to almost any tough environment.

SOOW vs Alternatives (SJOOW, STW)

To answer “what is SOOW cable?” it helps to compare it with similar cords.

SJOOW is often mentioned alongside SOOW. The main difference is voltage rating: SJOOW handles 300 volts, while SOOW handles 600 volts. Both are oil- and weather-resistant, but SJOOW is lighter, thinner, and used where loads are smaller. For light-duty tools, SJOOW works. For heavy-duty industrial needs, SOOW is the safer bet.

STW cables are another option. These cords are thermoplastic, not rubber-like SOOW. That makes them more affordable but less resistant to oil, sunlight, and rough handling. STW is fine for general extension cords, but it won’t last as long in demanding environments.

So, what is SOOW cable compared to these? It’s the toughest, most versatile version. If your setup involves high voltage, harsh environments, or frequent movement, SOOW will outlast SJOOW and outperform STW.

I’ve had electricians tell me they prefer SOOW because it’s one cable that “just works” across almost every scenario. That reliability often makes it a better investment, even if it costs a little more upfront.

How to Choose the Right SOOW Cable?

Now that we’ve covered what SOOW cable is, the next question is: how do you pick the right one?

First, look at the gauge (AWG). Thicker gauges (like 8 AWG) carry more power, while thinner ones (like 16 AWG) suit lighter loads.

Second, check the number of conductors. A 3-conductor SOOW works for standard tools, while cords with 4 or more conductors are used for three-phase power or specialized equipment.

Third, consider the environment. If the cable will be outdoors, in contact with oil, or moved frequently, SOOW is the right choice.

And finally, make sure the cable is UL or CSA listed. These certifications confirm it meets safety standards.

So, what is SOOW cable in terms of selection? It’s not just one cord—it’s a family of cables. Picking the right size and conductor count ensures it works safely and efficiently for your needs.

Final Thoughts

SOOW cable stands out as one of the most reliable and versatile power cords available today. Its unique balance of flexibility, durability, and resistance to oil, weather, and abrasion makes it a trusted choice across industries, from construction to entertainment. Compared to lighter-duty alternatives, SOOW offers long-term performance and safety, which is why professionals continue to rely on it for demanding applications.

In short, if you need a cable that can handle tough environments while delivering consistent power, SOOW cable is the smart investment.

Looking for high-quality SOOW cables you can trust?

Global Cable Wire provides durable, certified cables designed to keep your operations safe and efficient.

Explore our range today and power your projects with confidence!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can SOOW cable be buried?

A: Not directly. It isn’t rated for permanent burial. If you need underground wiring, use cable approved for direct burial or conduit.

Q: Is SOOW cable flame-retardant?

A: Yes. The EPDM insulation and CPE jacket are flame-resistant, but always follow local codes for fire safety.

Q: Can SOOW cable be used underwater?

A: No. While it’s water-resistant, it isn’t designed for continuous submersion.

Q: What’s the difference between SOOW and SJOOW?

A: SOOW is rated 600 V, while SJOOW is rated 300 V. SOOW is for heavy-duty use, SJOOW for light-duty applications.

Q: Why is SOOW more expensive?

A: Because it’s tougher, longer-lasting, and safer under demanding conditions. For many, the longer service life offsets the higher upfront cost.