What Is SJOOW Cable?
SJOOW cable is a heavy-duty, portable service cord for indoor and outdoor use. It has synthetic rubber insulation covered by a neoprene rubber jacket. The cable is a junior service cord rated for 300-volt applications. The cable may have two, three, or four cores for single and multiphase power applications. Sizes go from 18 American Wire Gauge with an ampacity of 10 amps through to 10 AWG, suitable for 30-amp power tools.
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What Are SJOOW Applications?
You can use SJOOW portable service cord for powering portable 120-volt and 240-volt single-phase power tools, appliances, small motors, and other portable tools and equipment for indoors and outdoors. It is also suitable for 208-volt three-phase applications. The portable cord's rugged rubber insulation is resistant to abrasion, dirt, oil, and water. You can use it outdoors in any weather.
SJOOW Cable Construction
Heavy-duty SJOOW cable owes its toughness and flexibility to the use of multi-stranded conductors and tough yet flexible rubber insulation.
Conductors
SJOOW portable cord has stranded conductors made from 30 AWG bare copper strands. It's available with two, three, or four conductors.
Insulation
Individual conductors have synthetic rubber insulation made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM is a thermoset material, so insulation shrink-back isn't a problem when stripping wires. EPDM also has excellent water, chemical-, oil-, and heat resistance.
Jacket
A neoprene rubber jacket covers the insulation. Neoprene has a high-tensile strength as well as good resistance to abrasion, heat, ultraviolet (UV) light, water, and chemicals.
What Do the Letters SJOOW Mean?
The letters on the portable service cord indicate the type of cord and its application.
The first letter, S, shows this cord is intended for severe duty. It's tough, rugged and suitable for outdoor use on heavy construction sites and in workshops.
Because a J follows the S, this means the cord's maximum voltage is 300 volts. This is important as if there's no J or, alternatively, a V, the cord would have a 600-volt rating.
The two O letters indicate the insulation and the jacket are both made from oil-resistant materials. If there was only one O, it would mean that only the outer jacket is oil resistant. An OO designation means that even if the outer jacket is cut or damaged, you're still protected.
The final letter, W, stands for water and weather resistance, indicating protection from the sun (UV light), ozone, weathering, and water ingress.
Other Portable Service Cords
All portable service cords must carry the appropriate designation, and you must be careful to choose the correct type for your application. Here are four common alternatives:
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SOOW: A 600-volt, severe duty service cord with oil-resistant insulation and jacket rated for outdoor use.
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SJOW: This cord is similar to SJOOW but does not have oil-resistant insulation, only the jacket is oil-resistant.
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SEOOW: This cord has a flexible thermoplastic elastomer outer jacket. While the elastomer isn't as tough as synthetic rubber, it is more flexible at low temperatures, so it's easier to use in winter.
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SJOOW-tinned Copper: As the name indicates, this has the same properties as SJOOW cable, except that it has tinned copper conductors in place of pure copper. Tinned copper resists oxidation and corrosion better under wet conditions.
SJOOW Specifications
| Maximum Voltage: | 600 volts |
| Insulation: | Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber |
| Jacket: | Neoprene Rubber |
| Sizes: | 10 AWG to 18 AWG |
| Number of Conductors: | 2 to 4 |
| Maximum Temperature: | 90°C |
| Minumum Temperature: | -40°C |
| Use: | Heavy-duty portable service cord for outdoor use |
| UL Style: | SJOOW |
| Canadian Standards Association (CSA): | Approved |
| Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS): | Complies |
SJOOW Cord: Allied Wire & Cable Product Spotlight
Cable Basics 102: What Do the Letters on my Cable Mean?