SOOW Cable vs SJOOW Cable
In our This vs. That series, we compare and contrast two products that seem similar. SOOW and SJOOW are both portable cords, which means they are both used as portable power in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. They are both multi-conductor cables insulated with synthetic rubber and they have the same temperature range. So, what's the difference?
What is SOOW Cable?
SOOW cord is a portable cord designed for heavy-duty use in industrial tools, portable lights, battery chargers, control wiring circuits, fire alarm controls, temperature control systems, and motor leads. SOOW cable comes in a wide variety of constructions. It is available with bare or tinned conductors, shielded, and with many different jacket materials. Our SOOW portable cord is available with PVC, CPE, and TPE rubber jackets. The letters in SOOW can tell you about this cable's specific characteristics:
S= Service Cord
OO= Oil-resistant outer jacket and insulation
W= Weather and Water Resistant
What is SJOOW Cable?
SJOOW is a portable cord designed for use in portable tools and equipment, portable appliances, small motors, and associated machinery. This service cord's rubber insulation also makes it suitable for extra-hard usage, but it isn't as durable as SOOW cable. The letters in SJOOW can tell you about the specific characteristics of this cable:
S= Service Cord
J= Junior Service
OO= Oil-resistant insulation and outer jacket
W= Weather and Water Resistant
SOOW vs SJOOW
These cables share a lot of similarities. They both have EPDM insulation. EPDM is resistant to oil, acid, sunlight, flame, and high temperatures. Even though they have different jacket materials, both have oil-resistant insulation and outer jackets. Both are also UL and CSA rated. However, these portable cords have a lot of differences too.
The main difference between these portable cords is their voltage ratings. SJOOW is a Junior Service Cord, which means it only has a voltage rating of 300V. SOOW Cable, on the other hand, has a rating of 600V. SJOOW cord also has a thermoset rubber jacket, typically Neoprene. This makes it more flexible than SOOW cable, but not as durable. SOOW cable also has a thicker jacket, which gives it a higher voltage rating. SOOW cable is also more resistant to impact, abrasion, and ozone. However, this makes it more expensive. If your application does not exceed 300V, you can save money by choosing the junior service cord.
Do you still have questions about portable cords? Visit our FAQ page or read about what the different letters in a service cord's name mean.