Flexible Power Built for Demanding Work
What Is SOOW Cable?
SOOW is a heavy-duty flexible service cord designed for applications where power cable needs to withstand movement, demanding working environments and exposure to moisture, oils and weather. Its flexible stranded conductors make SOOW a practical choice for portable equipment and installations where rigid cable would be difficult to route or repeatedly move.
SOOW cord is commonly rated for 600 volts and is used across commercial, industrial, marine and portable-power applications. Always choose conductor size, conductor count and cable construction based on the equipment requirements and applicable electrical codes.
What Does SOOW Mean?
S
Service Cord
Heavy-duty 600V service cord.
OO
Oil Resistant
Oil-resistant insulation and outer jacket.
W
Weather / Water
Designed for wet and weather-exposed applications.
Where Is SOOW Cable Used?
The combination of flexibility, durable insulation and resistance to oil, water and weather makes SOOW cable useful across a wide range of industries. It is especially well suited to equipment and power connections that may be moved, flexed, exposed to harsh working conditions or used indoors and outdoors.
Construction & Jobsites
Temporary power, portable equipment, lighting, tools and equipment connections where flexibility matters.
Manufacturing & Industrial
Industrial machinery, motors, battery chargers and equipment that requires a durable flexible power connection.
Generators & Portable Power
Heavy-duty generator connections, portable power equipment and power-extension applications.
Marine & Dockside
Flexible power applications around docks, marinas and other locations where moisture resistance is important.
Mining & Heavy Equipment
Demanding equipment environments where flexible, abrasion-resistant power cord is valuable.
Entertainment & Events
Portable lighting, stage equipment and temporary power systems that are repeatedly deployed and moved.
RV & Mobile Equipment
Flexible AC power connections where rugged construction and easy routing are important.
Maintenance & Repair
Shop equipment, heavy tools and service applications requiring dependable flexible power cord.
Why Choose SOOW Flexible Cord?
Flexible Construction Stranded conductors help SOOW cord bend and route more easily than rigid wiring.
Oil Resistance Oil-resistant insulation and jacket materials help SOOW perform in demanding work environments.
Water & Weather Resistance Suitable for applications where moisture and outdoor exposure are important considerations.
Multi-Conductor Design Multiple insulated conductors are contained inside one durable flexible outer jacket.
SOOW 10/3 vs. SOOW 6/4
Inverters R US currently offers SOOW cable in 10/3 and 6/4 configurations. The numbers identify conductor gauge and conductor count: for example, 10/3 contains three 10 AWG conductors, while 6/4 contains four 6 AWG conductors. The correct cable depends on the equipment, voltage, current, conductor requirements and installation.
| Configuration | Conductors | General Consideration |
|---|
| 10/3 SOOW | 3 × 10 AWG | A smaller-gauge multi-conductor option for compatible equipment and portable-power applications. |
| 6/4 SOOW | 4 × 6 AWG | Larger conductors and an additional conductor for applications requiring that configuration. |
Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s conductor-size, ampacity, overcurrent-protection and installation requirements. Cable suitability depends on the complete electrical system and applicable codes.
Order the Length Your Project Needs
Whether you need a short equipment connection or a longer portable-power run, Inverters R US offers SOOW cable in multiple available lengths so you can buy for the job instead of committing to an entire bulk reel.
SOOW Cable Frequently Asked Questions
Is SOOW cable rated for outdoor use?
SOOW cable is designed with water- and weather-resistant construction and is commonly used in indoor and outdoor flexible-cord applications. Always verify the specific cable listing and installation requirements for your project.
Is SOOW cable oil resistant?
Yes. The two “O” designations indicate oil resistance of both the insulation and outer jacket, making SOOW useful around equipment and industrial environments where oil exposure may occur.
What voltage is SOOW cable rated for?
Standard SOOW service cord is commonly rated for 600 volts. Always verify the rating printed on the specific cable and make sure it is appropriate for the equipment and application.
What is the difference between SOOW and SJOOW?
SOOW is a 600V heavy-duty service cord. SJOOW is the junior-service version and is typically rated for 300V. The proper choice depends on the equipment and installation requirements.
Can SOOW cable be used for permanent wiring?
SOOW is a flexible cord governed by specific electrical-code requirements and should not automatically be treated as a substitute for permanent building wiring. Always follow the National Electrical Code, local requirements and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I choose the correct SOOW cable size?
Start with the equipment’s voltage, current requirements, conductor count and cable-length requirements. The correct conductor size must safely support the load and comply with applicable equipment instructions and electrical codes.
Need Help Choosing SOOW Cable?
Tell the Inverters R US team what you’re powering, the equipment voltage and the cable length you need. We’ll help you narrow down the right cable for your application.
Call (866) 419-2616