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SOOW cable is a 600V flexible cord type made for portable power where oil, weather and repeated movement are present. The four letters tell you the cord type, and the size comes from your equipment’s voltage, amps and conductor count. This guide explains what the name means, how to read your equipment before you buy, and which SOOW size to check first for generators, lighting, battery chargers, DIY cords and job sites.
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Shop Electrical WireWhat Is SOOW Cable and What Does the Name Mean?
What does each letter in SOOW cable stand for?
Each letter answers one question about the cord:
| Letter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| S | Service cord, made for portable use rather than fixed wiring |
| O (first) | Conductor insulation resists oil |
| O (second) | Outer jacket resists oil |
| W | Rated for weather and water exposure |
The letters set the cord type, not its current limit. For how jacket materials compare, see rubber vs. TPE jackets.
What voltage is SOOW cable rated for?
SOOW is generally a 600V cord type, which places 120V, 240V and 480V equipment within its voltage class. Read the voltage printed on the jacket before you buy or reuse a cord. A 300V cord is not a replacement for a 600V job, even when the gauge and conductor count match.
How Do I Choose the Right SOOW Cable?
Read the equipment first, then the cable. Check voltage, current, conductor count and length in that order.
What do I read on the equipment before buying SOOW cable?
Read the nameplate for voltage (V or VAC), frequency (Hz), phase and current (A, FLA or rated amps). A plate reading 240 VAC, 60 Hz, 20 A gives you 240 V and 20 A to carry forward. If the plate lists only watts or kVA, take the amp figure from the manual for that exact model. The nameplate shows what the equipment needs. It does not name a cord size.
How many conductors does my SOOW cable need?
Count the wires on the wiring diagram: hot (line) conductors, a neutral if used, and a ground. Cable shorthand puts AWG size first and conductor count second, so 10/3 is 10 AWG with 3 conductors and 12/4 is 12 AWG with 4 conductors.
| Wiring diagram | Conductors to account for |
|---|---|
| 120V line, neutral and equipment ground | Three |
| 240V two-line connection and equipment ground | Three |
| 120/240V two lines, neutral and equipment ground | Four |
| Three-phase equipment | Follow the diagram; neutral requirements vary |
A cable with too few conductors cannot connect the equipment at any amp rating.
Which SOOW cable size should I check first?
Start with the size that has the right conductor count and a published current at or above your equipment’s nameplate amps. We list 10/3 for three conductors at 30 A, 10/4 for four conductors at 30 A, and 12/4 for four conductors at 20 A.
| Size | Conductors | Published current | Voltage | Temperature range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/3 SOOW | 3 | 30 A | 600V | -40°C to 90°C |
| 10/4 SOOW | 4 | 30 A | 600V | -40°C to 90°C |
| 12/4 SOOW | 4 | 20 A | 600V | -40°C to 90°C |
These are published cable values, not an approval of a finished cord for a particular machine. A completed cord can carry only what its lowest-rated part allows, so the plug, connector, supply circuit and equipment instructions must each fit your load.
10/3 SOOW Bulk Cable
10 AWG · 3 conductors · 600V · 30 A · water and oil resistant · ETL Listed (Intertek) [待核实]
View 10/3 SOOW Bulk CableHow long can my SOOW cable run be?
Use the shortest run that reaches the equipment. Voltage drop depends on the actual current and one-way length, and the equipment manual may state a minimum delivered voltage. Too much drop shows up as equipment that struggles and a cord that runs warm; see why cords get hot.
Which SOOW Cable Fits My Job?
Each use puts a different demand on the cord. The table shows what sets each one apart.
| Use | What sets it apart |
|---|---|
| Generator | Possible neutral, so four conductors; long outdoor runs |
| Portable lighting | Load adds up across every fixture on the cord |
| Battery charger | Long run times; use input amps, not output amps |
| DIY cord | The plug, connector and cable must all be compatible |
| Job site | Physical abuse and wet ground |
Can I use SOOW cable to connect a generator?
Yes, and a generator is the most common reason to need four conductors. When the outlet provides two lines, a neutral and an equipment ground, the cord needs four conductors. Match the outlet configuration and generator manual first, then choose between our 10/4 and 12/4 by published current. Generators run outdoors and away from the house, so the cord is usually long and sits in rain and fuel or oil splash.
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10/4 SOOW Bulk Cable
10 AWG · 4 conductors · 600V · 30 A · water and oil resistant · ETL Listed (Intertek) [待核实]
View 10/4 SOOW Bulk CableCan I use SOOW cable for portable lighting?
Yes, and the load adds up on one cord. Four 500W lights total 2,000W, or about 16.7 A at 120V. Compare that total with the cable’s published rating, the connectors and the circuit supplying the lights. Lights are also strung out and moved often, so a long run is the case to watch.
Can I use SOOW cable for battery chargers?
Yes. Chargers vary in input voltage, current, phase and operating time, so use the charger’s AC input rating and installation instructions. Do not use the charger’s battery-side output current as the cord load, because the two differ.
Can I build my own extension cord from SOOW bulk cable?
Yes, bulk SOOW cable can go into a portable cord assembly, but the cable, plug, connector, strain relief, grounding and terminations must all be compatible and rated for the load. Follow the connector and equipment manufacturers’ instructions. If those are unclear, a ready-made cord is the safer route.
Which SOOW cable works for job-site or temporary power?
A job site changes how you protect the cord more than which size you pick. Cords lie in mud and water and get crossed by foot traffic and vehicles, so route them where traffic cannot crush them. A GFCI on the supply can reduce the risk of shock; see OSHA GFCI guidance for how it works and where it falls short. For loads past what 10 AWG covers, look at 6/3.
6/3 SOOW Bulk Cable
6 AWG · 3 conductors · 600V · heavy-duty rubber cable · ETL Listed (Intertek) [待核实]
View 6/3 SOOW Bulk CableCan SOOW cable handle cold weather and oil?
Yes. Our SOOW cable is listed for -40°C to 90°C, and both the insulation and the jacket resist oil. Follow the marked temperature range, and avoid sharp bends, impact or pulling on any cord that has become stiff.
What if my SOOW cable moves with the equipment?
If the cord is dragged, coiled or moved with the equipment every day, flexibility and strain relief matter as much as the amp rating. That use has its own matching checklist, which we cover in a separate guide on portable power cable for moving equipment.
SOOW Cable FAQ
Can SOOW cable be used outdoors or indoors?
Yes. The “W” means the cord is rated for weather and water exposure, so SOOW cable works for portable use in a garage, shop or job site as well as in the yard. A standard indoor extension cord is not a substitute outdoors.
Does SOOW cable need conduit, or can it stay exposed?
No, SOOW cable does not need conduit when you use it as a portable cord. It is made to be laid out, coiled and moved in the open. It is not a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure, and OSHA restricts running flexible cords through walls, ceilings or floors; see OSHA wiring methods. Keep exposed cord out of walkways and vehicle paths.
Should I keep using a damaged or wet SOOW cable?
No. Inspect the jacket before each use, and replace any cord with cuts, cracks, splits or exposed conductors instead of taping it. Wet or damaged connections can leak current.
Conclusion: Read the Equipment Before You Choose SOOW Cable
SOOW cable is a 600V portable cord type, and the right size starts with the conductor count on your wiring diagram and the amps on your nameplate. Compare those with the published rating of the size you are considering, then confirm the plug, connector and run length. The sections above show what changes between generators, lighting, chargers, DIY cords and job sites. If you would rather not assemble a cord, our ready-made generator cords come with connectors attached.