SOOW Vs. SEEOW Vs. STOW: What Are The Differences?

When choosing the right versatile portable cord, the options available can be overwhelming, leaving many unsure of which one best fits their needs.

In today's fast-paced world, where electrical equipment plays an increasingly important role, it's crucial to understand the disparities among the different cord varieties. With our elaborative exploration, we'll shed light on the differences, ensuring you can make an informed decision.

So, without further ado, let's delve into the intricacies of SOOW, SEEOW, and STOW cords, unraveling their unique features and functionalities to equip you with the knowledge needed for a confident purchase.

What are Portable Cords?

A portable cord, also called an SO cord, is a flexible, movable electrical wire of any number of insulated conductors surrounded by a jacket. It is usually used to connect to power temporarily. The constant bending and harsh environmental conditions of portable cords may subject them to high or low temperatures, oil, chemicals, and corrosive substances.

Several varieties of portable cords are identified by letter codes that are accepted in the industry and specify different qualities (such as temperature range, wire size, and voltage ratings), making choosing the optimal cord for a specific use easier. In industrial and business situations, a portable SO cable is frequently used for short-term wiring jobs, including powering mobile tools, devices, equipment, tiny motors, and related machinery. Usually, some of these cords have no connectors on either end.

They comprise some of the most common cables found in electrical wiring. They also include some of the most dependable and resilient cords in portable connections, lighting wire, and medium and high voltage designs.

In this piece, we'll look at some of the most widely used options for portable SO cords. Hence, the rest of this guide will focus on three popular alternatives of portable cables, SOOW, STOW, and SEEOW, emphasizing the unique properties of these bulk cables and other aspects, like the difference between SOOW and STOW portable cords.

Now, let's find out what all these letters mean.

Understanding the Letters

The following are the essential letters arranged for your convenience:

S - service cord.

O - coat impervious to oil.

OO - coat and lining can withstand oil.

J - Junior service with a voltage rating of 300 volts.

T - thermoplastic insulation.

Thermoplastic insulation has a smaller operating temperature range and lower tensile strength than conventional thermoset insulation. Consequently, SJTOW, STOW, STO, and SJTO cables are all considered to be residential, low-performance options. They cost less than SEOOW, SOOW, SEEOW, and SJEOW.

W - weather and water shield.

It also involves resistance to all adverse effects of the environment, such as sunshine, ozone, wetness, and a host of other things. There are modest differences between portable power cables jackets, making it easier to select a more economical choice based on particular features.

E - cable with a thermoplastic elastomer jacket.

As a result, these cords function well over a broader range of temperatures. They are more flexible than their contemporaries, which helps them operate well even in extreme cold.

V - a junior service cord with 300 volts, typically used with vacuum cleaners. This cable is not suitable for outdoor use.

Now, let's compare these cords' similarities and unique properties.

The Unique Properties of the SO Portable Cord

1. SOOW vs. SJOOW

There are many parallels between these cables. They both possess EPDM insulation. EPDM can withstand heat, flame, sunshine, and acid without deteriorating. Despite their outer and inner jackets comprising distinct materials, both are oil-resistant. In addition to meeting UL standards, they also meet CSA requirements. However, these SO cords exhibit a variety of distinctions too.

The voltage ratings represent the most significant distinction between SOOW and SJOOW. The fact that SJOOW is a Junior Service Cord indicates that its maximum voltage rating is just 300V. In contrast, SOOW cords are rated at 600V. The increased voltage rating of the SOOW cable is due to its thicker jacket. Furthermore, a thermoset rubber jacket, commonly made of Neoprene, is also present on SJOOW cords. The result is a cable that can bend and twist more than SOOW cable but isn't as sturdy.

Additionally, SOOW cable is less susceptible to ozone, abrasion, and impact. On the other hand, this means it comes at a higher price. Hence, the junior service cable is affordable if you don't require more than 300V.

2. SEOOW vs. SJEOOW

The SEOOW family of portable cords can be distinguished from the SOOW and SJOOW variants by their thermoplastic elastomer jacket. This thermoplastic has some of the chemical protection of PVC and the flexibility of rubber.

The SEOOW is a superior pliable cord created with plastic properties and jacketed rubber material. In contrast, the SOOW equivalent is merely composed of a rubber coating. The SEOOW cable specs indicate it may be used between -50 and 105 degrees Celsius and is more water-resistant than SOOW.

3. STOW and SJTOW

These cables are resistive and comparable to the SOOW and SEOOW, though not to a similar degree. Since the STOW and the SJTOW feature a thermoplastic jacket, these are the SO portable cables with the least flexibility. However, they perform exceptionally for home use, portable lighting, and electrical extension cords.

Now, let's take a closer look at each of these options individually.

What is SOOW Cable?

The SOOW cord is a heavy-duty portable cord used in motor leads, temperature control systems, fire alarm controls, portable lighting, and battery chargers. There is an extensive range of SOOW cable designs available.

It can have bare or tinned wires, insulated, and a jacket made of different materials. You can find the outside of SOOW portable PVC, CPE, or TPE rubber cords. As we previously outlined, you may obtain specific details about this cable from the letters in SOOW:

S= Service Cord

OO = Outer layer and insulation that can handle oil.

W = Waterproof and Weatherproof

All these characteristics come together to define an SOOW wire. These cables can withstand up to 600 volts, making them suitable for light commercial and industrial settings. The chlorinated polyethylene elastomer (CPE) coating on the robust rubber jacket protecting the copper wires gives it resistance to external stresses like heat, sunlight, oil, and water. Thanks to their solid outer structure, you may use these cables indoors and outdoors.

What is SOOW cable used for?

Many electricians and contractors use SOOW bulk cables for indoor and outdoor applications due to their extreme durability and resistance to damage due to moisture. These lightweight cables are ideal for portable tools and machinery because they can maintain a constant power connection even as you move the equipment around.

Businesses utilize them consistently for use in various industrial applications, including motors, cranes, processing gear, and building equipment. In addition to fire alarm monitors, portable illumination systems, wireless control circuits, and battery chargers, these components may all contain the SOOW cable. Because SOOW cables are resilient to water and oil, they are frequently employed in applications related to oil production and mining.

In addition to their use in the manufacturing industry, these materials can be used in residential and commercial settings. They are used to power various electronic devices and small motors. Because SOOW cables may be used with a variety of applications, this particular type of wire is quite popular and is an excellent choice for various tasks.

What is SEEOW Cable?

The SEEOW Cable is a type of power service line notable for its formidable resistance to grease, water, and the elements of nature. In addition to its obvious applications in the energy sector, SEEOW also finds a home in the stage lighting, robotics, mobile manufacturing, and food processing industries. The SEEOW Portable Power Cable can be utilized indoors or outdoors efficiently.

Interestingly, it also works excellently when submerged in water. Usually, these electric cords can turn out lighter thanks to fillers made from non-wicking polypropylene. Also, It can handle up to 600 V and work within a temperature range between -100°C and 105°C.

The jacket of a SEEOW cable consists of a thermoplastic elastomer, one of the features that set it apart from other portable lines. This protective jacket is bendable and immune to the damaging effects of hazardous substances. Also, this substance softens when heated and hardens when cooled despite having a somewhat lower level of resilience than the thermoset material employed by other cable types.

Compared with other portable service cords currently available on shelves, SEEOW offers superior flexibility. Additionally, it has exceptional water resistance.

Usually, you can find these portable power lines for sale in either black or yellow. But while shopping, ensure your SEEOW portable cords are high-quality and offered at the most competitive price from a trusted supplier.

What is STOW?

The thermoplastic service entry cable, STOW, is impervious to the elements and water. Its outer jacket has grease resistance built into it. The power cable is utilized in various transportable appliances, from washing machines to hospital equipment to music systems and portable lighting. It can be used indoors or outdoors to provide emergency power. The STOW cable is also commonly employed in robotic systems, remote interfaces with push-button monitors, and engines.

This electrical cable may also withstand up to 600 volts. It can withstand being immersed in water and is resistant to flames. However, compared to SOOW and SEOW cables, this cord is less flexible and will deteriorate when exposed to oil or chemicals in higher temperatures.

The use of STOW is not intended to be heavy-duty. It is rated for temperatures between -20°C and 60°C. The electrical cable has exceptional resistance to chemicals, ozone, and erosion.

STOW is quite comparable to other service entry cables, with one significant distinction between the two types of cables. Their initial "T" suggests they have an encasing of some thermoplastic material.

The thermoplastic jacket of STOW service cords makes them impervious to oil, water, and the elements.

However, this makes them more rigid than other service entrance wires.

Differences Between SOOW vs. SEEOW vs. STOW

Common Uses of SOOW, SEEOW, and STOW

These international power cords in portable gadgets are sturdy and can be utilized in various settings. The water- and oil-resistant construction is among the most obvious benefits. These two features combine to make these structures more durable and dependable, with longer shelf lives and the potential for deployment in harsh environments.

Some of the places you can use them include:

• Storage spaces
• Equipment in contact with chemicals and oil
• Extreme bending applications
• Requirements for use in hazardous environments
• Movable lighting
• Chargers for batteries
• Factory assembly lines
• Heavy-duty use in industrial settings
• Manufacturing facilities
• Mobile stage lighting
• Heavy-duty machinery

The SO cable types are the most common electrical cords available on the market due to their overall resilience and versatility. Whether you need a flexible, portable cord that can handle high or low temperatures or look for cost-effectiveness, a SO cable will be the perfect option. Some people, for instance, choose SO portable power cables because they can handle greater voltages. Their uses demand far less power (300 volts) than standard junior service.

However, SO power cords are pricier and take up more space. Knowing your power needs can help you save some cash. Remember, even a small amount adds up when buying thousands of meters of cable. So be mindful of every cent you spend.

Conclusion

In the mobile and electrical cabling field, a wide array of configurations are used across different industries and fields. Among these, SOOW, SEEOW, SEOOW, and STOOW are four highly comparable products relied upon by various operations worldwide. The electrical cord sector is diverse, encompassing different structures, temperature ratings, and voltage specifications.

When considering switching to any of these portable power cables, carefully assess your specific requirements. The intended purpose of the cable is a crucial factor in determining its suitability. If you are unable to decide, we offer a range of portable power cords and encourage you to contact us for assistance.