Electric Cable Installation: Understanding The "Sow" Term

what does sow mean in electric cable

SOW cables, also known as SO cords, are used to supply electrical power up to 600 volts. They are used for temporary power applications, such as stage lighting, sound systems, and construction sites. SOW stands for service, oil, and water-resistant. SOW cords are ideal for harsh outdoor environments due to their thermoset rubber insulation, which offers increased resistance to water, oils, and solvents. SOW cables are designed for heavy-duty industrial applications where flexibility and durability are required.

SOW Cable Characteristics and Values Table

Characteristics Values
Full Form Service, Oil, and Water-resistant
Indicator A (denotes reel and pendant cable and flexible use)
Usage Cranes, lifts, hot tubs, swimming pools, portable outdoor equipment, industrial machinery, appliances, etc.
Rating Up to 600 volts
Installation Not recommended for permanent underwater or direct sunlight installation
Conductors Bare or tinned copper, insulated with synthetic rubber (EPDM)
Conductor Colors Black, white, green, red, orange, light blue, repeating with a black stripe, then a red stripe
Flexibility High
Durability High
Resistance Oil, water, ozone, UV, abrasion, chemicals, temperature extremes

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SOW-A cables are reel and pendant cables

SOW-A cables are a type of reel and pendant cable. The 'A' in SOW-A indicates that the cable is suitable for flexible use. SOW-A cables are designed for continuous flexing applications and can withstand flame, abrasion, chemicals, moisture, impact, tearing, and temperature extremes. They are commonly used in cranes and lifts where the cable is constantly in motion.

Reel cables are typically round, drum-shaped objects used to carry various types of electrical wires. They are often made from wood, plywood, plastic, or steel, with steel drums being the preferred choice in the offshore industry. Cable reels are used to transport electrical cables, fiber optic cables, and wire products and are often equipped with a retracting mechanism.

Pendant cables, on the other hand, are used in applications such as portable control, festoon systems, power tracks, cable tenders, cranes, and hoists. SOW-A cables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can supply electrical power up to 600 volts. They are often used for temporary power supply rather than permanent installations.

SOW-A cables are constructed with conductors that are typically made of bare copper or tinned copper. The conductors are insulated with synthetic rubber, specifically Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), which provides flexibility, toughness, and temperature resistance. The insulation also makes the cables safe to use in environments with oil and other solvents. SOW-A cables are designed for easy handling and can be bent and laid flat in any direction.

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SOW cables are suitable for harsh outdoor environments

SOW cables, also known as reel and pendant cables, are designed for use in applications that require constant movement and flexibility. They are suitable for harsh outdoor environments due to their ability to withstand various elements and extreme temperatures.

SOW cables are manufactured for continuous flexing, making them ideal for cranes, lifts, and other similar equipment. They can endure exposure to flame, abrasion, chemicals, moisture, impact, tearing, and temperature extremes. This makes them well-suited for outdoor use, where they may be subjected to harsh weather conditions and varying temperatures.

The insulation and jacketing of SOW cables contribute to their durability and resistance to the outdoors. The cables are designed with oil-resistant insulation, which is essential in settings where machinery lubricated with oil is present or where solvents and other chemicals are used. This feature ensures that the cables remain safe and functional in oily or chemical-rich environments.

Additionally, SOW cables offer water and weather resistance. They can be submerged in shallow water for extended periods, up to temperatures of 60°C. This makes them suitable for outdoor use, even in wet conditions. The cables are also constructed to resist sunlight, ozone, and UV rays, further enhancing their outdoor suitability.

The flexibility of SOW cables is another key factor in their suitability for harsh outdoor environments. Their flexible design allows them to be easily handled, bent, and laid flat, ensuring versatility in various outdoor applications. SOW cables are often used in construction sites, power tracks, and other dynamic settings where adaptability is crucial.

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SOW cables are rated to supply electrical power up to 600 volts

SOW cables, also known as SO cables, are rated to supply electrical power up to 600 volts. SOW stands for Service, Oil, and Water-resistant. SOW power cords are designed for harsh outdoor environments and constant movement. They are used for cranes, lifts, hot tubs, swimming pools, and portable outdoor equipment.

SOW cables are manufactured with thermoset rubber insulation, which offers increased resistance to water, oils, and solvents. This makes them ideal for use in environments where machinery is lubricated with oil or where other solvents and chemicals are used. SOW cables are also safe for submersion in water and are ozone and UV-resistant. However, they are not recommended for permanent underwater installation or direct sunlight exposure.

The flexibility of SOW cables is a key feature. SOW conductors are made of bare copper, which has been fully annealed to maximise flexibility. Tinned copper conductors are also used to provide added protection against corrosion and oxidation in wet environments. The cables are designed for easy handling, with fillers creating a rounded bundle that bends smoothly in any direction.

SOW cables are commonly used in heavy-duty industrial applications that require both toughness and flexibility. They are suitable for industrial equipment, heavy tools, motor and welding leads, power extensions, portable machinery, sound equipment, and mining applications. SOW cables are also used for temporary power applications such as stage lighting, sound systems, and construction sites.

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SOW cables are used for heavy-duty industrial applications

SOW cables, also known as SO or SOOW cables, are used for heavy-duty industrial applications. They are designed for extra hard usage and are commonly used for industrial equipment, heavy tools, power extensions, and mining applications. SOOW cables are made from oil, ozone, and water-resistant rubber, which makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are also flame retardant and highly flexible.

SOOW cables are often used in construction sites to provide temporary lighting and electrical power. They are also used for portable tools and equipment, small motors, and associated machinery. SOOW cables are rated to supply electrical power up to 600 volts and are safe to use in environments where they may be exposed to oil. This makes them suitable for use with industrial machinery and appliances.

The flexibility of SOOW cables is due to the use of bare copper or tinned copper conductors, which have been fully annealed, or softened, for maximum flexibility. The conductors are insulated with a synthetic rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), which is elastic and can regain its shape after being stretched. It has the properties of both a polymer and a rubber, making it a good insulator while also being tough, flexible, temperature-resistant, and oil-resistant.

SOOW cables are manufactured with a flexible thermoset rubber cordage that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. They are designed to hold up in extreme heat and cold, offering exceptional performance and flexibility. SOOW cables are also available in a 300-volt rating, known as SJOOW, which is suitable for heavy-duty use in damp or dry environments up to 90°C.

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SOW cables are designed for extra hard usage

SOW cables, also known as reel and pendant cables, are designed for extra hard usage. They are used for applications that require constant movement, such as cranes and lifts. SOW cables are suitable for repeated flexible use and can withstand extreme conditions, including flame, abrasion, chemicals, moisture, impact, tearing, and temperature extremes.

The construction of SOW cables includes colour-coded synthetic oil, ozone, and water-resistant rubber insulation. This insulation is made of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), which has both polymer and rubber properties, making it a good insulator while also being tough, flexible, and temperature-resistant. The outer jacket of the cable is made of oil-resistant thermoset chlorinated polyethylene (CPE).

SOW cables are rated to supply electrical power up to 600 volts and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are commonly used in heavy-duty industrial applications, including industrial equipment, heavy tools, motor and welding leads, power extensions, and portable machinery. SOW cables are also used in sound equipment, portable stage lights, marine dockside power, and mining applications.

The flexibility of SOW cables is a key feature, allowing them to be used in a wide range of applications. The cables are designed for easy handling, and their roundness is essential to achieving this. Fillers are used between the conductors to create a smooth cord that can easily bend and lay flat in any direction. This flexibility also makes them ideal for continuous flexing applications in cable carriers.

SOW cables are a reliable choice for extra hard usage, providing toughness, durability, and flexibility in a wide range of industrial and heavy-duty applications.

Frequently asked questions

SOW stands for service, oil, and water-resistant.

SOW cables have thermoset rubber insulation and a thermoset chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) jacket.

SOW cables are used for heavy-duty industrial applications where flexibility and durability are required. They are used in cranes, lifts, hot tubs, swimming pools, and portable outdoor equipment.

SO cords have EPDM synthetic rubber insulation, whereas SOW cords have thermoset rubber insulation, which offers increased resistance to water and certain oils and solvents. SOW cables are better suited for harsh outdoor environments.

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