SO Cable

Provide the conductor size, number of conductors, voltage requirement, approximate length and any applicable environmental or approval requirements.

For a more accurate quote, it also helps to provide the equipment or application, required ampacity, temperature conditions, jacket requirements and whether the cable will be exposed to oil, moisture, abrasion or frequent movement. If you are replacing an existing cable, a part number, specification or cable marking can also help identify the closest suitable construction.

SO cable conductor size should be selected based on the electrical load, circuit length, allowable voltage drop and applicable installation requirements.

A higher-current application generally requires a larger conductor, but ampacity alone is not the only consideration. Long cable runs can create voltage drop, while operating temperature and equipment requirements may also affect conductor selection. Providing the load, voltage and approximate cable length allows a supplier to help narrow the available options before ordering.

Yes. SO and SOOW cable are available in multiconductor constructions designed for different power and control requirements.

The appropriate conductor count depends on the equipment and circuit configuration. Some applications may require only a few conductors, while machinery, control equipment or specialized portable systems can require substantially more. Because conductor count affects cable diameter, weight and handling characteristics, it should be considered together with conductor size and installation requirements.

Compare the complete cable construction and ratings rather than relying on the SO designation alone.

Important factors can include conductor size and stranding, number of conductors, voltage and temperature ratings, insulation and jacket materials, outside diameter, weight, applicable listings and resistance characteristics. Two cables described broadly as SO or SOOW may not be interchangeable for every application, so the full specification should be reviewed before substituting one product for another.

In many cases, yes, but the available solution depends on the electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements of the equipment.

Applications with unusual conductor counts, cable diameters, flexibility requirements or operating conditions may require a less common standard construction or a specially sourced cable. Providing drawings, existing cable markings, electrical requirements or equipment specifications can make it easier to determine whether an existing SO cable construction will work or whether another portable cable type should be considered.