Is SOOW 12/3 Type Cable acceptable for stage use?

[ariggs]

Hey guys,
I just got finished browsing over the NEC's section on Portable Cords and noticed that Cord Types S, SO, and SOO were allowable for stage use but no mention of SOOW.

Anyone know if it is or isn't permissable for use in theatre stages? I do a lot of location film work so the 'W' Rating for Wet conditions is a plus for me but I'm starting to do more studio work so was just curious as their is some cross polination of fields between Film and Stage/Theatre.

Thanks in advance,
-Riggs

[icewolf08]

Yes, it is acceptable for theatre use, in fact it is recommended.

[Footer]

As long as there is no J in the name, all of the above are good to go. SOOW is the standard that most places use if they can.

[ariggs]

Thanks for the reply guys. That helps alot. After checking Ship's breakdown on Cable I didn't see mention of the 'W' so figured I ask.

-Riggs

[rwhealey]

Now, in a slightly unrelated question, what do I want for speaker cable?

[gabe]

Originally Posted by Footer

As long as there is no J in the name, all of the above are good to go. SOOW is the standard that most places use if they can.

Is it really unacceptable to use 12/3 SJO in theater? We use it occasionally for things such as runs on stage that have to be low profile.

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by rwhealey

Now, in a slightly unrelated question, what do I want for speaker cable?

14/12/10 AWG in 2/4/6/8 conductor, depending on power, length, and application. Preference of rubber or plastic jacket determined by amount of expected abuse.

Originally Posted by gabe

Is it really unacceptable to use 12/3 SJO in theater? We use it occasionally for things such as runs on stage that have to be low profile.

See http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/l...e-theater.html.

[mrb]

Unacceptable to use SJO for lighting/power cable except for adapters and breakouts limited to 6ft in length. SOOW (the W just means water resistant) is whats required. You can also use STOW but its not a great idea since its pvc and will melt if it touches an insturment.

For speaker cable, we typically use 12/4 SJOW for NL4 cable...

[ship]

Quick concept, understanding what each letter means is the most important concept in any coding. Is type S' any beter or worse than type SO, SOW or SOOW cable is a part of the code you don't yet understand which needs to be. This much less SJ, or SE types.

What does the second "O" mean and how does it effect your situation?

On the other hand in your concern I can understand in not yet understanding a worry about if this cable has a few more things its resistant to, if it meets the minimum requirements of what the NEC has. Learning experience and nothing like being the guy on site in needing to know this stuff better for learning stuff you will never forget.

Good to ask, well now known by you now in mastering this part of your craft. And no question is ever stupid to ask if you don't thoroughly understand and am ready to learn.

[mrb]

Originally Posted by ship

Quick concept, understanding what each letter means is the most important concept in any coding. Is type S' any beter or worse than type SO, SOW or SOOW cable is a part of the code you don't yet understand which needs to be. This much less SJ, or SE types.

What does the second "O" mean and how does it effect your situation?

On the other hand in your concern I can understand in not yet understanding a worry about if this cable has a few more things its resistant to, if it meets the minimum requirements of what the NEC has. Learning experience and nothing like being the guy on site in needing to know this stuff better for learning stuff you will never forget.

Good to ask, well now known by you now in mastering this part of your craft. And no question is ever stupid to ask if you don't thoroughly understand and am ready to learn.

S = service, extra hard usage
first O = oil resistant (outer jacket)
second O = oil resistant (conductor insulation)
W = water resistant

If there is a J in there, its Junior cord which is hard usage, not extra hard usage.
T = thermoplastic (PVC)
E = thermoplastic elastomer (fake rubber)