Cable Types, S, SO, SOOW, SJ

[derekleffew]

S = Extra Hard Usage Service Grade

SJ = Junior Hard Service grade

SO = Same as S but with oil resistant jacket. (thermoset)

SOO = Same as S but both conductor insulation and jacket are oil resistant. (thermoset)

SOOW = Same as SOO except outdoor rated. (thermoset)

I got this from North American Cable Types

Type S (and all subsequent letter codes) = Extra Hard Usage--required in almost all NEC Article 520 Theatre applications

Type SJ (and all subsequent letter codes) = Junior Hard Service (permitted by the NEC only in the following special applications):

--6.0 m (20') max length for SJ (junior hard service or hard usage) and derivatives in break-out assemblies. Must be protected from physical damage by being supported over its entire length by a pipe, truss, tower, scaffold, or other substantial support structure. There is no minimum height off the ground specified. Must connect a single multi-pole connector containing two or more circuits and multiple 2-pole, 3-wire connectors. Must be protected by an overcurrent protective device of not over 20A. Section 520.68(A)(4)

--1.0 m (3.3') max length for SJ and derivatives in adapters and twofers. No length limit on twofers using SO or derivatives. Section 520.69(C)

All other applications require extra hard usage (SO and derivatives). Section 520.68(A)(1).

Always good to know:

See also http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/glossarys/9887-wire-cable-electrical-types.html.