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  1. SO Portable Cords

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    SO portable cords, or SOOW cords, are a type of power cable designed for use in electrical systems to safely transfer power from one source to another. The “S” in “SO” stands for service. If the “S” is not followed by a “J”, it means that the cord has a voltage rating of 600 volts; however, if there is a “J”, the cord has a voltage rating of 300 volts.

    The “OO” means that the jacket and insulation of the cord are oil-resistant, and the “W” illustrates water and weather resistance. All in all, SOOW and SJOOW portable cords resist oil, water, weather, solvents, abrasion, aging, and ozone. They are also durable, flexible, and flame-retardant. At Classic Wire & Cable, we offer both SOOW and SJOOW portable cords to meet your electrical needs.

    Benefits of SO Portable Cords

    One of the primary benefits of SO cords is their flexibility, making them a popular choice for various electrical power applications. These adaptable cords can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments to suit the needs of applications such as:

    • Temporary lighting and electrical power at construction sites
    • Motors
    • Heavy-duty tools
    • Large appliances
    • Wiring for industrial equipment and machinery

    SO cords feature contrasting plastic or rubber jackets enclosing the conductors. This gives you the freedom to choose the cord that offers the highest level of safety and cost-effectiveness for your project. While SO cables offer a wide range of advantages, it’s important to note that the rubber outer jacket and flexible nature of these cords make them a poor choice for permanent wiring installations, as they could cause conduit jams during wire pulls.

    Classic Wire’s SO Portable Cables

    Classic Wire and Cable offers two types of SO portable wires:

    SOOW Copper 600V

    Our SOOW cables offer resistance to sunlight, water, and weather, making them a great solution for both indoor and outdoor use. These cables can be submerged in shallow water for up to three months at temperatures up to 60°C. Common applications for our SOOW Copper 600V cables include portable tools and equipment, small motors, and associated machinery.

    Classic Wire SJOOW

    With a voltage rating of 300 volts, our SJOOW portable cables are suited for heavy-duty use in damp or dry environments up to 90°C. They are ideal for supplying power to lawnmowers, portable power tools, barbecues, and other outdoor equipment.

    Construction for SOOW and SJOOW Portable Cables

    Both our SOOW and SJOOW portable cables feature flexible thermoset rubber cordage capable of withstanding a wide range of temperatures. Designed to hold up in extreme heat and cold, these cables offer exceptional performance and flexibility.

    The construction of our SOOW and SJOOW portable cords includes:

    • Conductors: Manufactured using flexible stranded Class K through 18 to 10 American Wire Gauge (AWG) conductors to meet ASTM B-174 standards.
    • Insulation: EPDM rubber insulation offers moisture and oil resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 90°C.
    • Assembly: Insulated conductors are cabled with non-wicking wax paper fillers. The assembly is wrapped with tissue-paper separators to ensure easier jacket removal.
    • Jacket: To complete the construction, an oil, moisture, and heat-resistant flexible CPE jacket is extruded over the assembly.

    SO Portable Cords from Classic Wire and Cable

    SO portable cords offer a flexible option for various indoor and outdoor electrical power applications. At Classic Wire & Cable, we’ve been serving electrical distributors with quality aluminum wire and cable solutions for over 200 years. Depending on your particular needs, we offer both SOOW and SJOOW portable cords designed to hold up under harsh conditions.

    For more information about our selection of SO portable cables, contact us today.

    SOOW Copper 600VSOOW Copper 600V [**]

    SJOOW Copper 300VSJOOW Copper 300V [**]

  2. Type MC Armored Cables

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    Also known as metallic sheathed cables, metal-clad (Type MC) armored cables consist of one or more insulated circuit conductors. The cable is usually protected by an aluminum or steel interlocking tape armor, or a smooth aluminum corrugated sheath.

    The aluminum interlocked armor, widely used with Type MC cables, acts as mechanical protection for electrical circuits. With over 200 years of combined experience, Classic Wire & Cable is a trusted supplier of aluminum conductor Type MC armored cables for electrical distributors.

    Uses of Type MC Armored Cables

    Though Type MC and Type AC cables bear a resemblance, the two should not be confused. Type AC cables are manufactured with an internal bonding strip, while Type MC cables have an equipment ground conductor (EGC). Due to these unique features, Type AC cables are not permitted in outdoor environments, specifically in damp areas while Type MC cables are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

    However, it’s important to note that you should not install Type MC cables in areas where they are likely to be physically damaged. You must secure and support them at no more than six-foot intervals. Consult Article 330 in the National Electrical Code (NEC) for more information.

    Common applications of Type MC cables include:

    • Service entrance cables
    • Feeders or branch circuits for power and lighting circuits
    • Control cables
    • Flexible, protected whips to HVAC equipment, light fixtures, or other wiring methods and equipment

    Compared to traditional cables, armored cables are more economical because you don’t need to install an electrical conduit then pull the conductors into place. Simply install the armored cable as a complete solution.

    Type MC Aluminum Interlocked Armor XHHW-2 Rated 600V

    At Classic Wire & Cable, we offer Type MC cables with Type XHHW-2 conductors. Type XHHW-2 conductors are commonly used in services, feeders, branch circuits, and raceways (conduit). The conductor insulation is a thermoset cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), which means that it is more resistant to abrasion and chemicals.

    Type MC Aluminum Interlocked Armor XHHW-2  cables are often used for indoor lighting and branch circuit applications. With a maximum voltage rating of 600V, these cables can also be used in dry or wet locations with a maximum operating temperature of 90°C.

    Type MC Aluminum Interlocked Armor THHN/THWN-2 Rated 600V

    These cables are manufactured with thermoplastic insulated conductors comprised of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation with a Nylon covering. These conductors are commonly used in control circuits, machine tools, and appliances.

    These cables are flame-retardant and resistant to oil and gasoline. The nylon covering also protects the conductors from abrasion, puncture, or accidental cuts when the armor is removed and the conductors are pulled through a conduit to the device.

    Type MC Aluminum Interlocked Armor THHN/THWN-2 cables are often used for indoor lighting and branch circuit  applications. With a maximum voltage rating of 600V, these cables can also be used in dry or wet locations with a maximum operating temperature of 90°C.

    These types of cables are manufactured, tested and identified in accordance with the following standards:

    • UL 83 Thermoplastic-Insulated Wire and Cable (Type THHN/THWN-2)
    • UL 44 – Thermoset-Insulated Wire and Cable (Type XHHW-2)
    • UL 1569 – Metal-Clad Cables (Type MC)
    • IEEE 1202 – Flame Testing of Cables for Use in Cable Tray, in Industrial and Commercial Occupancies (70,000 BTU/hr)
    • ICEA T-29-520 – Vertical Cable Tray Flame Tests (210,000 BTU/hr)
    • NFPA 70 – National Electric Code
    • ICEA S-95-658 (NEMA WC 70) – Power Cables Rated 2000 Volts or Less for the Distribution of Electrical Energy

    Get Top-Quality Type MC Armored Cables

    Type MC armored cables offer many benefits, from corrosion resistance and flexibility to durability and continuous protection. Moreover, these cables are lighter and more cost-effective than other wiring methods due to their aluminum construction.

    Do you want to purchase or learn more about Type MC armored cables? Contact us today, and we’ll be more than happy to help.