Cable & Wire Types

A practical guide to power cable construction — covering SOOW, SJOOW, and SJT jacket types, 300V vs 600V ratings, and common AWG wire sizes. Use this reference to select the right cable for your environment and application.

Cable & Wire Type Guide

SOOW vs SJOOW vs SJT

These designations describe the jacket type and construction of a cable:

  • - SOOW – Heavy-duty, oil-resistant, flexible cable rated for 600V; common in data center and industrial environments
  • - SJOOW – Similar flexibility but lighter duty and rated for 300V
  • - SJT – Lightweight service cord typically used for lower-power applications

The correct jacket type depends on voltage rating, environment, and flexibility requirements.

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Cable & Wire Type Guide

When to use 300V vs 600V cable

  • - 300V cable is suitable for lower-voltage, lighter-duty applications
  • - 600V cable is required for higher-voltage systems and is often specified for data center use even when operating below its maximum rating

Using a higher-rated cable can provide added durability and compliance flexibility.

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Cable & Wire Type Guide

Common AWG sizes and use cases

AWG (American Wire Gauge) indicates conductor size. Lower numbers mean thicker wire and higher current capacity.

Common examples:

  • - 12 AWG – 20A applications
  • - 10 AWG – 30A applications
  • - 6–8 AWG – High-current or three-phase power

Correct wire-sizing is essential for safety, performance, and UL compliance.

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