What do the numbers mean on a power cord?

The thicker a wire, the lower its number; for instance 12-gauge wire is thicker than 14-gauge. Cable refers to two or more wires encased in a protective sheathing. Cable packaging indicates the gauge and number of wires. For example “12/2 WG” means two (black and white) 12-gauge wires plus a ground wire.

What are the different types of so cord?

Five types of industrial multi-conductor flexible cords are available from AutomationDirect:

Type SJOOW – 300 VAC, 18 to 10 AWG.
Type SOOW – 600 VAC, 18 to 10 AWG.
Type SJEOOW – 300 VAC, 18 to 10 AWG.
Type SEOOW – 600 VAC, 18 to 10 AWG.
Type W Cable – 2000 VAC, 8 AWG.

How do you read a power cord?

A lower AWG number indicates a thicker wire and a higher capacity. The lower the number, the higher the cord’s capacity to deliver power. Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside.

What is STW cord?

STOW/STW (Service, Thermoplastic jacket, Oil resistant jacket, Weather resistant)-Hard service Thermoplastic cord which will deform under extreme pressure or heat. STW (Service, Thermoplastic, Weather resistant}-same as STOW but jacket is not oil resistant.

What is the voltage of a 3 prong power cord?

It is the presence of neutral or ground, and the number of prongs, that determines if you can adapt down from a 250 Volt connection. Most 3-prong 250 Volt connections do not have either neutral or ground, but 4-prong 250 Volt connections do, allowing you to adapt down to a 125 Volt application.

What is the difference between so cord and SJ cord?

The insulation thickness is the main difference, with the extra hard service “SO” cables requiring thicker insulation to accommodate for higher voltage ratings, while the SJO constructions require thinner insulation with their lower voltage rating.

What is a heavy-duty extension cord?

Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power. These are always grounded extension cords that include a third wire and plug prong for grounding and have plugs with three slots for accepting grounded appliance cords.

What is the difference between SJ and SJO cord?

What are the different types of electrical cord?

Listed below are designations for cord characteristics based on Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 400. S = Standard; rated at 600 VAC. SJ = Junior; rated at 300 VAC. E Elastomer; (thermoplastic rubber) T = Thermoplastic. O = Oil-resistant outer jacket.

What do the letters on an extension cord mean?

Extension Cord Codes-What Those Letters Mean. Extension cords have mysterious letters and numbers printed on the jacket to show the uses for which they are appropriate. Things like amperage and voltage capacity and appropriateness for use in extreme conditions are what those codes identify. The code is contained in the National Electrical Code…

What kind of cord is the elastomer cord?

Cord Designations Cord Type Jacket SJEW Elastomer SJO Thermoset Rubber SJOW Thermoset Rubber SJOOW Thermoset Rubber

What are the characteristics of a cable cord?

Listed below are designations for cord characteristics based on Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 400.