SOOW cables are designed for hard applications, such as portable power tools, welding machines, temporary power settings, and more. Although it may look similar abroad, not every SOOW cable does not meet the same safety requirements. Some are listed in the UL list and is compatible with the NEC, while others are not classified and may be acceptable in some contexts or regions outside the United States.
Understanding the difference is extremely important, especially when the installation is examined or needs to comply with the regulations. In this post, we highlight the differences between UL and non -classified SOOW.
What does the UL certificate for SOOW cables mean?
SOOW cables that carry UL menu (subscription laboratories) are adopted under UL 62 – ropes and elastic cables. This means that the cable has passed the third party test for the quality of construction, thermal performance, flame, oil, water, and corrosion resistance. More importantly, the SOOW approved by UL is compatible with the national electrical law (NEC)-specifically:
NEC Article 400 on Using flexible ropes
NEC Article 590 On temporary facilities on construction sites
NEC Article 501Where flexible ropes are used in dangerous sites
Here why this is important.
If you are working on a temporary lighting setting on a commercial construction site, the NEC 590 requires a flexible wire included for any wires that are exposed to material or weather damage. The non -black rope can fail, even if it is solid, in examination and delaying the project. The same applies to the distribution of mobile energy in warehouses or schools.
SOOW listed on the UL list also meets OSHA Safety Requirements at the workplace and is generally approved by insurance companies.
What is a non -cable?
SOOW cables that are not classified in UL 62 are not tested. They may still perform well, but manufacturer for markets or environments that do not require UL certificate. Many:
It was approved by CSA C22.2 No. 49 for Canadian use
Designed according to IEC or CE standards for international use
It is used in the industrial settings that control it, as the internal criteria exceed the local code
While these cables often have a building similar to UL versions, they may differ in details such as:
Jacket
Using or not having a jute filling
Fallen counting and measuring strand
In some cases, these differences improve flexibility,but It can also affect how the cable is finished or carried under friction.
Where can you use an unproductive SOOW cable?
If a non -acceptable cable depends on project The site, inspection requirements and power with a specialization (AHJ).
Uses acceptable for non -socs:
international Projectsand Where UL is not required
Personal grooms or workshopsLike welding threads or extension ropes
Unorganized temporary settings In non -public areas
Internal industrial wiresWhere compliance is dealt with at home
Low energy or special equipmentWhere the list is not applied
UL (UL 62) applications- UL (UL 62)- In the United States:
Permitted installations In commercial, municipal or institutional buildings
Any project is subject to an electrical examination
Building sites (Temporary or Standing Wires under the NEC 590)
Facilities in dangerous sites (NEC 501)
Jobs that require insurance, sending or contractor documents
How to misunderstand certificates
Many cables look similar outside, but the language of signs and the issuance of certificates can be misleading or bad interpretation. For example:
CSA C22.2 No. 49 It refers to the construction standard, not an existing. Unless the cable CSA listedIt was not approved by the third party test.
Osha accepted It may apply to the use of a limited tool in the workplace – not in the permanent installations governed by NEC.
CE signs It applies to European products and does not satisfy the requirements of the code.
The number of ropes and its composition Some non-sacking cables may vary lower and thicker strands (for example, 67 versus 133), which affects the flexibility and compatibility with peripheral luwais.
These differences often pass without anyone noticing until the inspection fails. For this reason, checking the signs directly on the jacket is necessary.
Final ideas
The SOOW cables listed in the UL menu, tested under UL 62, is the safest option for American projects that include inspections or insurance review. Non -black ropes can still serve a purpose, but only in the contexts where safety compliance is not applied or alternative standards are accepted.
NNC offers the UL classification and not classified Soow cables Of high quality, depending on your priorities.
