What Does SOOW Cable Stand for, and How Do They Work?

The integrity and reliability of cabling are crucial for data center management. SOOW cables are durable and versatile, making them pivotal to operational continuity and safety. Discover what SOOW cable stands for and how it works within your data center.

Understanding the Acronym

To understand the purpose and value of SOOW cables, it’s important to break down the acronym. The designation “SOOW” is a concise descriptor of the cable’s characteristics and capabilities:

  • S – Service: Signifies a flexible cord designed for various services and equipment.
  • OO – Oil-resistant insulation and jacket: The cable’s insulation and outer jacket are oil-resistant, ensuring durability in environments where oil exposure is possible.
  • W – Water-resistant: The construction materials are also water-resistant, making these cables suitable for use in damp conditions.

This combination of features makes SOOW cables exceptionally resilient and adaptable to various environments. Many industries rely on the fortitude of these cords for longevity and reliability in delivering power.

How SOOW Cables Work

SOOW cables contain bare copper wire strands, ensuring superior conductivity and flexibility. The copper conductor’s insulation uses ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a synthetic rubber known for its excellent heat, moisture, and chemical exposure resistance. The outer jacket has Thermoset rubber, enhancing the cable’s durability against physical abrasions, UV light, and extreme weather conditions.

The construction of SOOW cables allows them to maintain optimal performance in temperatures from -58°F to 221°F. This wide temperature range and their oil and water resistance render SOOW cables ideal for powering equipment in demanding operational environments.

Applications in Data Centers

Maintaining a controlled environment within data centers is critical to prevent equipment malfunctions and ensure data integrity. Thanks to their resilience and reliability under adverse conditions, SOOW cables play a crucial role in achieving this objective.

Data centers house servers that require a consistent power supply. SOOW cables are common in connections to UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) systems and generators, providing a secure and stable power source that guards against system failures.

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems in data centers rely on SOOW cables for power connections. Their resistance to extreme temperatures and environmental elements ensures climate control equipment operates efficiently, maintaining optimal conditions for hardware performance.

Additionally, data center teams must adhere to stringent safety standards to protect equipment and themselves. SOOW cables are rated for hard usage and meet NEC requirements for flexible cords, contributing to compliance with these standards and enhancing workplace safety.

Understanding what SOOW stands for and how the cables work sheds light on their importance to the safety and smooth operation of data centers. Their durability, versatility, and performance in various conditions ensure that critical systems remain operational, safeguarding the continuity of data services. Recognizing the specifications and applications of SOOW cables for your data center is essential for making informed decisions about infrastructure investments and maintenance practices.