Professional cable manufacturer
UL 62 / CSA C22.2 No. 49 construction · NEC Article 400
SOOW 8/3 Extra Heavy Duty Portable Cord 600V UL62 Rubber Cable
Three-conductor 600V rubber portable cord with a Class K rope-stranded bare copper conductor and an oil-resistant EPDM / CPE construction — for tools, equipment and temporary power on construction sites, in industrial plants and at mines.
600V AC
Rated Voltage
40 A
Ampacity at 30°C
−40 … +90°C
Temperature Range
8 AWG × 3
Conductors
↓ Download Datasheet (PDF)
UL 62 / CSA C22.2 No. 49 construction
MSHA flame-test performance on request
Sample cut lengths available
OEM printing & packing
600V PORTABLE CORD
UL 62Flexible cords and cables
CSA C22.2 No. 49Canadian equivalent standard
NEC Article 400Portable cord usage rules
MSHA flame testPerformance on request
−40°C … +90°CTemperature range
Key Specifications
The essentials, at a glance
Everything an electrical engineer checks first on a portable cord — before reading the full specification below.
600V AC
Rated voltage
40 A
Ampacity, 30°C basis
3
Conductors (2 + EGC)
8 AWG
Class K stranded Cu
EPDM / CPE
Insulation / jacket
+90°C
Max. conductor temp.
Product Overview
A 600V cord built for the work site, not the cable tray
The SOOW 8/3 is a three-conductor, 600V rubber portable cord built to the UL 62 flexible-cord construction and its CSA C22.2 No. 49 equivalent. It is the heavy-duty cord that brings power to tools and equipment on construction sites, in industrial plants and at mining operations — wherever the cord is dragged, coiled and re-routed instead of fixed in place.
The conductor is 133 strands bare copper, Class K rope-stranded per ASTM B-174. Class K stranding is what lets an 8 AWG cord survive repeated handling: the fine strands share the bending stress that would crack a coarser conductor. Maximum DC resistance is 0.63 Ω/1000 ft (2.07 Ω/km) at 20°C, the finished cord measures about 0.85 in (21.6 mm) overall, and it weighs roughly 427–485 lbs/1000 ft.
Insulation is heat- and moisture-resistant EPDM rubber; the jacket is a tough black CPE compound. Together they give the cord its oil, grease, ozone, water and UV (SUN RES) resistance, and keep it serviceable across the −40°C to +90°C range. Maximum conductor temperature is +90°C for continuous operation.
Ampacity is 40 A per NEC Table 400.5(A)(1). The value comes from column A — 2 current-carrying conductors — because the green conductor in a 3-conductor cord is the equipment grounding conductor and is not counted as a current-carrying conductor. The table's basis is a 30°C ambient; above that, or where cords are bundled or run in a raceway, apply the correction and adjustment factors of NEC Table 400.5(A)(2).
More about the manufacturer: About SORIVO →
Key Features
Eight features that matter on a work site
UL 62 / CSA C22.2 No. 49
Built to the UL 62 / CSA C22.2 No. 49 construction. Listing scope for this 8 AWG 3-conductor size is confirmed in writing against the factory certificate before the order is placed.
Class K Rope Stranding
133 strands bare copper, Class K rope-stranded per ASTM B-174 — the stranding class that survives repeated coiling, dragging and tight-radius routing.
EPDM Insulation, CPE Jacket
Heat- and moisture-resistant EPDM insulation inside a black CPE jacket that stays serviceable across the −40°C to +90°C range.
600V, 40 A Rated
600V service cord rated 40 A per NEC Table 400.5(A)(1) column A — 2 current-carrying conductors plus the equipment grounding conductor, on a 30°C ambient basis.
Oil, Ozone & Weather Resistant
Resistant to oil, greases, ozone, weathering effects, water and UV radiation (SUN RES) — specified for cords that live outdoors and on the ground.
90°C Continuous
+90°C maximum conductor temperature, with a temperature range of −40°C to +90°C for this extra heavy duty size.
MSHA Flame-Test Performance
MSHA flame-test performance is available on request for this construction, and the flame-test documents are issued with the quotation.
Extra-Hard Usage Cord Type
SOOW is an extra-hard usage cord type under NEC Table 400.4; the applicable usage rating for your size and routing is confirmed on the quotation.
Applications
Where this cord is used
From a site distribution board to a pump at the face — one cord construction, sized per project.
01
Construction Sites
Temporary power from site distribution boards to tools, hoists, lighting strings and site offices.
02
Industrial Plants
Machine tools, welders, compressors and conveyors where the cord is coiled, moved and re-routed daily.
03
Mining & Quarries
Feeder and trailing cords for pumps, drills and conveyors, with MSHA flame-test performance available on request.
04
Portable Power Tools
Circular saws, breakers, concrete vibrators and drills — the duty cycle an 8 AWG cord is sized for.
05
Generator & Rental Power
Generator leads, spider boxes and rental distribution panels that are connected and struck on every shift.
06
Agriculture & Outdoor Sites
Irrigation pumps, barn equipment and yard machinery, where oil, water and UV resistance decide service life.
07
Shipyards & Docks
Dock-side power, hoists and yard equipment in damp, oily conditions the CPE jacket is formulated for.
08
OEM Equipment Leads
Motor leads and power whips on machinery, supplied cut to length with your own printing and terminations.
Technical Specifications
Full specification sheet
The complete parameter set — the same data our engineers quote from.
Table 1 SOOW portable cord by conductor size
| Size AWG × cond. | Conductor stranding Class K per ASTM B-174 | Nominal outer diameter in (mm) | Approx. weight lbs/1000 ft (kg/km) | Max. DC resistance at 20°C | Ampacity at 30°C, A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 AWG × 3 | 41 × 30 AWG | 0.53 (13.5) | 161–196 (240–292) | 2.53 Ω/1000 ft (8.30 Ω/km) | 18 |
| 12 AWG × 3 | 65 × 30 AWG | 0.595 (15.1) | 224 (333) | 1.59–1.62 Ω/1000 ft (5.22–5.31 Ω/km) | 25 |
| 10 AWG × 3 | 104 × 30 AWG | 0.66 (16.8) | 290–316 (430–470) | 0.99 Ω/1000 ft (3.25 Ω/km) | 30 |
| 8 AWG × 3 | 133 strands | 0.85 (21.6) | 427–485 (635–720) | 0.63 Ω/1000 ft (2.07 Ω/km) | 40 |
The 8 AWG × 3 row is highlighted — it is the size this page covers. Ampacity is taken from NEC Table 400.5(A)(1), column A (2 current-carrying conductors), at a 30°C ambient: in a 3-conductor cord the green conductor is the equipment grounding conductor and is not counted as current-carrying. Above 30°C, or for bundled or raceway installations, apply NEC Table 400.5(A)(2). All dimensions and weights are nominal and may vary according to plant of manufacture; the data is provided for information only and does not create a binding obligation or liability.
Table 2 Construction and performance parameters
| General Information | |
| Product Name | SOOW 8/3 Extra Heavy Duty Portable Cord 600V UL62 Rubber Cable |
| Primary Standard | UL 62 — flexible cords and cables |
| Further Standards | CSA C22.2 No. 49; NEC Article 400; ASTM B-174 (Class K rope-stranded conductor) |
| Rated Voltage | 600V AC |
| Construction | 3 conductors — 2 current-carrying conductors plus 1 green equipment grounding conductor (EGC) |
| Usage Rating | SOOW is an extra-hard usage cord type under NEC Table 400.4; the applicable rating for the selected size and routing is confirmed on the quotation |
| Conductor | |
| Conductor Material | Bare copper, fully annealed per ASTM B-174 |
| Conductor Type | Class K rope-stranded, extra-flexible |
| Conductor Stranding | 8 AWG: 133 strands |
| Max. DC Resistance | 8 AWG: 0.63 Ω/1000 ft (2.07 Ω/km) at 20°C |
| Insulation & Jacket | |
| Insulation Material | EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber — heat and moisture resistant |
| Jacket Material | CPE (chlorinated polyethylene), black — oil, ozone and weather resistant |
| Core Identification | Black, white, green (EGC) |
| Nominal Outer Diameter | 8 AWG × 3: 0.85 in (21.6 mm) |
| Approx. Weight | 8 AWG × 3: 427–485 lbs/1000 ft (635–720 kg/km) |
| Jacket Marking | SORIVO SOOW 8 AWG (8.37 mm²) 3/C 600V <year> — marking scheme confirmed against the factory certificate before the order is placed |
| CSA Flame Rating | Flame-retardant to CSA FT2 as declared for this construction — confirmed against the factory test report for the 8 AWG 3-conductor size before the order is placed |
| Electrical Ratings | |
| Current Carrying Capacity | 8 AWG × 3: 40 A per NEC Table 400.5(A)(1), column A (2 current-carrying conductors counting the EGC out), 30°C ambient |
| Ampacity Derating | Per NEC Table 400.5(A)(2) — ambient temperature correction and conductor-count adjustment for bundled or raceway installations |
| Test Voltage | 2500 V core to core, as a routine production test to UL 62 |
| Voltage Drop (8 AWG) | ≈ 4.14 V/A/km for the complete circuit loop at 20°C conductor temperature, calculated from the maximum DC resistance |
| Temperature & Environmental | |
| Temperature Range | −40°C to +90°C |
| Max. Conductor Temperature | +90°C continuous |
| Oil & Grease Resistance | Oil-resistant EPDM insulation and CPE jacket per the UL 62 / CSA C22.2 No. 49 construction |
| Water & Weather Resistance | Weather-resistant jacket; resistant to weathering effects and water |
| Ozone Resistance | Resistant to ozone |
| UV Resistance | Resistant to UV radiation (SUN RES) — suitable for outdoor service |
| Flame Rating | Flame-test performance available on request for this size — confirmed against the factory test report before the order is placed |
| MSHA Flame Test | MSHA flame-test performance available on request. The MSHA file number in circulation belongs to the third-party cord makers whose data sheets publish it, so we do not reproduce it as our own; our own MSHA documentation and flame-test records are supplied with the quotation for the exact construction |
| Min. Bending Radius | Manufacturer-recommended: 10 × overall diameter when flexible, 6 × overall diameter in a fixed installation |
| Packaging & Logistics | |
| Packaging | Wooden drum / coil / cut-length spool |
| Standard Length | 250 ft / 500 ft per reel |
| MOQ | 500 ft |
| Lead Time | 5–15 working days |
Final selection should be based on load current, circuit voltage, cord length, ambient temperature, installation method and the applicable local code. Certification scope and the applicable usage rating are confirmed in writing against the factory documents for the selected construction before the order is placed.
Certificates & Standards
Verify before you buy — we make it easy
UL 62 / CSA C22.2 No. 49 construction
This 8 AWG 3-conductor cord is built to the UL 62 / CSA C22.2 No. 49 construction. Listing status for this size is confirmed in writing against the factory certificate — we do not claim a listing we cannot show.
Request certificate copy →MSHA flame test
MSHA flame-test performance is available on request for this construction. The MSHA file number in circulation belongs to the third-party cord makers whose data sheets publish it, so we do not reproduce it as our own; our own MSHA documentation and flame-test records are supplied with the quotation for the exact construction.
Request test report →RoHS-2 and material compliance
Compliant with RoHS-2 (European Directive 2011/65/EU). Compound and conductor declarations for the selected construction are available on request.
Request declaration →
Transparency note: certification status and exact scope should always be confirmed against the certificate for the selected cable construction. No third-party approval file number is reproduced on this page, and no UL or CSA listing is claimed for this 8 AWG 3-conductor size. We provide our own certificate and test reports with every quotation — no blank promises.
Quality & Factory
Made in a real cable factory, tested before it ships
Every reel of portable cord is produced under controlled processes and released against the applicable UL 62 construction requirements.
- 1Incoming material control — bare copper wire and EPDM / CPE compounds are checked before production starts.
- 2In-line process monitoring — strand count, insulation eccentricity and jacket thickness are tracked during extrusion.
- 3Routine electrical tests — on-line spark test plus a 2500 V core-to-core production test and conductor resistance check.
- 4Batch documentation — conductor resistance, dimensions and test records are retained for every production batch.
19+
countries served
60+
industrial & site projects
100%
routine test before shipment
How to Order
From inquiry to loaded reel in 5 steps
Send Inquiry
Tell us the AWG size, conductor count, colour, quantity and destination market.
Confirm Construction
We confirm construction, flame and mining test scope, and quotation within one working day.
Sample Evaluation
Cut-length samples for qualification — stock items within a few working days.
Bulk Production
5–15 working days lead time with batch test documentation.
Delivery & Support
Wooden drum packing, shipping documents and after-sales support.
FAQ
Questions buyers ask before ordering
The letters come from UL 62. The first S is service cord, which is what makes this a 600V cord — a junior service cord would carry the SJ prefix and be rated 300V. The two Os mean the insulation and the jacket are both oil-resistant. The W means the cord is weather and water resistant. Because the insulation is a thermoset rubber compound rather than a thermoplastic, the code stays SOOW and never gains a T.
40 A is the NEC Table 400.5(A)(1) value for 8 AWG cord taken from column A, which covers 2 current-carrying conductors, on a 30°C ambient basis. A 3-conductor SOOW cord has two current-carrying conductors plus the green equipment grounding conductor, and the grounding conductor is not counted when the ampacity is determined. If the ambient is above 30°C, or the cords are bundled or run in a raceway, the correction and adjustment factors of NEC Table 400.5(A)(2) have to be applied on top. Ampacity follows the conductor size and not the voltage class, so the same figure applies to a 600V SOOW cord and to a 300V SJOOW cord of the same AWG.
It depends on the load and the run length. 8 AWG × 3 carries 40 A and has a maximum DC resistance of 0.63 Ω/1000 ft, while 10 AWG × 3 carries 30 A with 0.99 Ω/1000 ft. The 8 AWG cord is substantially heavier — roughly 427–485 lbs/1000 ft against 290–316 lbs/1000 ft — so it is normally chosen only where the current or the run justifies it. If the run is long, voltage drop rather than ampacity usually decides the size. Our SOOW 10/3 heavy duty portable cord covers the next size down, and we will confirm the right one from your load and one-way length.
+90°C for continuous operation. The full ambient range for this construction is −40°C to +90°C, so the same cord can be used on a site in winter and left in place on a machine. The limit that matters for ampacity is the 90°C conductor temperature, combined with the 30°C ambient basis of the NEC table.
Outdoors, yes. The CPE jacket is resistant to oil, greases, ozone, weathering effects, water and UV radiation (SUN RES), which is exactly what an outdoor or damp installation needs. Direct burial is a different question: a portable cord is not rated for direct burial, and this construction is not offered for it. If the run has to go underground, use a cable listed for direct burial and keep the portable cord above ground.
An 8 AWG 3-conductor SOOW cord weighs roughly 427–485 lbs/1000 ft, against 290–316 lbs/1000 ft for the 10 AWG version, and measures about 0.85 in (21.6 mm) across. It is a two-person lift on a full reel, and it is stiffer to coil than the smaller sizes — which is why it is normally specified only where the current or the run length genuinely needs it. Cut lengths, rather than full reels, are the usual way to buy it for a single machine.
Yes. MSHA flame-test performance is available on request for this construction. The MSHA file number that circulates for this cord type belongs to the third-party cord makers whose data sheets publish it, so we do not reproduce it as our own; our own MSHA documentation and flame-test records are supplied with the quotation for the exact construction you are buying. Ask through the form below and we will forward the scans.
The SJ prefix is the difference. SJOOW is a junior service cord, rated 300V instead of 600V, with thinner insulation and a smaller overall diameter — at 12 AWG the SJOOW cord is about 0.43 in across and 146 lbs/1000 ft, against roughly 0.595 in and 224 lbs/1000 ft for the SOOW version of the same size. Ampacity is the same for the same conductor size, because ampacity follows the conductor, not the voltage class. Our SJOOW 12/3 medium duty portable cord covers the lighter duty class, and it is the better choice for hand tools on a 300V system where weight and flexibility matter more than the higher voltage rating.
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Tell us the AWG size and quantity — we reply within one working day.
Get a Free Quote
Send your portable cord requirement
The more detail you give, the faster and more accurate our quotation. Our engineers reply within one working day.
- Conductor size and count (e.g. 8 AWG × 3) and quantity in feet or metres
- Voltage class: 600V SOOW or 300V SJOOW
- Application and environment: site power, machine lead, mine feeder, outdoor or damp
- Cut lengths, reel lengths and any printing or colour requirement
- Destination market, and whether a sample cut length is needed
Inquiry received
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