Portable cord

A portable cord, which is also known as portable cordage or flexible cord, is a cable with multiple conductors used for functions requiring flexibility. The cord can be employed for power in a range of applications, such as operating motors in small and large tools, equipment, power extensions, appliances and machinery.

Portable cords may be used in commercial, industrial and residential applications. They work well on job sites where resistance to oil, chemicals and abrasion is vital and also perform well in extreme environments - both the heat and the cold, outside or inside. Additionally, some portable cords can be water-resistant or water submersible. Because of their characteristics, portable cords are commonly utilized in a range of facilities, such as construction sites, mills, mines, sports complexes, or even marinas.

Although the construction of a portable cord varies depending on the type, a standard cord has at least two stranded copper conductors. The copper stranding, insulation and jacket directly influence the physical properties of the cord.

Varieties

A variety of portable cords, differing in styles, lengths and thicknesses, exist in the marketplace. Common types include Type SJT, SVT, SEOW, SJ, SJOW, SO and SOW. Each has specific applications associated with it. All portable cords are usually comprised of thermoset, thermoplastic elastomer, or thermoplastic. Thermoset cords have heavy-duty-grade rubber jackets and are extremely sturdy. Thermoplastic elastomer cords have medium-duty-grade thermoplastic elastomer jackets and perform well in cold conditions. Thermoplastic cords have a light-duty plastic compound jacket and thus work for light-duty use.

Portable Cord Letter Connotations

The letters used to describe portable cords hold significance. Below are the meanings for each letter.

• S = 600 Volt Service Cord
• J = Junior Service - 300 Volt
• T = Thermoplastic
• E = Elastomer - thermoplastic that looks and feels like rubber
• O = Oil Resistant Outer Jacket
• OO = Oil Resistant Outer Jacket and Oil Resistant Insulation
• W = CSA Weather and Water Resistant (approved for indoor and outdoor use)

References

• Cooper, Martin E. and Linda Riggs. “Don’t Let Your Portable Cord Tie You Up.” EC&M Electrical Construction & Maintenance, May 1998, Vol. 97 Issue 5, p68.
• Lamendola, Mark. “Construction Site Ground-Fault Protection.” EC&M Electrical Construction & Maintenance, June 2002.
• "Portable Cord FAQs." World Class Wire and Cable Web.

See also

• Power cable
• Electrical wiring
• 10603
• M13486

External links

• Portable Cord Info
• BS 7671:2008 Cable Sizing Tool