UL Approval 12 Awg SOOW Cable

A: S: Service cord, indicating it's a flexible cable designed for heavy-duty, portable power applications.
O: Oil-resistant insulation, meaning the internal insulation is resistant to oil.
O: Oil-resistant outer jacket, meaning the outer jacket is also oil-resistant.
W: Weather and water-resistant, indicating that the cable is suitable for outdoor use and can resist weather conditions, including water exposure.

A: 

Stripping SOOW cable requires careful handling to avoid damaging the inner conductors.
Tools Needed:
Wire strippers or a utility knife
Cable cutter
Diagonal pliers (optional)
Electrical tape (optional, for marking)

Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cut the cable to length:
Use a cable cutter to cut the SOOW cable to your desired length. Make sure the cut is clean and even.

Mark the jacket stripping length:
Measure and mark the length of the outer jacket you need to remove, typically about 2-3 inches depending on your application.

Score the outer jacket:
Use a utility knife to lightly score around the outer jacket at the marked location. Be careful not to cut too deep to avoid damaging the insulation on the inner wires.

Remove the outer jacket:
Once the jacket is scored, bend the cable slightly to open the cut, and gently pull the outer jacket off.

Strip the insulation from individual conductors:
After removing the outer jacket, you'll see the internal conductors, each with its own colored insulation. Use wire strippers to remove about 1/2 inch (or as needed) of insulation from each conductor to expose the copper wires.
Select the correct gauge setting (12 AWG for 12-gauge wire, for example) on the wire stripper to avoid damaging the copper strands.

Twist the copper strands:
Once the insulation is stripped, twist the copper strands of each conductor to ensure they stay together and are easier to work with.

Check your work:
Make sure none of the inner insulation or conductor strands are damaged. If the copper strands are nicked or cut, you may need to cut and re-strip that section.

Optional: Apply electrical tape:
If necessary, you can use electrical tape to reinforce areas where you may have over-stripped the jacket or for better protection in harsh environments.

A: Yes, SOOW cable is submersible. It is designed to be water-resistant and can be safely used in environments where it may be exposed to moisture or even submerged in water for extended periods. The "W" in SOOW stands for weather and water-resistant, which means the cable can handle outdoor exposure, including direct water contact, without degrading.