In industrial environments, oil exposure is one of the most common causes of cable failure-leading to cracking jackets, degraded insulation, and costly downtime. For engineers, OEMs, and procurement managers, choosing the right oil-resistant cable is critical to both safety and performance. One frequently asked question is: Is SO cord oil-resistant? In this article, we provide a clear, professional answer by examining SO cord from the perspectives of standards compliance, material design, real-world applications, and procurement considerations-helping you make confident purchasing decisions.
What Is SO Cord?
SO cord is a heavy-duty flexible rubber service cable widely used in industrial and commercial power applications. It is designed for portable equipment and environments requiring durability, flexibility, and resistance to harsh conditions.
The designation "SO" has a specific meaning:
- S – Service cord (600V rated)
- O – Oil-resistant insulation and oil-resistant outer jacket
Typically, SO cord features fine-stranded copper conductors, rubber or elastomer insulation, and a robust rubber jacket, making it suitable for demanding industrial use.
Is SO Cord Oil-Resistant?
Yes-SO cord is oil-resistant by design and by certification.
According to UL 62, NEC Article 400, and relevant CSA standards, SO cord must meet strict oil-resistance requirements for both insulation and jacket materials. The "O" rating confirms that the cable has passed standardized oil exposure tests, ensuring that it maintains mechanical integrity, flexibility, and electrical performance when exposed to oils and lubricants.
In practical terms, this means SO cord can be safely used in oil-contaminated environments such as factories, workshops, and machinery areas without premature degradation-making it a trusted choice for industrial power applications.
Why Is SO Cord Oil-Resistant?
The oil resistance of SO cord comes from its material selection and structural design:
- Oil-resistant rubber insulation: Prevents swelling, softening, or cracking when exposed to petroleum-based oils
- Heavy-duty elastomer jacket: Acts as a protective barrier against oil, grease, and mechanical abrasion
- Flexible construction: Maintains performance even after repeated bending in oily environments
Compared with standard PVC cables, SO cord performs significantly better in oil exposure, offering longer service life and reduced maintenance costs.
Typical Oil-Resistant Applications of SO Cord
SO cord is widely used in applications where oil exposure is unavoidable, including:
- Industrial machinery and production lines
- Machine tools and CNC equipment
- Pumps, compressors, and motors
- Oil & gas processing facilities
- Factories and workshops with lubricants or cutting oils
- Portable power tools and temporary industrial power supplies
In these environments, SO cord provides reliable power while minimizing safety risks and downtime.
SO Cord vs. Other Oil-Resistant Cables
| Cable Type | Voltage Rating | Oil Resistance | Jacket Thickness | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO | 600V | Yes (Insulation & Jacket) | Heavy-duty | Industrial machinery, heavy equipment |
| SJO | 300V | Yes | Medium | Light industrial tools |
| SJOW | 300V | Yes + Water Resistant | Medium | Damp or outdoor environments |
| SOOW | 600V | Yes + Water & Weather Resistant | Heavy-duty | Outdoor, harsh industrial use |
Selection tip: SO cord is ideal for indoor industrial oil-resistant applications, while SOOW is preferred for outdoor or wet conditions.
Key Parameters to Consider When Purchasing SO Cord
To ensure optimal performance, buyers should evaluate the following factors:
- Voltage and current rating (typically 600V)
- Number of cores and conductor size (AWG)
- Certification requirements (UL, VDE, CB, CSA, etc.)
- Operating environment (oil type, temperature, movement frequency)
- Customization needs (length, color, printing, OEM labeling)
Proper selection ensures compliance, safety, and long-term reliability.
Why Choose Our SO Cord?
At Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd., we specialize in high-quality SO cord solutions backed by 30 years of manufacturing experience. Our SO cord products are fully compliant with UL, VDE, CB, and other international standards, ensuring reliable oil resistance and consistent performance.
What we offer our customers:
- Full range of SO cord specifications
- Multi-certification compliance (UL / VDE / CB)
- Large inventory for fast delivery
- Support for both small and large-volume projects
- OEM & customized production capabilities
- Professional pre-sales and after-sales technical support
By choosing our SO cord, you gain not only a durable oil-resistant cable, but also a reliable partner who helps reduce lead times, simplify sourcing, and improve project efficiency.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a quote:
Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
📞 Tel / WhatsApp / WeChat:
+86 135 1078 4550
+86 136 6257 9592
📧 Email: manager01@greaterwire.com