SOOW cable is a versatile and durable portable control cable designed for various industrial, commercial, and outdoor applications. The acronym SOOW stands for:

• S - Service Cord (Heavy Duty)
• OO - Oil-resistant insulation and Oil-resistant outer jacket
• W - Weather and Water-resistant

SOOW cables are flexible, durable, and resistant to harsh industrial environments. Common applications include:

• Machinery in industrial environments
• Outdoor events
• Construction sites
• Temporary power setups
• Portable tools and equipment
• Lighting fixtures in outdoor and industrial settings
• Control systems
• Power lighting and sound equipment in the entertainment industry
• Emergency and temporary power needs

The 16/3 configuration, indicating three conductors, is typically used for applications that require a ground in addition to the hot and neutral wires, making it suitable for a wide range of single-phase power applications. The 16 AWG size is appropriate for light to moderate loads, offering a good balance between current-carrying capacity and flexibility for easier handling and installation.

Particular applications include:

• Light duty industrial applications
• Portable tools
• Temporary power needs
• Lighting installations
• Sound systems and audio-visual equipment
• Control circuits
• Custom extension cords creation
• Outdoor and event equipment

SOOW cable is not typically tray-rated despite having some common characteristics like oil resistance. Tray cables usually have thicker jackets and more robust insulation.

SOOW cable is rated for outdoor installations, as outlined in the letter "W'' in its name, which stands for weather and water resistance. The cable is resistant to moisture, UV, and temperature fluctuations. The SOOW jacket is additionally resistant to oil. However, you should pick a cable with a better UV-resistant characteristic for installations directly exposed to sunlight.

Yellow SOOW cables are more visible than black ones, so they can be used in safety-critical environments. Black cables can absorb more heat than yellow cables when exposed to sunlight, which might be a consideration in outdoor applications. You can also choose to use black or yellow cable for color-coding purposes.

The UL rating means that the cable meets the safety standards Underwriters Laboratories (UL) developed. The rating verifies the cable's weather, water, and oil resistance. The rating also verifies that the cable can be used in industrial, commercial, and outdoor settings. UL also conducts ongoing factory inspections to ensure consistent compliance with the applicable standards to ensure that the standards are maintained over time.

A shielded SOOW is needed to protect electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference (EMI) in factories and plants. The cable is used:

• In proximity to sensitive equipment
• In high-EMI industrial environments
• In data and control lines
•  In broadcast and audio-visual applications
• Near power lines