RESOURCE

Abbreviations and Definitions used in the cabling industry

AF Asbestos 302°F. Fixture wire, 18-10 AWG. Heat-resistant, with some moisture-resistant types. 300V max.
AL Impregnated Asbestos Under 300V. 257°F., Dry only.
AVA, AVB, & AVL Asbestos and Varnished Cambric, 194-230°F., Dry with AVL wet.
B Outer Braid usually of Glass.
Bell Wire usually low voltage, typically 18 AWG. No rubber used, just 2 layers of cotton twisted in opposite directions.
C Two or more stranded wires with flexible insulation for temporary use. Thermoset or Thermoplastic, Dry Use Only. Rough service wire, not as aesthetically pleasing as “PO”. Twice as thick in insulation but similar to “PO” with silk or Rayon top layer. Usually, a yellow/green braided jacket, “Green and Yellow Cord”. No outer jacket to wires, just twisted single strands. Lamp Cord, 2 or more 18-10 AWG. (Now with Thermoset or thermoplastic insulation and outer cotton cover.) Pendant and portable use, not for hard usage in dry locations.
DBRC Old Household, double-braided rubber-coated wire with cotton braid. Weather and fire-resistant.
Diene Monomer A diene is a molecule which contains two carbon-carbon double bonds. Usually when we talk of diene polymers, we're talking about polymers made from small molecules, or monomers, that have two carbon-carbon double bonds in what we call the 1 and 3 positions. Ref Diene Polymers Definition: Monomer - noun: monomer; plural noun: monomers - a molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer. Ref Oxford Dictionary
E Elevator Cable, 2 or more, 20-2 AWG. Conductors, Thermoset, 3-layer cotton-braided with flexible Flame retardant and Moisture Resistant Nylon jacket. For Elevator Lighting and Control in non-hazardous locations. Can incorporate 20 AWG Communications cable and optical fibers within covering, and be permitted to be supported through the center of insulation. “L.S” Designation = Limited Smoke flame retardant.
EO Elevator Cable, Same as Above with one type available for Hazardous locations.
EPDM Ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, is a synthetic rubber that is common in many industries. It is made from ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers making it versatile and durable.
ET Elevator Cable, Same as E, with a Rayon Braid on each conductor.
ETLB Same as E with No Braiding on each conductor. A14
ETP Same as E with Rayon Braided Conductors and for Hazardous Classified Locations.
ETT Same as ETP with No Outer Cover.
EV Electric Vehicle Cord. 18 - 500 KCMil. AWG. Two or more conductors, plus grounding conductors and optional hybrid data or signal communications and optional fiberoptic cables. Thermoset with optional nylon insulation and optional braiding. Thermoset outer covering. For electric vehicle charging in wet locations and for extra hard use.
EVE Same as EV cord, but with thermoplastic Elastomer insulation and coverings.
EVJT Same as EV cord but 18 to 12 AWG, and thinner jacket. B19
EVT Same as EV cord, but with Thermoplastic insulation.
F Fixture Wire, 90°C.
FCC Flat Copper Conductors, edge to edge for carpet, and under flooring.
FEP Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Insulation, Rated over 194°F. Dry only.
FEPB Same as FEP, but with glass braid or Asbestos-type outer covering. 392°F. Dry only.
FFH-2 Heat-resistant rubber-coated fixture wire, flexible strands, 167̊F. Rubber-coated and latex rubber-coated types.
G 8 AWG to 500 KCMil., 2-6 conductors plus Grounding Conductors. Portable Thermoset, Oil Res., Extra Hard Use. Stage and Garage Cable.
H Higher Loaded Current Temp. May be used 167°F. Max.
HF ECTFE Solid or 7 stranded. 18-14 AWG. Ethylene Chloro trifluoroethylene. 302°F. Fixture wire.
HFF ECTFE Stranded wire, same as HF.
HH Much Higher Temperature 194°F. Max.
HPD Heater Cord 18-12 AWG., 2 to 4 conductors. Dry Use Only. Thermoset or Thermoset with Asbestos-covered wires instead of cotton, but similar to type C. Covered with cotton or Rayon. Not Hard usage. B31
HPN Heater Cord, 18-12 AWG., 2 to 3 Conductors. Wet use, Light Duty Only. Oil-resistant Thermoset. Non-twisted.
HS Heater Cord, 14-12 AWG., 2 to 4 Conductors. Thermoset insulation with cotton or Thermoset Outer Covering, Extra Hard Usage.
HSJ Same as HS. But 18 - 12 AWG., Hard Usage only.
HSJO Same as HSO but Only Hard Usage. 18 - 12 AWG Available.
HSJOO Same as HSOO but Hard Usage only and 18-12 AWG. Available.
HSO Same as HS. with Oil Resistance Outer covering, Extra Hard Usage.
HSOO Same as HS. But with oil-resistant Thermoset insulators, and oil-resistant covering, Extra Hard Usage.
IGS Integrated Gas Spacer Cable, Exterior Use.
KF-1- and KF-2 Tape insulated fixture wire, solid or 7 stranded, 18-10 AWG. Aromatic Polyamide taped, 392̊F. Fixture wire.
KFF-1- and KFF-2 Stranded KF wire, note: -1- designates 300V. Max.
L Lead Jacket.
MI Mineral Insulated, Metal Shielded cable. Magnesium Oxide, 194°F. Dry or wet locations, with copper or Alloy Steel outer covering. Mineral insulated and Metal Shielded.
MTW Moisture, Heat and Oil Res. Flame Retardant Thermoplastic. Machine tool wiring in wet locations 140°F. Or 196°F. In dry locations with Nylon or Equivalent Jacket.
MV Medium Voltage Cable, Solid Dielectric 2,001 volts plus.
N Extruded Nylon or Thermoplastic Polyester, Tough and Very Resistant to Gas and Oil.
NM “Romex”, Non-Metallic cable with paper wrapping between conductors and plastic sheeting.
NMC “Romex”, Non-Metallic cable with solid plastic sheeting.
NMT See RFH wire Below. (Non-Metallic Tubing.)
O Neoprene Jacket. See SO cable.
P Rough Service appliance vacuum cleaner type cord. Flexible but like type “C”, coated in rubber like “POSJ”, encasing both strands with an appearance fabric outside layer.
PAF Perfluroalkoxy, Solid or 7 strand, 482°F. Fixture wire, 18-14 AWG. nickel or nickel-coated copper fixture wire. See PFA wire.
PAFF Stranded PAF wire, 302°F.
PD 18-10 AWG. Thermoset or Thermoplastic Insulation Cotton braiding and Cotton or Rayon outer covering. Pendant or Portable Wiring, Dry Locations, Not Hard Usage. Twisted Portable Cord.
PF Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene, fixture wire, solid or seven stranded 392̊F. 18-14 AWG. Fixture wire.
PFA Perfluorglkoxy, 194°F. For dry and damp conditions. See PAF wire.
PFAH Perfluorglkoxy, 482°F. Dry only, Raceway or Apparatus wire only.
PFF Same as PF wire, but stranded. 302°F.
PGF Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene, Glass Braided. 392°F. Solid or seven stranded. 18-14 AWG. Fixture Wire.
PGFF Stranded PGF wire, 302°F.
PO Lamp cord with the outer layer of silk or Rayon. Wires not Twisted but Parallel. Cotton yarn wrapping round twisted strands; Insulators of rubber on top of cotton, which insulates rubber from sticking to strands making it more flexible. Cotton layer atop Rubber, with Rayon or silk jacket enclosing two wires in parallel.
POSJ New Replacement for “PO” using a rubber jacket encasing both wires, and does not fray like fabric wires, can be washed.
PPE Garage use Portable Power Cable, 8 - 500 KCMil. With 1 - 6 conductors plus ground conductors. Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation, with Oil Resistant Thermoplastic Elastomer Outer Covering. Portable Extra Hard Use. Rated for Stage and
PTF Extruded Polytetra Fluoroethylene, solid or seven stranded, 18-14 AWG. 482°F. Nickel or Nickel-coated copper fixture wire.
PTFF Stranded PTF wire, 302°F. 18-14 AWG.
R Rubber or Neoprene insulation. (Best Quality Rubber) Household Wiring.
RFH-1 Heat Resistant, Rubber Coated, 167°F. 18 AWG. 300V. Fixture wire, solid or seven stranded. Also, type “NMT” Fixture wire.
RFH-2 Heat Resistant, RFH wire, 18-16 AWG. 600V. with Latex Rubber or rubber coating. Otherwise the same as RFH-1
RFHH-2 (LS) Limited Smoke Flame Retardant, Heat Resistant Cross-linked synthetic polymer insulated fixture wire. Solid or stranded 18-16 AWG. and cross-linked synthetic polymer without jacket. No cover or NMT 194°F. Multi-conductor cable, and fixture wire.
RH Thermoset, 167°F. Dry and Damp only, Flame Retardant, and Moisture Resistant. Best Quality, Better than RH and RP wire. For Factories and like. Moisture Res. & Flame Retardant non-metallic Covering.
RHH Thermoset, 194°F. Dry and Damp only, Flame Retardant, and Moisture Resistant.
RP Best Quality Rubber Insulation.
RUH Heat Resistant Latex Rubber 167°F., Dry only.
RWH Flame, Ozone and Moisture Resistant, 167°F. For dry and wet locations over 2,000 volts.
RWH-2 194°F. Continuous Temperature Thermoset. For Dry and Damp locations.
S Hard Service Cord with two or more stranded conductors 18 - 2 AWG. with a serving of woven cotton between the copper and the Thermoset insulation. Jute or other “fillers” are twisted together with the conductors to make a round assembly. Outer jacket of high-quality rubber or modern Thermoset. For Portable or Pendant, damp locations. Extra Hard Use. Stage and Garage Use.
SA Silicone Rubber or Silicone Asbestos, 194°F. For dry and Damp Areas. Silicone Rubber insulation with Glass or other Braided covering. (392°F. Special Applications)
SBRC Old Household, Single Braided rubber-covered with cotton braid.
SC “NEC” designation for Entertainment Industry and Stage Lighting Cable; rated 600 volts 8 AWG - 250 KCMil. 1 or more Conductors. Extra Hard Usage. Thermoset insulation and outer covering.
SCE Same as SC, with PVC or Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation and outer covering.
SCT Same as SC, with TPE based thermoplastic Insulation and outer covering.
SE Flame Retardant and Moisture Resistant, Hard Service Cord. 18 -2 AWG. 2 or more conductors, Use Underground, stage and Garage and not Fire Resistant. Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation and outer covering.
SEO Same as SE But with Oil Resistant Outer Covering.
SEOO Same as SEO, But with oil Resistant Insulation also.
SEOOW S: Service E: Thermoplastic Elastomer OO: Oil-resistant insulation and oil-resistant jacket W: Weather and water resistance Rated to: 600 Volts Temperature Range: -50 to 105ºC Size: 18 to 2 AWG Conductors: 2 to 5 Conductors
SF Silicone 200°C. Fixture wire.
SF 1 or 2 Silicone Rubber NMT, 392°F. “-1" is 18 AWG. 300V. “-2" is 16-18 AWG. 600V. Solid or seven stranded. Fixture wire.
SFF 1 or 2 Stranded SF, NMT wire. 302°F.
SIS Switchboard wire 194°F. Thermoplastic Flame Resistant for Switchboards. Synthetic Heat resistant Rubber. Dry only.
SJ Same as S-Cord, with Lighter Jacket 18-10 AWG. 2-5 Conductors, Thermoset Insulation and outer jacket. Junior Hard service Cord.
SJE Same as SJ, with Thermoplastic Elastomer Insulation and outer covering.
SJEO Same as SJE But Oil Resistant.
SJEOOW Similar to SEOOW but with "J" standing for Junior. A Junior cable is rated to 300V rather than 600V. Rated to: 300 Volts Temperature Range: -50 to 105ºC Size: 18 to 10 AWG Conductors: 2 to 4 Conductors Additional Information: SEOOW is a high-quality flexible cord with a thermoplastic elastomer jacket, combining the chemical tolerance properties of PVC and the durable properties of rubber. SEOOW is more water-resistant than SOOW and can be used at lower temperatures (temperature range: -50oC to 105oC).
SJO Same as SJ But with Oil Resistant outer covering. Same as SO cord, with an even lighter jacket.
SJOO Same as SJO But with Oil-resistant insulation also.
SJOOW "SJOOW" is a designation commonly used to describe a type of rubber-insulated and rubber-jacketed portable power cord. The letters in "SJOOW" each have a specific meaning in relation to the cable's construction: S: Stands for Service, indicating that the cable is suitable for service applications. J: Indicates that the cable has a junior service, meaning it is designed for general-purpose use. OO: Refers to the cable's insulation and jacket materials. In this case, both the insulation and jacket are made of oil-resistant synthetic rubber. W: Indicates that the cable has a weather-resistant jacket. In summary, "SJOOW" signifies a flexible and durable portable power cord designed for general service use. It typically features rubber insulation and a rubber jacket that is resistant to both oil and weather, making it suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications where flexibility and durability are essential. These cables are commonly used in construction sites, industrial settings, entertainment venues, and other locations where portable power is needed.
SJT Same as SJ cord, except with outer jacket and insulation of (thermoplastic) Materials.
SJTOW Essentially the same as STOW but with "J" standing for Junior. A Junior cable is rated to 300V rather than 600V. Rated to: 300 Volts Temperature Range: -20 to 60ºC Size: 18 to 10 AWG Conductors: 2 to 5 Conductors Note: STOW and SJTOW have similar resistance properties to SOOW and SEOOW but are less flexible due to their thermoplastic jackets. They are suitable for user applications, compact lighting, and energy extensions.
SN Synthetic rubber wire re-named “type T”, in 1947 from original 1940 code designation thermoplastic insulation, with no cotton required, not cold resistant.
SO Cord, same as S cord, thermoset insulation with an oil-resistant jacket of neoprene or similar material thermoset. Rated for stage and garage use.
SOO Same as SO with Oil Resistant Insulation.
SOOW "SOOW" is another designation used to describe a type of portable power cord. Similar to "SJOOW," each letter in "SOOW" has a specific meaning related to the cable's construction: S: Stands for Service, indicating that the cable is suitable for service applications. OO: Refers to the cable's insulation and jacket materials. In this case, both the insulation and jacket are made of oil-resistant synthetic rubber. W: Indicates that the cable has a weather-resistant jacket. Therefore, "SOOW" represents a portable power cord with oil-resistant synthetic rubber insulation and jacket, designed for service applications in both indoor and outdoor environments. These cords are known for their flexibility, durability, and resistance to various environmental factors, making them commonly used in construction sites, industrial facilities, and other settings where portable and reliable power connections are required.
SP Rubber “Zip Cord”.
SP-1 All Thermoset Parallel cord 20 -18 Awg, 2 or 3 Conductor. Pendant or portable use, Damp Locations, Not Hard Use. Not twisted.
SP-2 Same as SP-1 But 18-16 Awg.
SP-3 Same as SP-1 But 18-10 Awg. For Refrigerators, Room Air Conditioners.
SPE All Elastomer “Zip Cord”.
SPE-1 All Thermoset Parallel cord 20-18 Awg, 2 or 3 Conductor. Damp Locations, Not Hard Use. Not Twisted.
SPE-2 Same as SPE-1 But 18-16 Awg.
SPE-3 Same as SPE-1 But 18-10 Awg. For Refrigerators, Room Air Conditioners.
SPT “Lamp Cord”, 2 or 3 conductor Parallel cord, Damp Locations, Not Hard Use. 18-10 AWG. Cotton Braided or rubber. Interior wiring of appliances.
SPT-1 Same as SPT-2, 2 conductors only.
SPT-2 Same as SPT-1, 18-10 Awg.
SPT-3 Same as SPT-1 and -2 But rated 300V.
SPTF Type FPE insulation, rubber jacket. Cotton outer layer for appearance. 167°F. Used for Appliance and Power Tools and Vacuum Cleaners.
ST Hard Service Thermoset, oil-resistant outer covering, extra hard use.
ST 1 Same as ST but 300V max.
ST 2 Same as ST but 600V max.
STJ Same as ST but with TPE insulation and outer covering.
STO Same as ST but oil-resistant outer covering.
STOO Same as STO but oil-resistant insulation also.
STOW S: Service T: Thermoplastic O: Oil-resistant jacket W: Weather and water resistance Rated to: 600 Volts Temperature Range: -40 to 60ºC Size: 18 to 10 AWG Conductors: 2 to 4 Conductors
SV Service Cord, 8-2 AWG. Thermoset or thermoplastic insulation, oil-resistant and weather-resistant jacket, extra hard use.
SVO Same as SV, oil-resistant jacket.
SVOO Same as SVO, oil-resistant insulation also.
SVT 18-2 AWG. Thermoset insulation with thermoplastic jacket, very flexible and ideal for vacuum cleaners and appliances.
SVTO Same as SVT, oil-resistant jacket.
SVTOO Same as SVTO, oil-resistant insulation also.
TBS Taped Bedding and Serving Wire. 4-1 AWG. Tape applied over laid stranding. Rubber or thermoplastic insulation, thermoset outer covering.
TC Thermocouple.
TFF Extruded Polytetra Fluoroethylene, solid or seven stranded, 18-14 AWG. 482°F. For Aircraft Wiring.
TFFN Thermoplastic Flexible Fixture wire, Nylon-coated, 194°F. 600V. Fixture wire, 18-10 AWG.
TGGT Cross-linked synthetic polymer insulation and outer covering, Glass Braid, 482°F. Thermocouple.
THHN Thermoplastic Insulation, Nylon jacket, 167°F. 600V. or 1000V. 8-2 AWG. “Machine Tool Wire”. 90°C. Also, “MTW” (machine tool wire). Special Applications, not conduit.
THW Thermoplastic insulation, 167°F. 600V. or 1000V. Rubber covering (not Thermoset) oil and moisture-resistant. Machine tool wire for wet locations, and Flexible appliance, and power tool cord, up to 90°C. (194°F.) In dry locations. A12
THW -2 Same as THW but 90°C. (194°F.) in Dry locations.
THWN Thermoplastic Insulation with Nylon jacket, 167°F. 600V. or 1000V. A13
THWN -2 Same as THW but with Nylon jacket, 90°C. (194°F.) In Dry Locations.
TLN Thermoplastic Insulation and jacket, No Fillers. 194°F. Same as Type SN above.
TPC Thermoplastic Continuous Flex cord, Thermoplastic insulation, 167°F. 600V. Extra Hard Service. Portable. A13
TPE Thermoplastic Elastomer, 167°F. 600V. Same as Thermoplastic. Mixture of plastic and rubber. A13
TPT Thermoplastic Insulation and Jacket, Twisted, 167°F. 600V. Same as type “S” and “SA”.
TTB Taped Bedding, and Serving Cord, 2-4 conductors. Twisted and Served. For control of motors. 600V.
VFF Polyvinylidenefluoride Insulation, 392°F. Fixture wire.
VGA Silicone or Varnished glass. 194°F. Also used for Ignition Systems Chair, furniture wiring, Dry or Damp locations unchanged.
VGT Cross-linked Synthetic Polymer, 482°F. Same as type TFFN Above.
VK Silicone Rubber, 194°F. Also used for Ignition Systems Chair, furniture wiring, Dry or Damp locations unchanged.
VKF Taped Silicone rubber, 392°F.
VNTC Shielded tray cable. Cable and control cable, cable and instrument cable, and power-limited tray cable.
VOO Same as V0, but oil-resistant insulation also.
VOST Same as V0, but oil-resistant insulation also.
VOSTO Same as V0, but oil-resistant insulation also.
VZO Same as VZ, but oil-resistant insulation also.
W Tungsten lamp cord.
W Neoprene Jacketed, Woven Braided.
W Moisture-resistant cotton braided.
WM Mineral Insulated, Nickel-Clad. 194°F. Dry or wet locations, with Alloy Steel or Nickel-Clad outer covering.
WMO Same as WM but Oil Resistant Outer Covering.
XHHW Cross-linked Polyethylene insulation, Moisture, and Heat Resistant, 167°F. 600V. 8 - 2 AWG. (Not rubber).
XHHW -2 Same as XHHW but 194°F. in Dry Locations.
Z Lead Alloy-covered. Dry or wet locations.
Z-G Lead Alloy-covered, and Glass Braided, Dry or Wet locations.
ZH Cross-linked Synthetic Polymer, 167°F. 600V. Special Applications. Non-metallic thermoset covering.
ZHH Cross-linked synthetic polymer insulation. 194°F. same as XHHW, but with thermoset covering.
ZI Cross-linked Synthetic Polymer, 167°F. 600V. Special Applications. Special low Smoke thermoset covering.
ZII Cross-linked Synthetic Polymer, 167°F. 600V. Special Applications. Medium Smoke thermoset covering.
ZO Cross-linked Synthetic Polymer, 167°F. 600V. Special Applications. Oil-resistant thermoset covering.
ZOO Same as ZO but 194°F. In Dry locations.
ZTW Rubber and/or Neoprene Insulated, Woven Braided, Light-Duty Zip Cord. 167°F. Extra Hard Use. 18-14 AWG. Asbestos covering.
ZTW -2 Same as ZTW but 194°F. in Dry Locations.
ZW Rubber and/or Neoprene Insulated, Woven Braided, Light-Duty Zip Cord. 167°F. Extra Hard Use. 18-14 AWG. Rubber covering.
ZW -2 Same as ZW but 194°F. in Dry Locations.
ZX Synthetic Thermoplastic Insulation, 194°F. 600V. 8-2 AWG. Non-Metallic thermoset jacket.
ZX -2 Same as ZX but 167°F. in Dry Locations.
ZZ Woven Jacket, Extra Hard Use, 167°F. 600V. 8-2 AWG. Asbestos Covering.
ZZ -2 Same as ZZ but 194°F. in Dry Locations.
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