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SO, SO, SO…. SO Cables

Submitted by DonHester on Fri, 12/12/2014 - 11:57.

SO, SO, SO…. SO Cables Chelan Home Inspections

When it comes to electrical installations most of the materials used have a rating, marking and purpose. Since electricity has an innate ability to kill and catch things on fire there are quite a bit of rules involved to keep it as safe as possible.

With that said I can use many various other materials and make a electrical circuit and have it work just fine, but how safe is it? If I am not using materials that are specifically designed for that purpose we have an increased risk in either durability or safety.

Pipe Dream

For instance I could take two copper plumbing pipes and connect them to the electrical system and make them my conductors and bingo I have circuit and I could light a bulb at the other end. The copper pipes are great conductors and will efficiently carry that current needed to serve my mechanical purpose.

Almost all of you would know this is not a great idea, and most would know that this is not allowed by codes. This does not remove the fact it will work, and work pretty well, but we have now removed quite a bit of safety from this installation.

Now why all this rambling? Because often I see where people in their homes use materials in a fashion they are not designed for. Often people have some cables or wire that they think will work just fine for a given purpose. Yes in many cases they work just fine but depending on the material. The material and installation will dictate the potential risk and durability involved of that specific installation.

So here is a great example. On a recent home inspection I find what is called “SO” cable used as branch wiring and feeders. This specific cable is a 10/4 “SO” cable.

Wiring in crawlspace

This type of cable/cord has it purpose and you may see it in some applications such as an attachment plugs, pendants, wiring of lights (luminaires) or areas for use where there may be an issue with the transmission of noise or vibration etc… It is not to be used as fixed wiring or in an underground application as it was used on this home.

SO Cable with plugs

This is obviously a sign of unprofessional work and improper use of materials. Again it does work but it is not right and carries a greater risk.

Feeder to storage/shop

Here are two code references on markings and uses not permitted based on the 2014 NEC-

400.6 Markings

(A) Standard Markings.

Flexible cords and cables shall be marked by means of a printed tag attached to the coil reel or carton. The tag shall contain the information required in 310.120(A). Types S, SC, SCE, SCT, SE, SEO, SEOO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJEOO, SJO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SO, SOO, ST, STO, STOO, SEW, SEOW, SEOOW, SJEW, SJEOW, SJEOOW, SJOW, SJTW, SJTOW, SJTOOW, SOW, SOOW, STW, STOW, and STOOW flexible cords and G, G-GC, PPE, and W flexible cables shall be durably marked on the surface at intervals not exceeding 610 mm (24 in.) with the type designation, size, and number of conductors. Required markings on tags, cords, and cables shall also include the maximum operating temperature of the flexible cord or cable.

400.8 Uses Not Permitted

Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords and cables shall not be used for the following:

As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure

Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors

Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings

Where attached to building surfaces

So when doing home inspection I am looking for improper use of materials that could affect the durability of the home and safety of my clients.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…

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SO, SO, SO…. SO Cables