Carol Cables and Wires Brand
Building on a legacy that dates back to 1985, Carol Brand has cemented its reputation as a global leader in high-performance wire and cable manufacturing. The company delivers specialized solutions for the most demanding environments, ranging from offshore oil rigs to high-heat industrial facilities. By integrating raw material production with advanced automated assembly, Carol ensures that every inch of its 10-million-piece monthly capacity meets rigorous UL and ISO standards. Today, as a vital part of the Prysmian Group family, this Taiwan-based powerhouse continues to drive innovation through durable, chemical-resistant wiring that powers tier-one OEMs across the globe.
Top Carol Cables and Wires
Carol Brand Super Vu-Tron Supreme SOOW Cord
This flagship portable power cord features a proprietary GenClean® jacket that resists chemicals and oils while remaining easy to clean, making it the top choice for food processing and marine environments.
Carol Brand Carolprene Jacketed SOOW Cord
A staple in industrial settings, this versatile cable offers exceptional flexibility and resistance to ozone, sunlight, and water, ensuring reliable 600-volt power for heavy-duty tools and portable machinery.
Carol Brand EXZEL High-Endurance Electronic Cable
Engineered for “cruel and usual punishment,” this electronic cable provides superior signal integrity and physical toughness, outperforming conventional PVC cables in high-stress data and security applications.
Carol Brand powers the modern world with an exhaustive portfolio of high-performance wiring solutions engineered for durability and precision.
Product Categories
Carol’s specialized product lineup addresses the unique electrical demands of industrial, commercial, and residential infrastructure.
Multi-Conductor & Control Cables
These shielded and unshielded cables provide reliable signal transmission and power distribution in complex automated systems and industrial machinery.
Portable Power Cords
Industry-standard SOOW and SJOOW cords offer extreme flexibility and resistance to oil, water, and abrasion, making them perfect for heavy-duty tools and temporary power.
Electronics & Hook-Up Wire
Designed for data transmission and internal circuitry, these wires ensure low-interference connectivity for security systems and electronic appliances.
Specialized & EV Charging Cables
Carol leads the transition to green energy with robust EV charging cables and specialized wiring designed to withstand the thermal and mechanical stresses of modern transportation.
Fire Alarm & Coaxial Cables
High-integrity fire alarm cables ensure safety system reliability during emergencies, while the coaxial range provides superior clarity for high-frequency communication signals.
Customer Experiences
James Sterling “As a site foreman for a coastal industrial plant, I have switched almost entirely to Carol’s SOOW portable cords for our heavy machinery. We previously dealt with frequent jacket failures due to chemical exposure and salt spray, but these cables have remained pliable and intact for over 24 months of continuous outdoor use. The internal color-coding is consistent, which makes our maintenance cycles significantly faster, and the resistance to oil is exactly as advertised in the technical spec sheets.”
Elena Rodriguez “We recently overhauled the security and data infrastructure for a multi-story office complex using Carol multi-conductor and fire alarm cables. The ease of stripping the insulation without damaging the internal conductors saved my installation team dozens of labor hours compared to cheaper alternatives. I particularly appreciated the consistency of the shielding in their communication cables, as we were able to run high-speed data lines near power conduits with zero measurable signal interference.”
Mark Henderson “For our custom power supply manufacturing business, we rely on Carol hook-up wire for all our internal chassis wiring. The UL and CSA certifications are critical for our compliance audits, but it is the thermal stability of the insulation that really stands out to us during the soldering process. Unlike other brands where the jacket might shrink or melt back when heat is applied to the terminal, Carol’s materials hold their form, ensuring a clean and professional finish on every unit we ship.”
Carol FAQ
What is the main difference between SOOW and SJOOW portable cords?
The primary difference lies in the voltage rating and jacket thickness; SOOW is a heavy-duty cord rated for 600 volts, while SJOOW is a “junior” service cord rated for 300 volts. Because SOOW has a thicker outer jacket, it offers superior mechanical protection for industrial environments, whereas SJOOW is lighter and more flexible for portable tools and appliances.
Can Carol SOOW cables be used for permanent wiring inside walls?
No, Carol portable cords are designed for temporary power and flexible applications and are not permitted by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for permanent installation inside walls or ceilings. For permanent building infrastructure, you should use rated building wires like THHN/THWN housed in a proper conduit.
What do the letters in the “SOOW” designation stand for?
The acronym is a standard industry code where S stands for Service (600V), the first O indicates an oil-resistant jacket, the second O means the internal insulation is also oil-resistant, and the W signifies that the cable is weather and water-resistant. This makes it ideal for harsh outdoor or oily machine-shop conditions.
Are Carol cables resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures?
Yes, most Carol Brand industrial cables, such as the Super Vu-Tron line, are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 90°C. They also feature advanced elastomer jackets that resist swelling or cracking when exposed to common industrial chemicals, lubricants, and acids.
Where is the best place to buy authentic Carol Brand products in the USA?
Authentic Carol products are distributed through major electrical supply chains such as Allied Wire & Cable, Graybar, Wesco, and Anixter. Buying through authorized distributors ensures you receive genuine UL-certified materials and full manufacturer warranty support from the Prysmian Group.