SJOOW is the right cord for construction sites.

SJOOW. Not even close.

SJTW is fine for light indoor use or occasional outdoor jobs—it’s lighter, cheaper, and gets the job done when you’re running a hedge trimmer. But the “O” in SJOOW stands for oil resistance, and the second “O” stands for oil resistant insulation. On a construction site, cords get dragged through mud, oil, water, and cold. SJOOW stays flexible when it’s freezing. SJTW gets stiff and cracks. That’s the difference.

The “W” in SJTW means weather resistant, but not oil resistant, and the thermoplastic jacket is less tough. If you’re on a job site with any chance of oil, chemicals, or heavy abuse, don’t save eight bucks. Get SJOOW. Your future self (and your insurance company) will thank you.