Ampacity of SO cable (vs single wire in air)

[hrc]

Looking at the standard tables in my uglies....

#8 in free air is good to 60A

#8 in a raceway is good to 40A (3 conductors in raceway)

What about SO cable? I know that the reasoning for the derating in the raceway, so is SO under the same consideration because the conductors are bundled up together...or does the fact the heavy neoprene jacket allow it to be used to 60A

 

[dogleg43]

There is a specific section in the NEC for cords and cable. Listed in it is the ratings for SO cords.

Sorry, but I can't think of the section and my code book is at work.

 

[EEJaime]

The NEC section you are looking for is Article 400, "Flexible cords and cables". The ampacity is given in Table 400-5(A). For your #8 awg the ampacity is 35amps in a three conductor cable with 3 current carrying conductors or 40 amps if there are only two current carrying conductors in a 3-conductor cable.