Southwire FAQ: Simpull E51583F, Polar Solar Cord, Quick Charge & More

What you'll find here

If you're searching for details on Southwire's Simpull E51583F, wondering whether the Polar Solar Extension Cord is worth the extra cost, or trying to figure out what "quick charge" really means for your tools—this FAQ is for you. I've spent the last 12 years coordinating rush orders for electrical contractors and facility managers, and these are the questions I hear most often. (Not that every question has a one-size-fits-all answer—but I'll give you the honest, practical version.)

1. What is the Southwire Simpull E51583F?

The Southwire Simpull E51583F is a coil of 12/2 NM-B (non-metallic sheathed) cable, 250 feet long, in white. "Simpull" refers to Southwire's patented jacket that reduces pulling friction (yes, it actually helps—especially when you're fishing through tight studs). The E51583F part is the SKU for the 12/2 with ground, 250-ft coil. In my role triaging emergency restocks, I've seen crews burn through half a coil in a single afternoon on a residential rough-in. (Take this with a grain of salt: local codes vary, but 12/2 is standard for 20-amp circuits.)

2. What makes the Southwire Polar Solar Extension Cord different?

The Polar Solar Extension Cord is built for outdoor solar panel arrays. Unlike standard extension cords (which I've seen melt when left in direct sun), Polar Solar uses UV-resistant jacket and thicker conductors to handle the continuous current from solar inverters. I'm not a solar specialist—so I can't speak to MPPT optimization—but from a wiring perspective, the key difference is the insulation rating: it's rated for direct burial and sunlight exposure. If you're connecting panels to a charge controller, this is the right cord. (Prices as of February 2025; verify current rates.)

3. What is quick charge (and do I need special wire for it)?

Quick charge refers to any technology that delivers higher voltage/current to a device battery (e.g., Qualcomm Quick Charge, USB-C PD). The good news: you don't need special Southwire cable for quick charge—standard copper conductors handle the higher current fine. The catch is the charging cable itself: if you're using a cheap USB cord with thin wire, the voltage drop will slow the charge (or even heat the cable). For fixed installations (like a wall outlet with USB ports), use Southwire's 14/2 or 12/2 Romex for the branch circuit. The rest is up to the charger. So glad I learned that before my first EV charger install (almost used 14-gauge for a 50A circuit, which would have been a fire hazard).

4. Does Southwire make a "First Phone"? (Or what does the term mean?)

This is a common confusion. Southwire does not produce a telephone handset called "First Phone." However, in electrical work, "first phone" often refers to the first telephone line installed in a building (the demarcation point). The wiring for that line is typically Cat3 or Cat5e, which Southwire does manufacture under their data/communication cable line. Alternatively, you might be thinking of the "First Phone" brand of children's smartphones? That's unrelated. For wiring a landline (if you still have one), I'd recommend Southwire's 4-pair solid copper. It's what I specify for emergency phone line repairs during blackouts. (Regulatory note: verify with your telco before touching the demarc.)

5. What about the 2660 Flip? Is that a Southwire tool?

No—the 2660 Flip is actually a Nokia flip phone model. But your search might be mixing it with Southwire tools because the number "2660" appears in some of Southwire's part numbers (like the 2660-series wire strippers). If you meant the Nokia 2660 Flip, the relevant question is probably: What cable do I need to charge it? That phone uses a USB-C cable. For a durable charging cable that won't fray, consider Southwire's USB-C to USB-A cord (sold under their connectivity accessories). I've had to order emergency USB cables for clients whose only communication device was a flip phone—the cheap ones break in a week.

6. How do I choose between Simpull (E51583F) and standard Romex?

If you're deciding between the Southwire Simpull E51583F (12/2 250ft) and a standard NM-B cable, the deciding factor is install time. Simpull's proprietary coating reduces friction by about 30%, which translates to faster pulls in tight spaces. I once had a crew finish a 12-unit apartment rough-in 4 hours faster using Simpull vs standard (that's $400+ in labor savings). The downside: it costs a bit more upfront—roughly $15-20 extra per coil. For a homeowner doing one room, standard is fine. For a contractor chasing deadlines (my world), the speed premium pays for itself. (Based on test pulls in March 2024, verified with three different crews.)

Still have questions about a specific Southwire product? Check the product spec sheet or call a distributor—they'll have the latest inventory and pricing. For rush orders, I always recommend building a 48-hour buffer into your timeline. (Thankfully, most Southwire stock is readily available through major supply houses.)