What is armoured cable? Here everything you need to know

Armoured cable - everything you need to know

What is Armoured Cable

Why armoured cables are used?

For use outside or in direct burial projects, the electrical cables must have mechanical protection. Such protection is provided by aluminium wire armour or AWA and steel wire armour or SWA, as well as by cable with higher pulling loads.

Armoured Cable Classification

Armored cables divided into steel wire armored cables. steel tape armored cable. aluminum or aluminum alloy wire armored cable.
Steel wire armored cables are often abbreviated as SWA( Steel Wire Armour).
Steel tape armored cables are often abbreviated as STA( Steel Tape Armor ).
Aluminum or aluminum wire armored cables are often abbreviated as AWA( Aluminum Wire Armoring

SWA Cable Introduction

Steel Wire Armoured Cable is designed to have mechanical protection, which is why the cable is often used for external use. The armour is used to reduce any risk of the cable getting pinched or damaged; the steel is used to protect the armoured cable. SWA Cables are heavy, which makes them extremely difficult to bend;therefore they are most suited to underground cabling or fixed to outdoor walls using cable cleats.

SWA Cable Structure

The structure of the SWA cable is from the inside to the outside, the conductor (usually copper conductor or aluminum conductor), the insulation (XLPE or PVC) inner sheath (PVC) armor (wire or steel belt) outer sheath (PVC).

Conductor: mainly acts as conductive, transmits power, the copper conductor is more conductive, and the aluminum conductor is weaker.
Insulation: either Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC )
XLPE Cable is have higher current rating and longer service life compared to PVC cables, PVC cable is 70 Centigrade while XLPE is 90 Centigrade.
on price, the XLPE insulated price is higher than PVC insulated.
Conductor: Class 2 stranded plain copper conductor to BS EN 60228:2005 Insulation: XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) Bedding: PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride) Armouring: SWA (Steel Wire Armour) Sheath: PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride) Sheath Color: Black(Carbon loaded for UV stability) Voltage Rating: 600/1000V
SWA Cable Multi Core (Steel Wired Armoured Cables)
A multi core swa cable, is a cable with two or more cores, steel wire armour is only used on multi core cables.

2 Core SWA Armoured Cable
For insulated equipment that does not need to be grounded, the two-core steel wire armored cable or SWA cable is charged and neutral.

3 Core SWA Armoured Cable
Three core SWA Cables are live, neutral and earth.

4 Core SWA Armoured Cable

2 Core SWA Armoured Cable

3 Core SWA Armoured Cable

4 Core SWA Armoured Cable

5 Core SWA Armoured Cable

7 Core SWA Armoured Cable

Single Core Armoured Cable

Steel wire armour is only used on multicore versions of the cable. When a cable has only one core, aluminium wire armour (commonly known AWA) is used instead of steel wire. This is because the aluminium is non-magnetic. A magnetic field is produced by the current in a single core cable. This would induce an electric current in the steel wire, which could cause overheating.

BS5467 and BS6724

British Standard BS5467 cable specification covers the requirements for low voltage armoured cables, both of SWA Cable Multi Core and Single Core Armoured Cable. BS5467 armoured power cables are widely used in the UK as well as international projects using British standards. These SWA Cable Multi Core cables and Single Core Armoured Cable have mechanical protection provided by waterproof, UV-resistant and armored sheath, so can be used outdoors without additional protection. For applications requiring Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) sheathing, please
refer to British Standard BS6724 for an LSZH equivalent to BS5467.

Armoured cable size

The Advantages Of Using Armored Cable

Armored cable offers a number of unique advantages. If you choose to use this cable, armored cable has these benefits.
First, Armored cables can withstand a lot of wear. The armoring material is often hard enough to protect the inner cable from damage.
Second, Armored cables have good power transmission stability.
Third, Armored power cables have advanced mechanical properties.
So armored cables can be used in environments such as places with extreme weather, places where cables are easily damaged by machinery,
and places where the number of radio frequencies is high. Finally, after you know the advantages of armoured cable, you can feel free to buy it.

TANO CABLE is your best choice

Steel wire armor is divided into SWA, STA, AWA, etc. You need a

manufacturer like TANO CABLE to provide you the lastest
products. We will provide you with quotation and structure. Get right product for the right application. The price of armored cable is affected by the international copper price and aluminum price. The price changes every day.
Contact us get the most reasonable price.

What is the difference between Armoured cable and unarmoured?

Armoured cable is installed in locations exposed to mechanical damage, such as on the outsides of walls, as an alternative to conduit. Armoured cable usually has a small metal ribbon to ensure electrical continuity of the safety ground. Unarmoured cable is mainly used for control systems.

Where should you use armoured cables?

The steel wire armored cable is designed for mechanical protection, which is why the cable is often used for external purposes. SWA cables are heavy and therefore difficult to bend. Therefore, they are most suitable for underground wiring or fixed on outdoor walls using cable clamps. Armored cables are most commonly used for fixed power installations in industrial applications, such as power distribution in computer rooms,
Used in Underground systems
Cable networks
Power networks
Outdoor and indoor applications
Cable ducts

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Armoured cable is the name given to any electrical cable built with an armour of aluminium wire or steel wire armour.The armour sits under the cable sheath to protect the driver and isolate the layers.For use outside or in direct burial projects, the electrical cables must have mechanical protection. Such protection is provided by aluminium wire armour or AWA and steel wire armour or SWA, as well as by cable with higher pulling loads.Armored cables divided into steel wire armored cables. steel tape armored cable. aluminum or aluminum alloy wire armored cable.Steel wire armored cables are often abbreviated as SWA( Steel Wire Armour).Steel tape armored cables are often abbreviated as STA( Steel Tape Armor ).Aluminum or aluminum wire armored cables are often abbreviated as AWA( Aluminum Wire ArmoringSteel Wire Armoured Cable is designed to have mechanical protection, which is why the cable is often used for external use. The armour is used to reduce any risk of the cable getting pinched or damaged; the steel is used to protect the armoured cable. SWA Cables are heavy, which makes them extremely difficult to bend;therefore they are most suited to underground cabling or fixed to outdoor walls using cable cleats.The structure of the SWA cable is from the inside to the outside, the conductor (usually copper conductor or aluminum conductor), the insulation (XLPE or PVC) inner sheath (PVC) armor (wire or steel belt) outer sheath (PVC).Conductor: mainly acts as conductive, transmits power, the copper conductor is more conductive, and the aluminum conductor is weaker.Insulation: either Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC )XLPE Cable is have higher current rating and longer service life compared to PVC cables, PVC cable is 70 Centigrade while XLPE is 90 Centigrade.on price, the XLPE insulated price is higher than PVC insulated.A multi core swa cable, is a cable with two or more cores, steel wire armour is only used on multi core cables.For insulated equipment that does not need to be grounded, the two-core steel wire armored cable or SWA cable is charged and neutral.Three core SWA Cables are live, neutral and earth.TANO CABLE provides you with many different types of SWA armoured cables. as followingSteel wire armour is only used on multicore versions of the cable. When a cable has only one core, aluminium wire armour (commonly known AWA) is used instead of steel wire. This is because the aluminium is non-magnetic. A magnetic field is produced by the current in a single core cable. This would induce an electric current in the steel wire, which could cause overheating.British Standard BS5467 cable specification covers the requirements for low voltage armoured cables, both of SWA Cable Multi Core and Single Core Armoured Cable. BS5467 armoured power cables are widely used in the UK as well as international projects using British standards. These SWA Cable Multi Core cables and Single Core Armoured Cable have mechanical protection provided by waterproof, UV-resistant and armored sheath, so can be used outdoors without additional protection. For applications requiring Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) sheathing, pleaserefer to British Standard BS6724 for an LSZH equivalent to BS5467.The Armounred Cable corss section area include 1.5mm2,2.5mm2, 4mm2, 6mm2, 10mm2, 16mm2, 25mm2, 35mm2, 50mm2, 70mm2, 95mm2, 120mm2, 150mm2, 185mm2, 240mm2, 300mm2, 400mm2,500mm2, 630mm2. According to the cable operating environment, cable operating temperature, voltage, load capacity, budget and other requirements, we provide the most suitable cable for you. Also produce different models cables according to your requirements.Armored cable offers a number of unique advantages. If you choose to use this cable, armored cable has these benefits.First, Armored cables can withstand a lot of wear. The armoring material is often hard enough to protect the inner cable from damage.Second, Armored cables have good power transmission stability.Third, Armored power cables have advanced mechanical properties.So armored cables can be used in environments such as places with extreme weather, places where cables are easily damaged by machinery,and places where the number of radio frequencies is high. Finally, after you know the advantages of armoured cable, you can feel free to buy it.Steel wire armor is divided into SWA, STA, AWA, etc. You need amanufacturer like TANO CABLE to provide you the lastestproducts. We will provide you with quotation and structure. Get right product for the right application. The price of armored cable is affected by the international copper price and aluminum price. The price changes every day.Contact us get the most reasonable price.Armoured cable is installed in locations exposed to mechanical damage, such as on the outsides of walls, as an alternative to conduit. Armoured cable usually has a small metal ribbon to ensure electrical continuity of the safety ground. Unarmoured cable is mainly used for control systems.The steel wire armored cable is designed for mechanical protection, which is why the cable is often used for external purposes. SWA cables are heavy and therefore difficult to bend. Therefore, they are most suitable for underground wiring or fixed on outdoor walls using cable clamps. Armored cables are most commonly used for fixed power installations in industrial applications, such as power distribution in computer rooms,Used in Underground systemsCable networksPower networksOutdoor and indoor applicationsCable ducts

Armoured cables : uses and features

The armoured cables are those cables that have, in addition to their normal equipped protective overwrap, one more shield made by the protection of steel wires wound helically. In other words, armoured cables are power conductor cables covered by a metal shield. This metallic shield protects the conductors from physical impacts and wears.

The cores are Class 5 flexible raw red copper. Between the conductor and the armour, there’s always a PVC sheat, which serves to not propagate the flame. The armour has a galvanized steel wire braid for a percentage of 80% of the surface. The temperature range is for fixed laying from -40°C to +80°C, mobile laying: from -5°C to +70°C.

Application and use of armoured cables

The steel protection protects these cables in applications that require great mechanical strength. For this reason, they are the preferred choice for mobile laying, hostile environments, and the presence of rodents.

The typical applications are in electrical installations in dangerous and complex locations.
Most importantly, since the armoured shield protects well the cable, they are used for continuous electrical wiring, thus reducing the risk of power loss.
The armoured cables are heavy, rigid and inflexible. For this reason, they usually used straight and for underground laying.

Furthermore, these cables are used in environments where possible interferences from debris could be a potential problem.

To conclude, these are the most widely adopted uses

manufacturing industry

construction and railway sites

power plants

underground cabling.

For more information, please write to us or check out our datasheets!

Armored Cable vs. Flexible Cable: Key Differences

When transmitting data or conducting power in harsh environments, protecting your cables is crucial to safe and reliable operation. This is where armored cables come into play. They are used primarily in industrial applications, often in cable trays and raceways. They often not used in flexing applications. While they could operate there, the connector cable would create a weak link. To combat this, you should use either a high-flex cable on the inside or discreet wires.

Armored cables feature some type of metal sheath that is the first layer of armor. It is usually made of interlocking or continuous aluminum or stainless steel, or it can be covered in a smooth or corrugated metal tape. According to Mencom, which uses a stainless-steel design, the armor protects the cable inside from water damage by high-pressure washdown, cleaning agents and extreme temperatures.
Unlike cable shielding, which is often braided or a foil wrap design, the armor shield is wound around the cable, giving it a corded, corrugated appearance.

Jacketing materials—such as a silicone tube-covered, thermoplastic elastomer or PVC—further protect the cables from harsh chemicals, oils and sunlight, but also prevent physical failure by repetitive impacts, abrasion with loaded components, and weld slag. In addition, most armored cable jacketing materials are flame resistant.

Two gentleman named Edwin Greenfield and Gus Johnson first developed armored cable, or BX cable, in the early 20th century. It used a flexible steel cover, but now more commonly uses flexible aluminum conduits. Metal-clad cables are typically galvanized steel or aluminum interlocking cable. And some companies’ armored cables, such as Mencom, use a woven flexible stainless-steel design.

A big difference in the three designs is in how they are ground. BX are usually ground through the sheath; this is why BX cables most often need to be buried. Armored cables also ground through the sheath but can be exposed at certain areas without causing the system to ground. Metal-clad armored cables, like those used in industrial settings, feature a grounding wire—usually an annealed bare copper wire—inside the wire bundle. This allows them to be used in open areas, such as in running through factories and plants throughout raceways and cable trays and carriers.

Armored cables must be IP67-rated and certified to UL and NEC standards, among others.

Special thanks to Mencom Corp. (www.mencom.com) for assisting with this article.