What is an Armoured Cable? Construction, Types, Advantages, Disadvantages

What is an Armoured Cable?

An armored cable, also known as an armored wire or steel wire armoured (SWA) cable, is an electrical cable that is protected by a layer of steel wire armor or steel tape armor. The armor provides mechanical protection to the cable, making it more resistant to damage from impact, abrasion, and crushing.

Armored cables are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications where the cable may be exposed to harsh environments, such as underground or outdoor installations, and where protection against physical damage is important. They are also used in applications where the cable may be exposed to chemicals, oils, and other corrosive substances.

In addition to mechanical protection, armored cables can also provide electrical protection by reducing the risk of electrical interference or electromagnetic radiation. This is achieved through the use of a metallic shield between the insulation and armor layers.

Armored cables are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, including single-core and multi-core cables, and can be used for both low and high voltage applications. They are commonly used in the construction, power generation, oil and gas, and transportation industries, among others.

Armoured Cable Construction 

An armored cable typically consists of several layers of components, including:

  1. Conductor: The conductor is the core of the cable and carries the electrical current. It is typically made of copper or aluminum.
  2. Insulation: The insulation layer surrounds the conductor and provides electrical insulation to prevent electrical current from escaping or interfering with nearby components. It is typically made of a non-conductive material such as PVC, XLPE or rubber.
  3. Protective layer: A layer of bedding is applied over the insulation to protect it from damage during installation. This layer can be made of PVC, rubber or other materials.
  4. Armoring: The armor layer is a protective layer made of steel wire or steel tape that is wrapped around the cable. It provides mechanical protection against physical damage, such as crushing, impact, or abrasion. The armor can also provide electrical shielding to reduce the risk of electrical interference.
  5. Sheath: The outermost layer of the cable is the sheath, which provides additional protection against moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors. It is typically made of PVC, polyethylene, or other materials.

Overall, the combination of these components provides a strong and durable cable that can withstand harsh environments and provide reliable electrical performance. The specific construction of an armored cable may vary depending on the application and the requirements for mechanical and electrical protection.

Armoured Cable Types

There are several types of armored cable, each designed for different applications. Some of the common types of armored cable include:

  1. Steel wire armored cable (SWA): This type of cable has a steel wire armor layer, which provides excellent mechanical protection against damage from impact, crushing, and abrasion. It is commonly used for power distribution, outdoor installations, and industrial applications.
  2. Steel tape armored cable (STA): STA cable has a steel tape armor layer, which provides similar mechanical protection as SWA cable but with a lower profile. It is often used in indoor installations, such as in commercial buildings, hospitals, and data centers.
  3. Aluminum wire armored cable (AWA): AWA cable has an armor layer made of aluminum wire, which provides mechanical protection and shielding against electromagnetic interference. It is commonly used in high-voltage power transmission and distribution applications.
  4. Lead sheathed cable: Lead sheathed cable has a lead outer layer, which provides excellent protection against moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors. It is commonly used in underground installations and in areas with high levels of corrosion.
  5. Fiber optic armored cable: This type of cable has an armor layer made of steel or aluminum, which provides mechanical protection for the delicate fiber optic strands. It is commonly used in outdoor installations and in harsh environments where damage from impact or crushing is a concern.

Overall, the choice of armored cable depends on the specific application requirements, such as the level of mechanical and electrical protection needed, the environment, and the budget.

Advantages and disadvantages of Armoured Cable 

Armoured cable is a type of electrical cable that is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It consists of a metal sheath that surrounds the electrical conductors, providing protection against damage from environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and physical impact. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using armoured cable:

Advantages:

  1. Durability: Armoured cable is designed to withstand physical damage, making it ideal for use in harsh environments such as construction sites or industrial settings.
  2. Protection: The metal sheath surrounding the cable provides protection against moisture, heat, and other environmental factors that could damage the electrical conductors.
  3. Security: The metal sheath also provides additional security, making it difficult for someone to cut through the cable and access the electrical conductors.
  4. Flexibility: Armoured cable is available in a range of sizes and configurations, making it a flexible option for a wide range of applications.
  5. Longevity: Due to its durability and protection, armoured cable is designed to have a long service life.

Disadvantages:

  1. Cost: Armoured cable is generally more expensive than other types of electrical cable due to the additional materials and manufacturing processes required.
  2. Installation: Installing armoured cable can be more challenging than installing other types of cable due to the additional weight and bulk of the metal sheath.
  3. Maintenance: If the metal sheath is damaged, it can be difficult to repair or replace, potentially requiring the entire cable to be replaced.
  4. Weight: The metal sheath can add significant weight to the cable, making it more difficult to handle and transport.
  5. Grounding: The metal sheath must be properly grounded to ensure safety and prevent electrical interference, which can add complexity to the installation process.

Overall, armoured cable is a durable and long-lasting option for electrical applications that require protection against environmental factors and physical damage. However, it may be more expensive and difficult to install and maintain compared to other types of cable.

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