Armoured cables: the benefits of using AWA/SWA cables
April 2025

Armoured AWA/SWA cables provide an extra layer of protection wherever mechanical protection is needed. Their ability to withstand impact, crushing, rodents and environmental hazards makes them the preferred choice for safeguarding electrical systems in demanding environments, always in compliance with EN 60332-1 and European CPR fire safety requirements.

AWA/SWA CABLE APPLICATIONS

Armoured cables are often referred to as steel wire armoured cables, or aluminium wire armoured cables. They are utilized in a vast array of applications where robust protection against mechanical damage is of utmost importance:

The construction industry relies on armoured cables for power distribution in both industrial and commercial buildings. These cables ensure uninterrupted power supply and safeguard electrical systems from potential hazards. Outdoor lighting and street lighting installations also benefit from the durability of armoured cables, as they can deter rodents and other pests, withstand harsh weather conditions and potential vandalism.
Armoured cables are also commonly used in hazardous locations (ATEX), such as chemical plants and refineries, where the risk of fire or explosion is high.
Underground installations, where mechanical protection is paramount, present another crucial application for armoured cables. Their ability to endure the rigors of underground environments makes them ideal for safeguarding electrical systems in subways, tunnels, and other subterranean structures.
The mining industry also finds armoured cables indispensable due to their resistance to the demanding conditions in mines.
Marine applications pose unique challenges that armoured cables are well-equipped to address. Their robust construction enables them to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater and the harsh conditions encountered in offshore environments. Shipyards, ports, and other marine facilities rely on armoured cables to ensure reliable power distribution and electrical safety.

The versatility and resilience of armoured cables extend to various other industries and applications. From construction sites to manufacturing plants, from agricultural facilities to transportation hubs, armoured cables provide a dependable solution wherever mechanical protection and durability are paramount.
ADVANTAGES OF ARMOURED CABLES

Armoured cables stand out from unarmoured cables due to these two advantages:

First and foremost, they provide exceptional mechanical protection. Encased in a robust layer of steel wire or aluminium tape armour, these cables are remarkably resistant to physical damage, such as crushing, impact, and penetration. This makes them ideal for demanding environments like construction sites, factories, and outdoor installations.
The armour also enables the cable to withstand higher pulling loads.
Armoured cables also excel in their resilience against harsh conditions. The protective armour shields them from moisture, dust, dirt, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable performance even in the most challenging environments. Moreover, they effectively deter rodents and other pests, which can wreak havoc on unarmoured cables and cause costly disruptions.

DISADVANTAGES OF ARMOURED CABLES

However, it’s important to acknowledge the drawbacks associated with armoured cables.

One notable challenge is their weight and flexibility. The added layer of protection inevitably makes them heavier and less pliable compared to unarmoured cables. This can pose installation challenges, especially in confined spaces or situations requiring frequent movement.
Additionally, armoured cables exhibit a higher voltage drop compared to their unarmoured counterparts. The armouring material introduces additional resistance into the cable, resulting in a gradual decrease in voltage levels over longer distances. This factor must be carefully considered in applications where maintaining consistent voltage levels is crucial.

Balancing these factors is essential to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Ask Top Cable’s technical support team for advise on the most appropriate cable to suit your intended application.

TYPES OF ARMOURED CABLES: AWA/SWA, AND MORE

AWA/SWA armoured cables are manufactured in a variety of configurations to meet different requirements. The main types of armoured cables are aluminium wire armoured (AWA) cables and steel wire armoured (SWA) cables.

AWA cables, (aluminium wire armoured) are constructed with a layer of corrugated aluminium tape wrapped around the insulated cores, offering protection and flexibility while maintaining good mechanical strength.
SWA cables (steel wire tape armoured) on the other hand, are constructed with a layer of galvanized steel wires wrapped helically around the insulated cores, providing excellent mechanical protection and resistance to crushing.
There are also additional types of cable armour (e.g. steel interlock armoured cables) intended for different applications and markets. Since at Top Cable we are cable manufacturers, we can provide customized armoured cables on request.

WHAT IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A AWA/SWA ARMOURED CABLE?

The typical construction of an AWA/SWA aluminium or steel wire armored cable is the following:

Conductor: class 5 (flexible) copper conductor.
Insulation: cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation provides high temperature resistance and excellent dielectric strength.
Bedding: it creates a protective layer between the insulation and the armour.
Armour: a steel or aluminium armour provides mechanical protection to allow the cable to withstand the mechanical stresses to which it is exposed. Aluminium armour is used in single-core cables to avoid parasite currents that may overheat the cable. Steel tape is used in the multicore cables.
Outer sheath: depending on the cable application, the outer sheath can be PVC or LSFH. For public places it is recommended -and sometimes mandatory- to use LSHF cables. A UV resistant outer sheath is also highly recommended.

HYDROCARBON RESISTANT ARMOURED CABLES

For applications prone to hydrocarbon attack and moisture penetration, especially relevant to the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, hydrocarbon resistant armoured cables are the best choice.

At Top Cable, we manufacture and provide hydrocarbon resistant armoured cables in both single cores and in multicores. You can consult our AWA/SWA armoured hydrocarbon resistant Power 1kV cable specification here.
TOP CABLE, MANUFACTURER OF ARMOURED LV AND MV CABLES

Top Cable manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of aluminium wire and steel wire (AWA/SWA) armoured cables for indoors, outdoors, ducts and direct burial underground installations where severe mechanical stresses are present.

Top Cable’s AWA/SWA armoured cables have been manufactured and designed according to International, European and local standards and specifications.

We can supply low Voltage armoured cables (voltage ratings of 600/1000V) and Medium Voltage armoured cables (3,6/6kV, 6/10 kV, 8,7/15 kV, 12/20 kV and 18/30 kV .

Ask our technical support team for advise on the most appropriate type of armour to suit the intended application (AWA/SWA). Contact us today!