SWA Armored Cable
SWA armored cable consists of steel wire armour, which is rugged and designed for applications requiring mechanical protection, such as underground systems, urban power networks, and industrial facilities. SWA cables supplied by ZMS are manufactured to international standards, ensuring reliability even in harsh environments. A variety of sizes and cross-sectional configurations are available to meet your power distribution needs.
SWA Armored Cable Types
Steel wired armoured (SWA) cable is a common type of armoured cable, designed for mechanical protection in fixed installations. Within the SWA cable category, products can be further classified based on the number of cores, conductor material (copper or aluminum), cross-sectional area, and voltage rating. Below are some of our most popular SWA cable models:
10mm 2 Core SWA Cable
10mm SWA cable 2 core consists of two twisted copper conductors for low voltage 600/1000V single phase power transmission, with high mechanical strength, suitable for direct burial or fixed outdoor laying. Complies with BS 5467 and IEC 60502-1 standards.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Copper, 2-core
- Insulation: XLPE
- Bedding: PVC
- Armour: Steel wire
- Sheath: PVC
- Voltage Rating: 600/1000V
Cable Features
- Suitable for single-phase supply
- High mechanical protection
- Resistant to oil, abrasion and sunlight
- Reliable in outdoor installations
Applications
- Single-phase distribution in commercial/industrial projects
- Agricultural electrical setups
- Small motor or HVAC wiring
- Underground direct burial
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Test Voltage | 3.5kV AC |
| Max. Operating Temperature | +90°C |
| Minimum Bending Radius | 6 × Overall Diameter |
| Approx. Overall Diameter | 17 – 19 mm |
| Current Rating (In Air) | ~46A (at 30°C ambient temperature) |
| Current Rating (Buried) | ~40A (depending on soil thermal resistivity) |
| Flame Retardant Standard | IEC 60332-1 / BS EN 60332-1 |
| Applicable Standards | BS 5467 / IEC 60502-1 / ISO 9001 |
6mm 3 Core SWA Cable
6mm 3 core SWA low voltage cable, economical and durable, with excellent resistance to impact, moisture and environmental stress. Widely used for outdoor lighting, small machinery and power distribution in commercial or industrial environments. Compliant with BS 5467 standard, suitable for direct burial or surface mounting.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Copper, class 2 stranded
- Insulation: XLPE
- Bedding: PVC
- Armour: Galvanized Steel Wire
- Sheath: PVC, black
- Voltage Rating: 0.6/1kV
Cable Features
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Moderate current capacity for building services
- Fire-resistant options available
- Long service life with low maintenance
Applications
- General power distribution
- Small industrial equipment wiring
- Outdoor lighting and garden power
- Embedded in ducts or direct burial
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Test Voltage | 3.5 kV AC |
| Maximum Operating Temp | +90°C |
| Minimum Bending Radius | 6 × Overall Diameter |
| Overall Diameter (Approx) | 15 – 17 mm |
| Amp Rating (Air) | ~64A (at 30°C ambient temperature) |
| Amp Rating (Direct Burial) | ~53A (depends on soil conditions) |
| Applicable Standards | BS 5467 / IEC 60502-1 |
16mm 4 Core SWA Cable
16mm four-core armoured SWA cable, heavy duty low voltage, with four stranded copper conductors, XLPE insulation, and galvanized steel armor. Ideal for three-phase distribution systems with neutral, with excellent resistance to shock, moisture, and external damage.
Cable Structure
- Conductor : Class 2 stranded copper
- Insulation: XLPE
- Bedding: PVC
- Armour : Galvanized Steel Wire (SWA)
- Sheath : Black PVC
- Voltage: 600/1000V
Cable Features
- Excellent resistance to mechanical damage and impact
- Suitable for direct burial and underground use
- High thermal stability (up to 90°C continuous operation)
- Flame-retardant, UV-resistant outer sheath
Applications
- Industrial three-phase power supply
- Underground power distribution
- Outdoor installation for fixed wiring
- Suitable for harsh and high-load environments
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Test Voltage | 3.5kV AC |
| Maximum Operating Temp. | +90°C |
| Minimum Bending Radius | 6 × Overall Diameter |
| Approx. Overall Diameter | 17 – 19 mm |
| Current Rating (In Air) | ~46A (at 30°C ambient temperature) |
| Current Rating (Buried) | ~40A (depending on soil thermal resistivity) |
| Flame Retardant Standard | IEC 60332-1 / BS EN 60332-1 |
| Applicable Standards | BS 5467 / IEC 60502-1 / ISO 9001 |
25mm 5 Core SWA Cable
25mm five-core SWA armored cable, low voltage series, consists of five stranded copper conductors, suitable for complex three-phase power systems with neutral and ground wires, as well as control lines in industrial environments, direct burial, outdoor use and installation in harsh environments.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Copper, 5-core
- Insulation: XLPE
- Bedding: Extruded PVC
- Armour: Steel wire armored (SWA)
- Sheath: PVC, Black / LSZH optional
- Voltage: 0.6/1kV
Cable Features
- Heavy-duty cable for complex circuits
- EMC shielding through 5-core design
- Excellent performance in moisture and soil
- Available with flame-retardant or low-smoke options
Applications
- Five-wire control + three-phase power systems
- Infrastructure projects
- Large equipment or power cabinets
- Underground direct burial
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Test Voltage | 3.5kV AC |
| Maximum Operating Temp. | +90°C |
| Minimum Bending Radius | 6 × overall diameter |
| Approx. Overall Diameter | 30 – 34 mm |
| Current Rating (In Air) | ~110A (at 30°C ambient temperature) |
| Current Rating (Buried) | ~96A (depending on soil thermal resistivity) |
| Flame Retardant Standard | IEC 60332-1 / BS EN 60332-1 |
| Applicable Standards | BS 5467 / IEC 60502-1 / ISO 9001 |
About Armored Cable Core Copper or Aluminum
Although we have introduced four types and structures of steel wire armour cable in the above content, this does not mean that all armored cables are copper core. Aluminum-core armored cables also play a crucial role in various industrial equipment applications.
Copper Conductor
- Most used, used in most industrial and commercial applications
- Excellent conductivity and low resistance
- Higher cost, but more stable performance
- Model: 16mm 4 core copper SWA cable
Aluminum Conductor
- For cost sensitive or low weight projects
- Lightweight and cheaper
- The current carrying capacity is about 30% less than copper
- Model: 25mm² aluminum SWA armored cable
Our Certification Advantages
Since its establishment over 30 years ago, ZMS Cable has been researching major cable standards worldwide every year. We actively provide product certification standards so that customers can buy the safest and most reliable cable products. Our cable products have been verified by authoritative organizations, whether from American standards or British standards. In recent years, we have also been deeply involved in other standard fields, such as Portuguese standards and Turkish standards. Look for ZMS cables.
Why Choose Our SWA Armored Cable?
- 100% Copper / Aluminum verified conductor
- Strictly comply with BS 5467 / IEC 60502-1 standards
- ISO 9001, CE, RoHS certified
- Can be cut to custom lengths on request (no loss)
- Delivery speed and transportation methods are diverse
- OEM packaging & labeling on request
FAQ
Can steel wire armored cables be grounded?
Where is armored cable not allowed?
What are the limitations when using SWA armored cables?
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