AWA Single Core Armoured Cable
ZMS manufactures single core aluminium wire armoured (AWA) cables for underground power distribution, substations, industrial facilities and renewable energy projects. Available with copper or aluminium conductors, XLPE insulation and PVC or LSZH sheath for 0.6/1 kV and medium-voltage applications.
Voltage: 0.6/1 kV – 19/33 kV
Conductor: Copper / Aluminium
Insulation: XLPE
Armour: Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA)
Sheath: PVC / LSZH
Standards: IEC 60502-1 / IEC 60502-2 / BS 5467 / BS 6724 / BS 6622
What Is Single Core AWA Armoured Cable?
Single core armoured cable is a power cable designed with one insulated conductor and a metallic armour layer for mechanical protection. For single-core AC circuits, aluminium wire armour (AWA) is commonly used because aluminium is non-magnetic and avoids the magnetic effects associated with ferromagnetic steel armour.
It is commonly specified for high-current feeders, substations, transformer connections, underground distribution networks and industrial power systems.
AWA Single Core Armoured Cable Construction
1. Conductor: Copper or Aluminium, Class 2 stranded conductor according to IEC 60228.
2. Insulation: XLPE insulation with 90°C continuous operating temperature.
3. Bedding: PVC or LSZH bedding depending on project requirements.
4. Armour: Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA) designed for single-core AC cable applications.
5. Outer Sheath: PVC, LSZH or other sheath materials according to installation environment.
Single Core AWA Cable by Voltage Rating
Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA) Cables are commonly found in single-core application power distribution and are available in a variety of conductor sizes to meet different industrial power needs. The following are the types of common sizes:
Cu/XLPE/AWA/LSZH Cable
The 185mm² single core AWA armored cable is a high capacity power cable designed for single core installations in industrial and utility environments. It features stranded copper conductors, XLPE insulation, and aluminum wire armor (AWA) providing excellent mechanical protection without generating magnetic interference.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: 185mm² Plain Annealed Copper (Class 2 Stranded)
- Insulation: XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
- Inner Sheath (optional): PVC or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)
- Armour: Aluminum Wire Armour (AWA) – suitable for single-core cables to prevent magnetic interference
- Outer Sheath: Black PVC or LSZH, UV and weather resistant
Applications
- Large-capacity industrial power distribution systems, such as substations and transformer connections.
- Robust mechanical protection for underground facilities at risk of mechanical stress.
- Renewable energy projects (solar farms, wind farms)
- Ideal for single-core circuits where steel armor cannot be used due to eddy currents
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Rated Voltage | 0.6/1kV |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | 90°C |
| Short Circuit Temperature | 250°C (5 seconds) |
| Minimum Bending Radius | ≥ 15 × cable outer diameter |
| Flame Retardant | IEC 60332-1 compliant |
| Applicable Standards | IEC 60502-1 / BS5467 |
Typical Specification for 185mm² AWA Cable
MV Armoured AWA Cable
Medium voltage AWA armored cables are single core aluminum wire armored cables designed for safe and reliable power transmission in industrial and utility applications. They feature XLPE insulation, semi-conductive shield, and rugged PVC or LSZH jacket, providing excellent electrical performance, mechanical protection, and resistance to environmental stresses.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Stranded plain annealed copper (Class 2 or Class 1, per IEC 60228)
- Conductor Screen: Semi-conductive layer
- Insulation: XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene), rated for MV
- Insulation Screen: Semi-conductive layer + metallic screen (copper tape or wire)
- Separator/Inner Sheath: PVC or semi-conductive bedding
- Armour: Aluminum Wire Armour (AWA) – for single-core cables
- Outer Sheath: Black PVC or LSZH, UV and chemical resistant
Applications
- Underground distribution networks, substations, factories, refineries, mines and chemical facilities
- Renewable energy transmission systems (solar, wind farms)
- Environments requiring mechanical protection of single-core conductors and EMC compatibility requirements
Key Features
- Suitable for medium voltage applications (up to 33kV) and provide mechanical strength.
- Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation provides excellent thermal and electrical stability.
- Available with PVC or LSZH outer sheath to IEC 60502-2 or BS6622 medium voltage standards.
- Flame retardant, UV resistant and will not form electromagnetic loops.
Product Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Voltage Rating (Uo/U) | 3.6/6 kV, 6/10 kV, 8.7/15 kV, 12/20 kV, 18/30 kV, 19/33 kV |
| Maximum Operating Temp. | 90°C |
| Short Circuit Temp. | 250°C (5 seconds) |
| Flame Retardant Standard | IEC 60332-1 |
| Minimum Bending Radius | ≥ 15 × cable outer diameter |
| Test Voltage | 6.5 kV to 65 kV depending on cable rating |
| Standards | IEC 60502-2 / BS6622 |
Typical Specification – 185mm² 12/20kV MV AWA Cable
630mm 0.6/1KV AWA Cable
630mm² AWA armored cable, heavy duty single core low voltage, designed for high current distribution in industrial and utility power systems. With large cross-section copper conductor, XLPE insulation and aluminum wire armor, it provides excellent mechanical protection and anti-magnetic interference performance.
Cable Structure
- Conductor: Plain annealed copper, 630mm², Class 2 stranded
- Insulation: XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
- Inner Bedding (optional): PVC or LSZH
- Armour: Aluminum Wire Armour (AWA) – prevents eddy current in single-core circuits
- Outer Sheath: Black PVC or LSZH, UV-resistant, flame retardant
Applications
- Large industrial power distribution, from substations to main switchboards, underground or fixed facilities requiring high current capacity
- Ideal for single core systems where steel armoring can cause electromagnetic interference
- Power systems in renewable energy, data centers, mining and utility grids
Key Features
- Large copper conductor (630mm²) for high current load and single core applications
- Available with PVC or LSZH sheath, excellent resistance to mechanical stress and chemical corrosion, suitable for different environments
- Flame retardant, UV resistant, moisture resistant, compliant with IEC 60502-1 and BS5467 standards
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Current Rating (in air) | ~720 A |
| Current Rating (in ground) | ~625 A |
| Maximum Operating Temp. | 90°C |
| Short Circuit Temp. | 250°C (5 seconds) |
| Flame Retardancy | IEC 60332-1 |
| Minimum Bending Radius | ≥ 15 × cable outer diameter (≈ 825–930 mm) |
| Standards | IEC 60502-1 / BS5467 |
Typical Specification – 630mm² 0.6/1kV AWA Armoured Cable
BS 5467 standard cable, low voltage armoured power cable under British standard. Available in single-core and multi-core constructions, single-core construction utilizes AWA aluminum wire armor. With XLPE insulation and steel or aluminium wire armour (SWA/AWA), it provides excellent mechanical protection and electrical performance. Designed for fixed installation, commonly used in industrial, commercial, and infrastructure applications, voltage up to 600/1000V.
Why Choose Our AWA Armored Cable for Your Project?
Eliminates eddy current heating and energy loss caused by magnetic steel armor, ensuring safe, efficient long-term operation for single-core AC systems and reducing maintenance costs over the project lifecycle.
Withstands mechanical stress during direct burial, duct, and trench installation, reducing cable damage risk during construction and lowering rework costs for engineering projects.
Lighter than steel wire armor (SWA), simplifying transportation, on-site handling and installation, especially for long-distance cable routing and large-scale site construction.
Natural corrosion resistance of aluminum extends service life in humid, coastal, or chemically corrosive industrial environments, suitable for complex global project conditions.
Fully compliant with international standards, with complete export documentation and engineering support, widely used in power and infrastructure projects across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and more.
As a professional cable manufacturer based in China, we export our products globally and support custom sizes, bulk project orders, and reliable delivery schedules for construction and utility projects across all continents.
Project Applications & Global Use Cases
Utility Substations & Power Distribution Networks
Project scenario: Transformer connections, substation outlet circuits, utility grid upgrades
Value: Non-magnetic design avoids eddy current overheating, supports high-current single-core circuits for stable grid operation.
Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Farms
Project scenario: Underground collection lines, grid-connection cables for PV and wind farms
Value: UV-resistant, moisture-proof, corrosion-resistant, suitable for outdoor underground laying in remote renewable energy sites worldwide.
Heavy Industrial & Process Facilities
Project scenario: Chemical plants, mines, refineries with mechanical stress and chemical corrosion
Value: Superior mechanical protection and chemical resistance, meeting industrial safety standards globally.
Infrastructure & Commercial Construction
Project scenario: Large commercial buildings, data centers, public infrastructure underground power supply
Value: Flame retardant, LSZH option available, compliant with international building fire codes.
AWA vs SWA Armored Cable: Which is Right for Your Project?
Selection Guide: For all single-core AC underground power projects, AWA armored cable is the only technically sound choice to avoid eddy current heating and energy loss. For multi-core installations where higher mechanical strength is the priority, SWA armored cable is recommended.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
Since its establishment over 30 years ago, ZMS Cable has been researching major cable standards worldwide every year.
- International Standards Compliance: IEC 60502-1, IEC 60502-2, BS 5467, BS 6622, IEC 60332-1 Flame Retardant
- Third-Party Testing: Products tested and verified by CNAS accredited laboratories; full type test reports are available for project bidding and customs clearance.
- Factory Quality Control: 100% factory testing (voltage withstand test, conductor resistance test, insulation thickness verification) before shipment to ensure consistent quality for global customers.
FAQ
We offer AWA armored cables from 0.6/1kV low voltage up to 33kV medium voltage, fully compliant with IEC and BS international standards.
Yes. As a professional cable manufacturer based in China, we export our AWA armored cables to over 50 countries and regions, with full export documentation and global logistics support for international projects.
Yes. We have large-scale production capacity to support bulk orders for utility, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects of any size.
Yes. The aluminum wire armor layer provides excellent mechanical protection, making it suitable for direct underground burial, duct installation, and trench applications.