Armoured Cables: Robust Power Solutions for Demanding Applications

In harsh industrial, underground, and outdoor environments, standard cables often fail due to mechanical stress, moisture, or rodent damage.  Armoured cables provide a reliable solution with enhanced protection, making them indispensable for power transmission, control circuits, and instrumentation systems.

As a leading manufacturer and exporter of armoured cables, we specialize in producing high-quality cables that meet international standards for durability, safety, and performance. This article explores armoured cable construction, types, applications, and selection criteria to help engineers and project managers choose the best solution for their needs.

1. What Are Armoured Cables?

Armoured cables are power or control cables with an additional protective metal layer (armour) beneath the outer sheath. This armour provides:
✔ Mechanical Protection – Resists crushing, impact, and abrasion
✔ Rodent & Termite Resistance – Prevents damage from pests
✔ Enhanced Durability – Suitable for direct burial and harsh environments
✔ Grounding Capability – Steel armour can serve as an earth conductor

Key Components of Armoured Cables:

1. Conductor – Copper or aluminum (flexible or solid)

2. Insulation – PVC, XLPE, or LSZH

3. Inner Sheath – Bedding layer to protect insulation

4. Armour Layer – Steel wire (SWA), steel tape (STA), or aluminum wire

5. Outer Sheath – UV-resistant, flame-retardant, or chemical-resistant

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2. Types of Armoured Cables

① Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) Cables

• Construction: Galvanized steel wires helically wound around the cable

• Advantages: High tensile strength, ideal for underground and outdoor use

• Standards: BS 5467, IEC 60502, AS/NZS 5000.1

• Applications: Power distribution, mining, heavy industries

② Steel Tape Armoured (STA) Cables

• Construction: Steel tapes wrapped longitudinally for crush resistance

• Advantages: Better moisture resistance, flexible bending radius

• Standards: IEC 60502, GB/T 12706

• Applications: Submarine cables, underground ducts, chemical plants

③ Aluminum Wire Armoured (AWA) Cables

• Construction: Aluminum wires instead of steel (lighter & corrosion-resistant)

• Advantages: Non-magnetic, suitable for high-voltage cables

• Standards: IEC 60502, BS 6724

• Applications: Solar farms, railway electrification, marine installations

Comparison of Armour Types

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3. Key Applications of Armoured Cables

① Power Transmission & Distribution

• Underground power networks (11kV to 33kV)

• Substations & switchgear connections

• Renewable energy projects (solar/wind farms)

② Industrial & Manufacturing

• Heavy machinery power supply

• Oil & gas refineries (explosion-proof versions)

• Mining operations (trailing cables with extra flexibility)

③ Infrastructure & Construction

• Building main power feeders

• Tunnels & bridges (fire-resistant armoured cables)

• Airports & metro rail systems

④ Marine & Offshore

• Shipboard power systems

• Subsea cable installations (double-armoured designs)

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4. Advantages of Armoured Cables

✔ Superior Mechanical Protection – Withstands heavy loads, vibrations, and accidental impacts
✔ Long Service Life – Resists environmental degradation (UV, moisture, chemicals)
✔ Safety Compliance – Meets IEC, BS, UL, and ASTM flame-retardancy standards
✔ Installation Flexibility – Can be buried, run in ducts, or installed outdoors
✔ Cost-Effective – Reduces maintenance and replacement costs

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5. How to Select the Right Armoured Cable?

① Determine the Environment

• Underground burial → SWA with moisture-resistant sheath

• Chemical exposure → STA with PVC/LSZH outer layer

• High flexibility needed → AWA for frequent bending

② Check Electrical Requirements

• Voltage rating (0.6/1kV, 6.35/11kV, etc.)

• Current capacity (depends on conductor size)

• Short-circuit withstand capability

③ Verify Standards & Certifications

• IEC 60502 (International)

• BS 5467 / BS 6724 (UK)

• UL 1072 / UL 44 (North America)

• AS/NZS 5000.1 (Australia/NZ)

④ Consider Special Requirements

• Fire resistance (IEC 60331) for emergency circuits

• Low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) for confined spaces

• Anti-termite protection for tropical regions

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6. Installation Best Practices

✅ Bending Radius – Minimum 12x cable diameter for SWA, 8x for STA
✅ Pulling Tension – Use proper pulling grips to avoid armour damage
✅ Grounding – Ensure proper earthing of steel armour
✅ Corrosion Prevention – Use bituminous coating for buried SWA cables

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7. Why Choose Our Armoured Cables?

As a trusted manufacturer, we provide:
Customized Solutions – Tailored conductor sizes, armour types, and sheathing
High-Quality Materials – Oxygen-free copper, premium XLPE insulation
Global Certifications – CE, UL, CPR, RoHS, and project-specific approvals
Competitive Pricing – Bulk supply for large infrastructure projects

Armoured cables are the backbone of reliable power and control systems in demanding environments. Whether for underground power networks, industrial plants, or marine installations, selecting the right armoured cable ensures long-term performance and safety.