What is the difference between AWA cable and SWA cable?

Are you confused about the difference between an AWA and an SWA cable? In today’s age of technology, there are many types of cables that can be used for a variety of purposes. Knowing the difference between an AWA and an SWA cable can help you make the right decision for your needs. This article will explain the differences between these two types of cables and their respective uses.

What is the AWA Cable?

The AWA cable, which stands for Armored Wire Armored Cable, is a type of electrical wiring designed for industrial and commercial applications. It is a combination of armored wire and cable that provides extra protection from water, moisture, physical damage, and even rodents. AWA cables are commonly used in underground installations and in wet areas such as marine environments or near swimming pools.

The armored wire is made up of several insulated copper wires encased in a galvanized steel sheath. This outer layer helps to protect the wires from damage due to contact with dirt or other materials. The inner sheath also acts as an insulator for the copper wires to ensure proper conductivity. Inside the inner sheathing are braided strands of galvanized steel which provide additional strength and protection against corrosion.

The cable part of the AWA construction consists of two or more insulated copper conductors surrounded by a dielectric material such as PVC or Neoprene. This material helps reduce heat loss caused by electrical current flowing through it, as well as providing further insulation from physical damage and moisture penetration. These insulated conductors are then wrapped in another protective metal armor layer for added protection from environmental factors such as heat, cold, water, etc.

Overall, AWA cables offer superior levels of protection compared to standard cabling solutions due to the use of multiple layers of armor and insulation materials used in its construction. They can be used safely in both wet areas and underground installations where they can withstand harsh conditions while still providing dependable performance.

What is the SWA Cable?

SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cables are made of steel wires that are woven around the insulation of the cable. This makes them more durable than AWA (Aluminium Wire Armoured) cables, as they can withstand greater physical damage and environmental conditions. As a result, SWA cables are ideal for outdoor applications where they will be exposed to weather or have to be buried in the ground. The steel wires also give these cables greater protection against electrical interference.

The armouring of an SWA cable is made up of galvanised steel wire, which can either be single core or multi-core with similar properties as the AWA cable; however SWA cables boast improved mechanical strength and flexibility due to their added layer of defence. The construction of an SWA cable is such that each individual wire is insulated by a thin plastic coating which prevents short-circuiting if any damage were to occur.

Due to their rigid construction, SWA cables cannot be bent sharply – this could lead to damage and reduce its efficacy. As such, it’s greatly beneficial to use junction boxes or glands when routing the cable into a structure. Additionally, it’s essential for tools such as cutters and crimpers to be used correctly when installing SWA cables in order to ensure a neat connection is formed without damaging the metal armouring layer inside.

The difference between AWA Cable and SWA cable

AWA cable and SWA cables are two types of cables used to connect electrical devices. While both provide a safe and reliable connection, there are some key differences between the two that should be considered when selecting the right cable for a particular application.

The AWA cable is an armoured wire armoured (AWA) cable with metal strips that cover the outer insulation, protecting it from damage or wear. The metal strips also provide a degree of physical protection against rodents, abrasion and even fire. The AWA cable is typically used in areas where there is high mechanical stress such as underground installations or exposed outdoors, however they can also be used indoors if necessary.

On the other hand, 3 core SWA cables are steel wire armoured (SWA) cables which consist of a series of steel wires wrapped around the outside of the insulation. Whilst providing greater physical protection than AWA cables, they are more expensive and require more time to install due to their heavier weight. As such, they are usually only installed in very hazardous areas or where mechanical stress is likely to be extremely high.

In summary, whilst both AWA and SWA cables offer excellent levels of protection for electrical equipment, their applications differ depending on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a cable that provides maximum mechanical protection in hazardous areas then an SWA cable would be best suited for your application whereas an AWA cable would be more suitable for less hazardous environments or when cost is an important factor.

In conclusion, AWA cables are suitable for low voltage applications up to 600 volts, while SWA cables are designed for higher voltage applications and provide superior protection from fire and the elements. The two types of cable differ in their construction and application, so it is important to choose the right type for your project. By understanding the differences between AWA and SWA cables, you can make sure you get the most out of your wiring system.