3 core 4 mm² SWA armoured cable

The common structure of an 3 core 4 mm² SWA armoured cable can be broken down as follows:

(1).Conductor: includes plain stranded copper (cables are categorized to suggest the degree of flexibility. Class 2 describes stiff stranded copper conductors as stipulated by British Standard BS EN 60228:2005).

(2).Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is used in a variety of power cables because it has good water resistance and excellent electrical properties. Insulation in cables guarantees that conductors and other metal substances do not enter into contact with each other.

(3).Bedding: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bedding is used to supply a defensive border between inner and outer layers of the cable.

(4).Armour: Steel wire armour provides mechanical protection, which implies the cable can stand up to higher tensions, be buried directly and used in external or underground projects. The armouring is normally connected to earth and can sometimes be used as the circuit protective conductor (” earth wire”) for the equipment supplied by cable.

(5).Sheath: a black PVC sheath holds all elements of the cable together and provides additional protection from external stresses.The PVC version of SWA cable, described above, satisfies the requirements of both British Standard BS5467 and International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 60502. It is known as SWA BS5467 Cable and it has a voltage rating of 600/1000V.
3 core SWA cable can be described more typically as mains cable, armoured cable, power cable and brochure armoured cable. The name power cable, however, applies to a wide variety of cables including 6381Y, NYCY, NYY-J and 6491X Cable.
The following are some benefits of armoured cable:
Without the use of electrical conduit, elbows, expensive offsets, or channel couplings, 3 core 4 mm² armoured cables offer the required protection and durability.Armoured cable made of metal is resistant to corrosion and suitable for use in damp environments.
Interlocked armour, unlike conduit or even continuously welded armour, is flexible, ensuring that damage does not affect internal conductors. It is also easier to install in position where conduit would deal with complicated, close-spaced flex.