In the vast and intricate world of electric circuits, the medium of communication is cables. However, not every cable is the same. There are cables that are designed specifically with an underlying motive to endure harsh conditions and relentless usage. Armoured cables are one of them—a kind of electric cable with extra protective sheaths. There are cables required in cases of mechanical stress, natural hazards, or usage conditions that can make standard wiring systems vulnerable.
It's where we will be talking more specifically about what armoured cables are, how they are manufactured, and, most importantly, why they are a safe and, in most cases a necessary element of industrial, commercial, and even domestic electrical installations with the help of an Armoured Cable Supplier.
What is an Armoured Cable?
Armoured cable is power or signal cable with armour protection or a covering of metal in between the insulation and outer covering. The armour is made of galvanized wire or tapes and is used for mechanical protection of the cable to make its handling easier in severe or harsh conditions such as installation underground, outdoor exposure, and industrial processes.
There are numerous types of armoured cables, such as
- SWA (Armoured Steel Wire) Cable—most often utilized for mains electricity supply.
- STA Cable (Steel Tape Armoured Cable)—low-voltage application.
- AWA (Aluminium Wire Armoured Cable)—where magnetic interference is of concern.
Let's now discuss the important features of armoured cable that make it a special product rather than an ordinary electrical wire.
1. Mechanical Protection
Metal armoring guards the conductors against mechanical forces from the environment, such as
- Compression (e.g., beneath concrete or soil)
- Impact (i.e., from equipment or malfunctioning equipment)
- Abrasion (e.g., when dragged through ducts or conduits)
That is why they are best suited for application in underground, site building, outdoor, and industrial use with physical force.
2. Increased Tensile Strength
Armoured cables have added tensile strength, particularly for cable laying. For vertical installation or for use for cable runs of extreme length (e.g., between building floors), the armour stops the cable from stretching or cracking. This reduces distortion and provides long-term stability.
3. Resistance to Environmental Dangers
For use where there is a chemical spill, water, or corrosive fluid, armoured cables can be chosen with the armoring material being resistant to corrosion, i.e., galvanized steel or aluminium. They are also suited for use where they are to be put in a complete waterproof outer covering, which comes in most handy in underwater or wet situations.
This feature is of special significance in:
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Oil and gas companies
- Marine or coastal systems
4. Fire-Resistant and Flame-Retardant Types
Safety first with electrical installations. Some of the armoured cables are actually fire-resistant or flame-retardant, i.e., they can function even in end-of-the-world situations. They are invaluable in mission-critical installations such as:
- Hospitals
- Data centers
- Emergency systems
- High-rise buildings
The cables can retard fire spread and even provide circuit integrity in emergency cases.
5. Electromagnetic Shielding
Some of the armoured cables (e.g., Al wire armoured) do offer some electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. It is used for signal loss protection, especially for control and communications cables. It is especially suitable where:
- High-voltage equipment
- Motors and generators
- Communication systems
This makes them the ideal choice for industrial automation, instrumentation, and SCADA systems.
6. Extremely High Voltages and Sizes
They are available in a range of conductor sizes and voltages, from low-voltage control cable (300/500 V) up to high-voltage power transmission (33 kV and upwards). That makes them appropriate in any setting.
- Local supply power
- Industrial equipment
- Subterranean supply power
- Renewable energy sources
7. Direct Burial Compatibility
One of the major benefits of armoured cable is that it can be installed level with the ground floor directly without additional ducting or conduits (subject to local code). The armour provides protection against soil pressure, rocks, and rodents. This means the saving of cost in installation and faster deployment, particularly in rural or remote site installation.
8. Flexibility and Customization
The production process today makes it possible for one to attain a very high level of armoured cable personalization. The client has the option to select
- Number of cores (single-core to multi-core)
- Insulation characteristics (PVC, XLPE, EPR, etc.)
- Armour type (aluminium, steel tape, steel wire)
- Outer sheath (e.g., chemical-resistant, UV-resistant, etc.)
There are thus armoured cables that can be constructed for almost any use or situation.
9. Compliance with International Standards
Armoured cables are produced and prepared according to international and domestic standards, i.e.,
- IEC 60502 (cable of power)
- BS 5467 (British standard low-voltage armoured cable)
- IS 7098 (Indian standard PVC insulated cable)
Standards like these guarantee the cables to be the best in the market in terms of performance, safety, and quality—which must be comforting to customers.
10. Low Maintenance and Long Life
Because of their ruggedness and protective qualities, armoured cables do not demand high maintenance and have superb life. Compared to other cables, which would be periodically required to be tested or more often replaced under extreme conditions, armoured cables are stable and reliable for years longer with less overall cost of ownership.
Applications of Armoured Cable
Armoured cables are used in Power distribution and transmission industries and infrastructures.
- Tunneling and mining
- Construction and civil engineering
- Oil and gas refineries
- Electric traction and signalling
- Renewable energy (wind farms and solar farms)
No matter what strength, safety, and reliability are required, armoured cables provide unmatched performance.
Conclusion
On an overall basis, armoured cables are an application that is heavy-duty for harsh conditions. Armoured Cables' multi-layer armour and heavy-duty construction make them the optimum solution in electrical installations such as life safety and long-term sound performance. Whether it be mechanical protection, protection against external attack, or protection against fire, armoured cables are designed to offer it. Whichever way you're implementing large-scale infrastructural development, business development, or home installation involving underground cabling, being aware of the structure of armoured cables will have you make an informed decision—and your installation sustainable in the long run.
Also Read: What Do Wires and Cables do in Mining Operations?