In this vast world of electrical installations, strength, reliability, and security come first. Among all the cables utilized in industries, Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable is one of the most reliable and strongest cables. No matter what type of project you’re working on — industrial, commercial, or residential — having some knowledge of SWA cable can literally be a game-changer when it comes to performance, affordability, and overall long-term security.
Here, through this blog, we’re going to be discussing everything you ever wanted to know about Steel Wire Armoured cable in Australia—its makeup and benefits, its typical uses and tips for installation.
What is Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) Cable?
Steel Wire Armoured, or SWA, cable is an electric power cable used in the transmission of electric current under harsh conditions. Under yet another name, the cable also has an outer galvanized steel wire armour used for purposes of mechanical protection. The cable is thus used to maximum capacity in underground systems, outdoor usage, and wherever a cable would undergo physical wear.
SWA cable normally tends to be produced according to BS 5467 and BS 6724 standards in the UK and normally tends to be used with mains electric power supply from low-voltage (LV) to medium-voltage (MV) grids.
SWA Cable Construction
There is a Steel Wire Armoured cable consisting of diversified layers, one of which is intended for every function:
Conductor
It is made of copper (sometimes aluminium), and it is the inner cable that contains electricity flowing through it.
Insulation
Made of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), this surrounds the conductor and also shields it from electric shocks.
Bedding
PVC or thermoplastic padding between the armour core and armour.
Armour (Steel Wire)
Galvanized steel wire circumference armour on the cable to impart mechanical strength.
Sheath
Outermost PVC or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) armour protection from environmental conditions.
Major Benefits of SWA Cable
- Mechanically Protected: The steel wire armour layer provides mechanical strength to SWA cable such that it can resist abrasion, crushing, and impact damage. It can be installed at heavy machinery construction sites or in machinery factories.
- burial Capability: It can be buried underground with cover casing where it is shielded without requiring additional conduit.
- Long Life: SWA cables are resilient and are able to resist tough environmental conditions such as chemicals, temperature, and humidity without any issues.
- Flexibility: SWA cable comes in any dimension, voltage rating, and class—so it will continue to be used in a totally gargantuan range of applications, from supplying household lighting to powering huge industrial machinery.
Applications of SWA Cable
SWA cable life allows it to be utilized in an extremely wide range of conditions. Some of the most common applications are:
- Powering buildings
- Burying cables underground
- Outdoor lighting systems
- Industrial use
- Factory and factory factories
- Renewable energy systems (solar farms)
- Mobile power installations are to be utilized or operated on buildings.
Types of SWA Cable
Two general standards/types that are available everywhere are:
- BS 5467 SWA Cable
- PVC sheath
- Fire retardant
- Applied to individual usage
- Applied to the majority of general electrical power systems
- BS 6724 SWA Cable
- LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheathing
- Will not burn with small amounts of unhealthy smoke
- Ideally in areas where humans are frequent or care about the fire rating factor
How to Choose the Right SWA Cable?
In order to be able to choose the right SWA cable to be applied on a given project, consideration must be made on the following:
- Voltage Rating
- Most LV SWA cables are 600/1000V rated
- Ensure it is compatible with your electric system
- Number of Cores
- 2-core: Single-phase systems without earth wire
- 3-core: For single phase with earth or special purposes
- 4-core: For three-phase systems
- 5-core and above: For high-end configurations
- Cable Size (Cross-sectional area)
In mm²
- Impacts current-carrying capacity and voltage drop
- Standard sizes from 1.5mm² to over 400mm²
- Sheathing Material
- PVC: Watertight and cheap
- LSZH: Fire-resistant where fire hazards exist
- Environmental Conditions
- Indoor or outdoor?
- Above ground or below ground?
- Temperature cycling or chemical contamination?
Installation Tips
Proper installation is the key to trouble-free operation of SWA cable. Some of the tips are:
- Cable Glands: SWA cable must be ended in certain glands (typically BW for indoor or CW for outdoors) to end the steel armour adequately and to offer stress relief.
- Armour Earthing: Steel armour at times functions as a protective earth (PE) conductor. Electrical protection must be earthed adequately.
- Support and Secure: Armour does introduce stiffness; very long or very long cable runs must be clipped or cabled into trays such that they are not tensioned.
- Bending Radius: Steer clear of sharp bends. A rule of thumb is a curve radius of at least 8-12 times the cable diameter.
- Underground Installation: Sheathe the cable in a sand or fine soil bedding trench and provide for an allowance for an area in which marker tape may be placed over the cable to allow future tracing. There is a local and global cabling installation standard requirement for SWA cable laying. In the UK, they are:
- BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
If possible, install it with a competent electrician professionally and, ideally, mission-critical or high-voltage equipment.
Frequently asked questions
- Does SWA cable need to be fitted indoors?: Yes, but not typically required. It’s typically reserved for indoor fitting in the building where the cable otherwise would likely be damaged.
- Is SWA cable water-resistant?: Not waterproof but water-resistant and good for wet applications if properly fitted.
- Can SWA cable be fitted in conduit?: Yes, but usually not unless additional protection or visual cover is required.
- How deep underground should I lay SWA cable?: This is at least 450mm (18 inches) for houses and 600mm for roads or drives.
Conclusion
Steel Wire Armoured cable is a working, long-term, and durable solution to power transmission in hostile environments. Whether to power a garden shed, industrial installation cable, or solar farm wiring, SWA cable provides the confidence that comes from first-class mechanical protection as well as electrical safety. Always consider the specific requirements of your application before installing or choosing SWA cable, and refer to relevant standards and, in doubt, to a professional electrician or engineer.
Also Read: Reasons Why Armoured Cable is the Superior Choice
