Armoured Cables (SWA)

Mechanical protection for exposed runs

Steel wire armoured (SWA) cables protect LV circuits on buried runs and where mechanical damage is a risk. NPE supplies XLPE/SWA copper and aluminium cables sized and glanded for the installation.

The steel armour provides mechanical protection and an earth path; we select the size and glanding so the cable is protected and correctly terminated.

24/7 Emergency Support

Electrical service you can count on

When armoured cable equipment fails, you need fast, reliable help from experienced engineers. We offer around-the-clock emergency support across Nairobi and East Africa — keeping your plant safe and powered, day or night. Whether it is an urgent breakdown or a scheduled repair, our team is ready to respond whenever you need us.

Cost and Estimates

What drives the cost

Buried and exposed runs

Armour protects direct-buried and mechanically exposed circuits.

Armour as CPC

Steel wire armour provides a protective earth path where designed for it.

Correct glanding

Glands selected for the armour termination and IP rating.

Sized to IEC

Conductor size derated for the burial or installation condition.

Engineering Calculator

Instant Technical Sizing

Enter parameters for real-time IEC/KPLC-standard sizing. Results update dynamically.

Connected load kW Voltage & Phase

Power Factor Spare Capacity (%)

Results

Design Current

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Recommended Breaker

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Recommended Type

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Copper Cable Size

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* For reference only. NPE engineering verifies configurations prior to build.

Frequently asked questions

When is SWA required?

For direct-buried runs and where cables could be struck or damaged; it is the usual choice for external feeders.

Is the armour an earth?

The armour can serve as the CPC where the design and glanding provide continuity; we confirm per circuit.

Copper or aluminium armoured?

Both are available; aluminium can be economical on large external feeders.

How is buried cable sized?

The burial condition derates the capacity; the calculator on this page shows how derating grows the conductor.

When in doubt, put safety first

If you are ever unsure or feel unsafe, do not take chances — call a licensed engineer. Safety always comes first. Contact us for verification, specification and installation support.

+254 0737-944-014

Speak to our experts