Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) Cables (BS 5467)

Overview

Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) Cables

For installations exposed to mechanical impact risk, direct underground burial, or demanding industrial factory environments, Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cables are the industry standard. Nairobi Power Engineers supplies genuine BS 5467 (PVC) and BS 6724 (LSZH) armoured cables from 1.5 mm² 2-core up to 630 mm² single-core.

Featuring a robust layer of galvanised steel wire armour (or aluminium wire armour on single-core cables to prevent magnetic eddy current heating), our cables provide superior tensile pulling strength, crush protection, and an excellent circuit protective conductor (CPC) earth return path.

Product Lineup

Equipment & Range Highlights

Multi-Core SWA • BS 5467

Multi-Core Steel Wire Armoured Cables

2-core, 3-core, 4-core, and 5-core copper cables with XLPE insulation, bedding, galvanised steel wire armouring, and tough PVC outer sheath.

Cores2C, 3C, 4C, 5C (1.5mm²–400mm²)

ArmourGalvanised Steel Wires (SWA)

StandardBS 5467 / BASEC

Single-Core AWA • Non-Magnetic

Single-Core Aluminium Wire Armoured (AWA) Cables

Single-core power cables with Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA) specifically designed to prevent magnetic induction heating on heavy AC currents.

Sizes50 mm² to 630 mm² 1-Core

ArmourNon-Magnetic Aluminium (AWA)

RatingUp to 1100 A per Conductor

BS 6121 • Termination Kits

Industrial Brass Cable Glands & Terminations (BW / CW / A2)

Precision machined brass cable glands for unarmoured and SWA armoured cables, complete with brass locknuts, earth tags, and PVC weather-proof shrouds.

Gland TypesBW (Indoor) • CW (Outdoor IP66)

SizesM20 to M75 ISO Metric Threads

StandardBS 6121-1 / EN 50262

Armour Specs

SWA Cable Construction Reference

Component Layer	Material Specification	Engineering Function
Conductor	Class 2 Stranded Plain Annealed Copper (BS EN 60228)	Carries primary electrical current with minimum resistance
Insulation	Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) 90°C rating	Dielectric insulation withstands high voltage & thermal stress
Bedding Layer	Extruded PVC or LSZH compound	Cushions and protects insulated cores from armour wires
Armour Layer	Galvanised Steel Wires (Multi-core) / Aluminium (Single-core)	Provides mechanical crush resistance & earth fault path
Outer Sheath	Heavy-duty UV-resistant PVC or Low Smoke Zero Halogen	Protects against moisture, UV sunlight, soil chemicals & abrasion

Key Features

Engineering & Build Highlights

Heavy galvanised steel wire armouring withstands trench backfill pressure and accidental shovel strikes
Provides low-resistance Earth continuity return path conforming to BS 7671 bonding requirements
XLPE insulation handles continuous operating temperatures up to 90°C for maximum current capacity
Full compatibility with standard brass CW and E1W outdoor weather-proof cable gland kits
Available in standard PVC or Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) outer sheaths for confined public spaces
Tested for voltage withstand up to 3.5 kV AC for 5 minutes during routine factory testing

Applications

Target Applications & Sectors

Direct burial underground power distribution trenchesIndustrial factory floor and cable ladder routingOutdoor lighting feeder pillars and road crossingsBorehole pump and water intake power suppliesMining, quarry and civil construction temporary powerBuilding service sub-main cable risers

FAQs

In single-core AC cables, alternating magnetic fields would circulate around magnetic steel armour wires, creating massive eddy current heating and melting the cable sheath. Non-magnetic aluminium (AWA) prevents this magnetic induction heating.

Yes. BS 5467 SWA cables are designed specifically for direct burial in soft sand bedding at a minimum depth of 600 mm (or 750 mm under roadways) with warning tape placed 150 mm above the cable.

Armoured Cables (SWA)