Steel Wire Armoured Power Cable
Armoured Cable (SWA)
Heavy-duty armoured cable for direct burial and demanding industrial environments
SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cable is designed for direct burial underground, outdoor installations, and industrial environments where mechanical protection is critical. The galvanized steel wire armour layer provides impact, crush, and rodent protection while maintaining full electrical performance. Available with XLPE or PVC insulation, copper or aluminum conductors, rated 0.6/1 kV to 35 kV.
Key features
- Galvanized steel wire armour — crush, impact, and rodent resistant
- Suitable for direct burial without protective conduit
- XLPE or PVC insulation options
- Copper (Class 2) or aluminum conductor
- PVC or LSZH outer sheath available
- Available 1-core to 5-core configurations
Typical applications
- Direct burial underground without additional duct
- Outdoor above-ground where mechanical damage risk exists
- Industrial plants, factories, mines
- Infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, tunnels)
- Solar farm and wind farm collector cables
SWA Armoured Cable Specifications (0.6/1 kV, XLPE, Copper)
Custom sizes available on request — send us your project specification.
| Cores × Section (mm²) | Armour Type | Approx. OD (mm) | Approx. Weight (kg/km) | Current Rating (A) | Min. Bending Radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3×16 | SWA | 22.5 | 920 | 78 | 270 |
| 3×35 | SWA | 27.5 | 1520 | 125 | 330 |
| 3×70 | SWA | 35.0 | 2900 | 196 | 420 |
| 3×120 | SWA | 42.0 | 4750 | 283 | 504 |
| 3×185 | SWA | 48.5 | 6800 | 363 | 582 |
| 3×240 | SWA | 54.0 | 8650 | 430 | 648 |
| 4×16 | SWA | 24.5 | 1100 | 65 | 294 |
| 4×50 | SWA | 32.5 | 2450 | 140 | 390 |
| 4×95 | SWA | 41.0 | 4400 | 215 | 492 |
| 4×185 | SWA | 53.5 | 8100 | 340 | 642 |
Armoured Cable (SWA) gallery
Factory & delivery capability
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Frequently asked questions about Armoured Cable (SWA)
Q.What is the difference between SWA and STA armour?
SWA (Steel Wire Armour) uses round galvanized steel wires — better for single-core cables and vertical installations. STA (Steel Tape Armour) uses flat steel strips — commonly used on multi-core cables for direct burial. Both provide mechanical protection; the choice depends on installation method and cable configuration.
Q.Can SWA cable be buried directly without conduit?
Yes. SWA cable is specifically designed for direct burial. The steel wire armour provides sufficient mechanical protection. A sand bed and warning tape above the cable are recommended per standard installation practice.
Q.Do you offer LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheath?
Yes. We manufacture SWA cable with either PVC or LSZH outer sheath. LSZH is required for tunnels, metros, indoor installations, and anywhere smoke toxicity is a concern.
Q.What conductor sizes are available?
We manufacture SWA cable from 1.5 mm² up to 630 mm² in copper, and up to 1000 mm² in aluminum. Single-core through 5-core configurations available.
Q.How do I specify armoured cable for my project?
Tell us: voltage rating, conductor material and size, number of cores, insulation type (XLPE or PVC), sheath type (PVC or LSZH), armour type, total length, and destination port. We provide a detailed technical offer within 24 hours.
Q.What test reports come with SWA cable?
Each shipment includes routine test certificates per IEC 60502 (conductor resistance, insulation resistance, voltage withstand, armour continuity). Type test reports and third-party SGS testing available on request.
Related Technical Guides
Learn more about Armoured Cable (SWA) specifications, installation, and sourcing.
SWA Cable Applications: Where & Why to Use Steel Wire Armoured Cable [Industry Guide]
Complete guide to SWA cable applications across underground, industrial, commercial, mining, solar, railway, and marine environments. Learn which scenarios require steel wire armoured cable and how to specify correctly.
Read guide →SWA Cable Standards: IEC 60502 vs BS 5467 vs NFC 33-226 — Which Applies to Your Project?
Compare SWA cable standards across regions: IEC 60502 (international), BS 5467 (UK/Commonwealth), NFC 33-226 (Francophone Africa). Testing requirements, marking differences, and how to specify correctly for your market.
Read guide →Armoured Cable Sizes & Current Rating Chart | 4 Core SWA/STA Specification Guide
Armoured cable from certified China factory: 4 core SWA 16–300mm², 3 core STA, XLPE/PVC insulation. IEC 60502 & BS 5467. Competitive FOB pricing.
Read guide →4 Core Armoured Cable Sizes & Current Ratings | SWA vs STA Guide
4 core armoured cable size chart from 1.5mm² to 800mm² with current ratings for SWA & STA types. Includes SWA vs STA selection guide, voltage drop calculator, and IEC/BS standard references. Get factory-direct pricing from a 45-year Chinese manufacturer.
Read guide →Armoured Cable vs Non-Armoured Cable: When Do You Actually Need Mechanical Protection?
Armoured vs non-armoured cable comparison for procurement engineers. SWA/STA cost difference, installation scenarios, IEC/BS/NEC requirements, and how to avoid over-specifying or under-protecting your cables.
Read guide →Ready to source Armoured Cable (SWA) from the factory?
Send your specs — voltage rating / conductor size / cores / armour / length / destination port. Quote within 24 hours.