Molly Ayala
In electrical terms, SWA stands for Steel Wire Armoured cable, a power and auxiliary control cable designed for use in mains supply electricity. SWA cables are used in underground systems, power networks, cable ducting, and both outdoor and indoor applications. They are designed to have mechanical protection, which is why they are suitable for external use and can withstand higher pressures.
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What You'll Learn
SWA cable core types
SWA stands for Steel Wire Armoured cable, which is a type of multi-core, hard-wearing armoured cable with galvanised steel wires for enhanced protection. SWA cables are used for mains electricity distribution and can be used in a variety of applications and voltage levels. They are available in various core configurations, including two-core, three-core, four-core, and five-core, with three-core being the most common.
Two-core SWA cables are live and neutral, while three-core cables are live, neutral, and earth. Three-core cables are used for Class I or Single Insulated connections, which require earth connections.
Four-core cables are suitable for low voltage or low-current signal applications. They are made of four individual colour-coordinated copper cables.
Five-core SWA cables are commonly used in low-voltage transmissions and use a three-phase line with one zero line for the power supply.
The seven-core cable is designed for low-voltage connections with a maximum of 50Vdc. Each core is made from copper conductors within the steel armouring.
The size of the cable you choose can also impact your project due to differences in applications and variations in project requirements.
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SWA cable construction
SWA stands for Steel Wire Armoured cable, commonly known as a power and auxiliary control cable. It is a type of multi-core, hard-wearing armoured cable with galvanised steel wires for enhanced protection against mechanical stress, corrosion, and other environmental factors. SWA cables are used for mains electricity distribution and are suitable for both outdoor and underground applications.
The construction of SWA cables consists of plain stranded copper conductors, insulated with cross-linked polyethylene, bedding, and sheathing made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The armour beneath the sheath allows for pulling loads due to increased strength. SWA cables are available in various core configurations, including two-core, three-core, four-core, and five-core.
The three-core SWA cable is live, neutral, and earth, while the two-core cable is only live and neutral. The four-core cable is perfect for low-voltage or low-current signal applications, and the five-core SWA cable is commonly used in low-voltage transmissions, using a three-phase line with one zero line for the power supply.
The most popular types of SWA cables are PVC SWA cable and XLPE SWA cable, but LSF SWA cable is essential for fire safety in public areas. LSF stands for Low Smoke & Fume, and this type of cable emits very low levels of smoke and non-toxic levels of halogen gas when exposed to fire.
When installing SWA cables, compatible SWA cable glands or connectors are required. SWA cables are also commonly used with cable cleats, which provide a safe and secure way to attach the cables to walls and structures.
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SWA cable applications
SWA cables, or Steel Wire Armoured cables, are a type of multi-core, hard-wearing armoured cable. They are used for mains electricity distribution, both outdoor and underground, and are also suitable for indoor applications. They are often used for underground power networks, cable ducting, and incoming mains to homes. The cables are designed to have mechanical protection, which is why they are used for external applications.
SWA cables are made up of galvanised steel wires, which provide enhanced protection against mechanical stress, corrosion, and other environmental factors. They are well-suited to tough environments and can withstand general longitudinal tension. This makes them ideal for short-distance overhead or vertical installations. They are also used for direct burial applications, where they can withstand higher pulling loads.
The cables are available in various core configurations, including two-core, three-core, four-core, and five-core, with three-core being the most common. The core is made up of copper conductors within the steel armouring. The four-core cable is used for low-voltage or low-current signal applications, while the five-core cable is used for low-voltage transmissions with a three-phase line.
SWA cables have a black PVC sheath, providing additional protection against environmental factors like moisture, heat, chemicals, and UV rays. The XLPE insulation is resistant to a range of fluids and chemicals and has good heat stability.
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SWA cable armouring
SWA stands for Steel Wire Armoured cable. It is a type of armoured cable that is used for mains power supply. SWA cables are used for underground systems, cable networks, power networks, outdoor and indoor applications, and cable ducting.
The SWA cable is designed to have mechanical protection, which is why it is often used for external use. The armour is used to reduce the risk of the cable getting pinched or damaged. The steel is used to protect the armoured cable. SWA cables are heavy, which makes them extremely difficult to bend, and so they are most suited to underground cabling or fixed to outdoor walls using cable cleats.
SWA cables are constructed of steel wire armouring, copper conductors, and XLPE insulation. This is wrapped in a protective metal cover to protect it from extreme temperatures and water. The insulating material of the armoured electrical cable is resistant to chemicals and is heat stable, which makes it ideal for many applications.
The SWA cable comes in a variety of core types, including two, three, four, five, and seven cores. The two-core cable is live and neutral for Class II and Double Insulated appliances that do not need an earth connection. The three-core cable is live, neutral, and earth, and is for Class I or Single Insulated appliances that must have an earth connection. The four-core cable is perfect for low-voltage or low-current signal applications. The five-core cable is most commonly used in low-voltage transmissions and uses a three-phase line with one zero line for the power supply. The seven-core cable is used for low-voltage connections with a maximum of 50Vdc.
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SWA cable alternatives
SWA stands for steel wire armoured cable, also known as mains power cable, power cable, armoured cable, and booklet-armoured cable. It is a power and auxiliary control cable designed for use in mains supply electricity. SWA cables are used for underground systems, cable networks, power networks, outdoor and indoor applications, and cable ducting.
When it comes to alternatives, there are a few options that are mentioned, but these alternatives may not provide the same level of protection as SWA cables. Here are some of the alternatives that are mentioned:
- H07-RNF or Hi-Tuff/NYY-J type cables: These cables are mentioned as possible alternatives to SWA cables, but they may not offer identical protection. It is important to consider the specific protection requirements before selecting a cable.
- MIMS or PYRO: These cables are mentioned as an alternative, but they are not flexible, which may be a consideration depending on the application.
- Running SWA up the outside of the house: This option is suggested as a better solution if you want to avoid disrupting the inside of the house. However, it may not be aesthetically pleasing unless it can be routed in a corner or behind a downpipe.
- Plastic conduit: This option is not recommended as it does not provide adequate protection against mechanical damage. It can be easily damaged by drilling, hammering, or striking with a spade.
- Steel conduit or MICC: These alternatives are suggested for resisting impact damage, but they may not be suitable for all applications, such as the collapse of a wall.
It is important to note that the suitability of these alternatives depends on the specific application and the level of protection required. SWA cables are known for their mechanical protection, which makes them suitable for external use. When considering alternatives, it is crucial to ensure that the chosen cable complies with wiring regulations and provides the necessary protection for the specific application.
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Frequently asked questions
SWA stands for Steel Wire Armoured cable.
It is a hard-wearing power cable designed for the supply of mains electricity. It is used in underground systems, power networks, and cable ducting.
The construction of an SWA cable can be broken down as follows:
- Conductor: plain stranded copper
- Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
- Bedding: a protective layer between insulation and armour
- Armour: steel or aluminium to provide mechanical protection
- Sheath: a black PVC sheath to hold all components of the cable together and provide additional protection
