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Why Would You Use Armored Cable?

Asked by: Augustine Cormier
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Unlike cable shielding, which is often braided or a foil wrap design, the armor shield is wound around the cable, giving it a corded, corrugated appearance. … And some companies’ armored cables, such as Mencom, use a woven flexible stainless-steel design. A big difference in the three designs is in how they are ground.

What is the difference between Armoured and unarmoured?

An armored cable is protected from mechanical damage, as its name suggests, while an unarmored cable is not protected. … The only thing that distinguishes armored cable from unarmored cable is that the former has an additional optical cable outer protective layer.

What are the different armored cables?

There are two types of armoured cables Aluminium wire armour and steel wire armour.

Is armoured cable waterproof?

This stands for “steel wire armoured” cable and is ideal for the job as it’s waterproof and not prone to rotting. It can also be positioned underground, keeping your children and pets safe. Connecting an SWA will provide you with electricity and lighting, as well as the option to add heating.

Where is armoured cable commonly used?

What is an SWA Armoured Cable? Commonly known as SWA cable, the steel wire armoured cable is a power and auxiliary control cable, designed for use in mains supply electricity. Used for underground systems, cable networks, power networks, outdoor and indoor applications, and cable ducting.

What is unarmored cable?

With the rapid development of optical communication, more and more fiber optic cables are increasingly used in different environments. … An armoured cable, as its name suggests, is protected against mechanical damage, whereas an unarmoured cable not being protected.

What is armoured cable?

In electrical power distribution, armoured cable usually means steel wire armoured cable (SWA) which is a hard-wearing power cable designed for the supply of mains electricity. … Armouring is also applied to submarine communications cables.

What is the difference between PVC and XLPE?

The main difference between the two is that XLPE can be used for both high and low tension applications. Its structure provides great resistance to abrasion, stress, and other wear and tear. PVC insulation cannot withstand as much pressure, meaning it is only suitable for low tension applications.

Does armoured cable bend?

Interlocking armoured cables may be bent around a radius during installation. The radius of the curve of the inner edge of the bends shall be at least 6 times the external diameter of the armoured cable.

Can you bend 10mm armoured cable?

It is pretty rigid, but can be bent – it may not sit very flush round the bend, but will definitely do a 90 degree bend.

What is flexible cable used for?

Flexible cables, or ‘continuous-flex’ cables, are electrical cables specially designed to cope with the tight bending radii and physical stress associated with moving applications, such as inside cable carriers.

Can you run armored cable outside?

Type AC “armored cable” cannot be used outdoors. Type MC “metal-clad cable” may be used outdoors, if the manufacturer has rated it for outdoor use and marked the packaging as such.

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Is Armoured cable earthed?

The armour does provide some mechanical protection and it is important that the armour is earthed so that if the cable were penetrated (e.g. by a garden fork), the supply would automatically be disconnected by the protective device under this fault condition.

Can Romex be used in attic?

Yes. NM cable may be exposed in attic. This is very common in modern dwellings. Armored cable / MC is not necessary in your case.

How long does Armoured cable last?

The sheath of SWA is PVC. Life expectancy underground is from 20 to 50 years, depending on how much use is made of the cable.

What is 2 core Armoured cable used for?

2.5mm 2 Core Armoured Cable is a type of electrical cable used to supply mains voltage electricity for a variety of uses. As this cable is armoured, it is suitable for underground installations as well as being attached to structures or buildings using Cable Cleats.

What is difference between AWA and SWA cable?

Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA) is used in single core cable because it is non-magnetic. SWA Cable is commonly used across a whole range of industries including building and construction, and rail and transport. …

What is a 3 core cable?

3 core cable is comprised of live, neutral and earth conductors, suitable for ‘Appliance Class I’ (connectivity to earth). … It is important to check your Appliance Class with your qualified electrical contractor.

What is PVC cable?

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is widely used in electrical cable construction for insulation, bedding and sheathing. … Cable with a PVC insulation or sheathing is flame retardant, which is an important consideration for electric cables in most applications.

What is 3 core Armoured cable used for?

3 core armoured cable is generally used to supply mains power to domestic and outdoor buildings such as sheds, consisting of a set of insulated twisted copper wires coloured brown, blue/green and yellow which are protected by a black metal sheath.

What Armoured cable do I need for garden lights?

Once outdoors, you should supply your lights via 1.5mm² three core steel-wire-armoured cable (SWA). Make sure that you only fit weatherproof lights that are suitable for outdoor use and that your circuit is RCD-protected.

Can you paint Armoured cable?

The quick answer is “yes,” but let’s cover some of what you’ll need to know first. Painting the armor does not violate the National Electric Code (NEC), however, this process can be time consuming and also create more cleanup on the job-site utilizing pre-painted armor saves time and labor.

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