The electrical wiring continues to be the skeleton of any modern structure, and, from a small house to some huge industrial complex, everything derives its energization through that. Armoured cables are one of the choices that acquired popularity for places that would have demands of strength, safety and reliability out of all those available for the electrical wiring. What makes the armoured cable special from the rest of the wiring types?
Well, this article is going to look at a few advantages of using the armoured cable by the Armoured Cable Manufacturers in electrical wiring based on its design, functionality, and versatility.
Understanding Armoured Cable
This armoured cable is also referred to as SWA. SWA is the short term used for steel wire armoured, as explained by the SWA Cable Suppliers. The armour is of that type of power cable, which offers further mechanical protection. There are several layers included, such as
- The conductor core is usually made of copper or aluminum. It conducts electrical current.
- Insulation: The insulation cover on the conductor prevents electrical leakage and protects the cable against the short circuit.
- Armour Layer: mechanical protective, solid layer made in steel wires or steel tapes as an armour to protect the inner cable from outer damage of any kind.
- Outer Sheath: This is the outer layer that shields the cable from environmental elements to some extent, such as moisture, chemicals, or abrasion.
- An armour consisting of more than one layer makes armour cables quite apt for applications wherein normal cables would break up.
Major Advantage of Armoured Cable
1. Mechanical protection
High mechanical protection is among the most important advantages of an armoured cable. Steel armor of this type can protect the cable against almost every kind of physical destruction, such as
- Accidental impacts in the installation or during maintenance.
- Heavy loads in industrial places.
- Digging or construction works might expose the underground cable.
That is why armoured cables can be laid underground, outdoor, and even in highly crowded places where the cables are likely to experience wear and tear.
2. Increased Safety
The primary factor of electrical wiring is safety, and armoured cables top the list on this count. The armour layer gives a second layer of protection, thereby reducing the chance of:
- Electrical shock through touching by mistake.
- Short circuits or damaged cables from causing fires.
- The outer sheath and insulation contribute to retaining all the electrical current within the conductor. Hence, the leakage probability can be reduced.
3. Environmental Resistance
Armoured cables are designed for harsh environmental conditions. Thus, which are generally available in most industrial establishments., they are suitable for outdoor and industrial applications. They are also resistant to:
- Moisture: This outer sheathing prevents moisture from entering; otherwise, corrosion and faulty electrical paths to the inners are created.
- It is also highly resistant to chemicals, oils, and corrosive materials
- UV Radiation: If it's placed outdoors, in such an installation, the UV-resistant interior within the sheath will withstand this prolonged sunlight exposure.
- Temperature Extremes: Armoured cables work effectively in a very broad range of temperature, thus giving reliability both in hot and cold conditions.
4. Variety of Use
Due to its strength and durability, an armoured cable can be applied in the most diverse fields:
- It is great to install it underground or in places where they are covered.
- Commercial Projects: It is used extensively in shopping malls and office buildings, among many others with high traffic.
- Industrial Use: They are necessary wherever a factory, a mine, or any high-duty environment can expose the cable to mechanical and harsh conditions.
- Utility Installation: Highly common in power transmission systems, as well as the distribution system.
5. Simple to Install
Even though an armoured construction is strong-built, laying armoured cables turns out to be rather facile. The design features of armoured cables merely enable:
- Easy to install without need for any special tool or technique.
- Compatibility with different connectors and terminals.
- With a built-in armour layer, less dependency on further protective conduits.
- These save time and man-hours and result in a lower cost of installation.
6. Long life with Minimal Maintenance
They are designed to serve for a long time. Their robust constructions make them long-lasting, as they are capable of tolerating any hostile conditions and thus deliver sufficient life. In addition to that, they require least maintenance. This reduces the cost in the long run. The lowered possibility of damage also leads to infrequent repair and replacement, thereby making them cost-effective as well.
7. Improved Electrical Properties
Armoured cables are designed to hold up well to trying conditions with a high electrical performance. They possess:
- Low electrical resistance for power-efficient transmission.
- They are low-interference signals, which is perfect for data and communication applications except in power distribution.
- These characteristics ensure high reliability in operation, which is essential, especially for mission-critical applications.
8. Adherence to Regulations
Using armoured cables often helps meet regulatory and safety standards in electrical installations. For instance:
- Armoured cables in the UK are compliant to BS 5467 as well as BS 6724 standards for power cables.
- Many jurisdictions permit the use of armoured cables, especially in specific locations or outdoor installations, because they can ensure not only safe installation but also durable installation.
9. Long-Term Cost Effectiveness
Even if including cost for a primary comparison versus ordinary cables, the armor-covered cables help to cut general cost. The reason it adds up to saving the cost in the long term is as follows:
- Slim possibilities of further protection layer.
- Fewer repairs and replacements because they can be used for so much longer.
- This will therefore minimize the chance of injuring, liability, and even damage.
10. Rodent and Rodent Control
Some habitats for those animals might make rodents and rodents a serious threat to the wiring of electrical equipment. However, steel-armoured cables are quite intimidating for the rats and other vermin, as they are incapable of chewing into the cable, and hence, they will cause electrical faults and may lead to blackouts.
11. Flame Retardation
Many armor cables are designed to resist fire and can, therefore, withstand the high heat of a fire, continuing the power supply without interruption during a fire. This is important for applications whose power supply should not break down, including hospitals, data centres, and emergency supplies.
Conclusion
Armoured Cables fulfill all your wiring needs for electricity comprehensively in terms of durability, safety, and performance. Due to their robust construction, they are very applicable in the residential and commercial projects of industrial and utility installations. Save for making it adhere to standards of safety and regulations, armoured cables render your electrical system more dependable.
Armoured cables have proven to be the best bets that can make any application go on top where reliability and protection should be at the very best. They can support the professional working in the particular field in more than one ways and sustain blows of physical, environmental and operational stressors. Ranging from a new installation until the upgrading of the existing ones, numerous advantages of armored cable ensure safe as well as efficient long-term electrical system.
Also Read: Things To Keep in Mind While Buying High Voltage Cable
