Guide to Choosing 70mm Fivecore Steel Wire Armored Cables

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the vast array of cable types available? Whether for residential or industrial use, selecting the right cable for safe and reliable power transmission can be challenging. Today, we examine a common power cable solution—the 70mm² five-core steel wire armored (SWA) cable—to clarify its characteristics, applications, and selection criteria.

This cable consists of five 70 square millimeter conductors protected by an outer steel wire armor layer. Designed for low-voltage (0.6/1kV) power transmission, its armored construction provides enhanced mechanical protection, making it suitable for demanding environments.

The cable's robust design features multiple protective layers:

• Conductor: Typically copper (superior conductivity) or aluminum (lighter, more economical). Stranded configurations improve flexibility and space efficiency.
• Insulation: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) offers excellent electrical properties, heat resistance (90°C continuous operation), and chemical stability.
• Color Identification: Standard five-core cables use red, yellow, blue, black, and green for phase distinction.
• Inner Sheath: PVC-based assembly maintains core integrity and enhances structural stability.
• Armor Layer: Galvanized steel wires provide mechanical protection, tensile strength, and partial electromagnetic shielding.
• Outer Sheath: PVC or specialized materials (LSZH, HDPE, etc.) protect against environmental factors like moisture, UV radiation, and chemical exposure.

• Mechanical Durability: Resists crushing, impact, and abrasion during installation and operation.
• Enhanced Tensile Strength: Supports vertical installations and tensioned applications.
• Rodent Protection: Deters damage from gnawing animals in underground deployments.
• Integrated Grounding: Armor can serve as an earth continuity conductor.

This cable type excels in diverse scenarios:

• Direct Burial: Eliminates need for additional protective conduits in soil.
• Power Distribution: Urban grids, industrial parks, and large-scale building mains.
• Residential Service Entries: Connects dwellings to utility networks.
• Industrial Facilities: Powers heavy machinery in factories, mines, and ports.
• Outdoor Lighting: Withstands environmental stresses in street and landscape lighting.
• Control Systems: Transmits signals in automation and monitoring setups.

• Voltage Rating: 600/1000V
• Temperature Range: -0°C to 90°C (operational), 250°C (5-second short-circuit)
• Bending Radius: Minimum 20× cable diameter
• Conductor Resistance: Varies by material (lower values indicate better conductivity)
• Current Capacity: Depends on installation method (air vs. underground) and ambient conditions

To ensure quality and performance:

• Prioritize reputable manufacturers with relevant certifications (CCC, CE, etc.).
• Verify technical parameters against project requirements.
• Inspect conductor condition (oxidation-free, undamaged) and sheath integrity.
• Select materials appropriate for the operating environment (e.g., LSZH for fire-prone areas).
• Review third-party test reports for compliance with standards like BS 5467 or IEC 60502-1.

For high-risk environments (tunnels, hospitals, high-rises):

• Fire-Retardant (FR): Limits flame propagation.
• Low Smoke Halogen-Free (LSHF): Reduces toxic emissions during combustion.

The 70mm² five-core SWA cable combines robust protection with reliable power transmission capabilities. By understanding its construction, performance metrics, and selection criteria, professionals can make informed decisions to ensure electrical system safety and longevity. Proper cable selection forms the foundation of secure power infrastructure across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.