Steel Wire Armoured Cables Enhance Power Transmission Safety

In modern society, electricity flows through urban infrastructure like blood through veins, providing essential energy to homes and businesses. Cables serve as the critical conduits for this power transmission, making their reliable operation paramount. However, cables face numerous challenges from mechanical damage, chemical corrosion, and extreme temperatures in diverse environments. To address these challenges, a specialized cable solution has emerged—the Steel Wire Armored Cable (SWA Cable). Among these, the 120mm SWA cable stands out for its exceptional performance in power transmission applications.

Steel Wire Armored Cables feature an additional protective layer of steel wire surrounding the core components. This armor acts as a robust shield against external mechanical threats including excavation damage, compression, and impact, significantly enhancing cable durability and safety.

In power systems, cable reliability directly impacts grid stability and safety. Cable failures can range from localized outages to widespread blackouts with substantial economic and social consequences. SWA cables provide an effective solution for secure operation in harsh environments, with their steel armor offering superior mechanical resistance to external damage.

The 120mm SWA cable features a sophisticated multi-layer construction where each component serves specific protective and functional purposes:

Typically constructed with Class 2 stranded bare copper, the conductor offers:

• Excellent conductivity for efficient power transmission with minimal energy loss
• Enhanced flexibility from the stranded design for easier installation
• Uncoated copper surface for optimal electrical performance

Utilizing Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE), this layer provides:

• Superior electrical insulation to prevent short circuits
• High-temperature resistance for stable operation in thermal extremes
• Mechanical protection for the conductor core

Made from PVC material, this layer serves to:

• Protect the insulation from mechanical stress
• Fill internal voids for a more compact cable structure
• Provide flame retardant properties

The defining feature of SWA cables, the steel wire armor offers:

• Exceptional mechanical protection against excavation and impact damage
• High tensile strength to prevent cable rupture
• Superior compression resistance against deformation

The PVC outer coating provides:

• Weather resistance against environmental elements
• Chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, and salts
• UV protection with carbon-enhanced black formulation

Standard 120mm SWA cables typically operate at 600/1000V, making them suitable for medium-low voltage power transmission.

120mm SWA cables serve diverse power transmission needs across multiple sectors:

The most common application where cables are buried directly underground without additional protective conduits, ideal for stable soil conditions.

Used extensively in urban underground infrastructure where additional protection against mechanical and chemical damage is required.

Critical components connecting substations, distribution centers, and end-users across various voltage levels.

Applied in outdoor lighting and equipment where weather resistance is essential, including parks, streets, and industrial yards.

Deployed in factories, commercial buildings, and offices where mechanical protection and fire safety are priorities.

For high-risk environments like crowded public spaces, Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) sheathed SWA cables provide enhanced safety features:

• Minimal smoke emission during fires for improved visibility
• Halogen-free composition to prevent toxic gas release
• Improved flame retardancy to slow fire spread

These cables are particularly suited for hospitals, schools, data centers, and transportation hubs.

Specialized manufacturers offer tailored solutions to meet specific application requirements:

• Adjustable conductor sizes for varying current capacities
• Alternative insulation materials for specialized electrical or thermal needs
• Custom sheath materials for unique environmental conditions
• Color coding options for easy identification

Custom configurations optimize performance while potentially reducing material waste and costs.

The production of 120mm SWA cables requires advanced engineering capabilities and strict quality control. Leading manufacturers combine decades of experience with modern production technologies to deliver reliable power transmission solutions that meet international safety and performance standards.

With their robust construction and versatile applications, 120mm SWA cables continue to play a vital role in ensuring reliable electricity delivery across industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects worldwide.