By Jianyun Cable – Professional Manufacturer of Armoured Power Cables

Armoured cable is one of the most trusted solutions for safe and durable power distribution in demanding environments. In 2026, with expanding infrastructure and renewable energy projects, understanding what **armoured cable** is used for helps engineers, installers and property owners choose the right product.

This practical guide explains the main applications, types, benefits and installation tips for **armoured cable** so you can use it confidently in real-world projects.

1. What is Armoured Cable?

Armoured cable (also called armoured power cable) is an electrical cable reinforced with a layer of metal armour – usually steel wire (SWA) or aluminium wire (AWA) – wrapped around the insulated conductors.

The armour provides strong mechanical protection against impact, crushing, cutting and rodent damage while allowing the cable to be buried directly or installed in exposed locations.

Most **armoured cable** is rated 600/1000V and uses XLPE or PVC insulation with an outer sheath for environmental resistance.

2. Primary Uses of Armoured Cable

The most common application of **armoured cable** is direct burial underground where it supplies mains electricity to buildings, street lighting, outbuildings and EV chargers without needing extra conduit.

Industrial plants, factories, warehouses and construction sites use **armoured cable** for reliable power distribution in areas exposed to mechanical stress or heavy traffic.

Outdoor installations, railways, tunnels, agricultural buildings and temporary power setups also frequently rely on **armoured cable** for its toughness and long service life.

3. Common Types of Armoured Cable

4. Key Advantages & Benefits

**Armoured cable** eliminates the need for additional conduit in most buried installations, saving both time and material costs.

The metal armour provides excellent resistance to impact, crushing, rodents and accidental digging – significantly reducing repair frequency.

Long service life (often 30+ years), good fire performance options (LSZH), and ability to use armour as earth conductor are additional strong benefits.

5. Safety Considerations When Using Armoured Cable

Always properly terminate the armour and connect it to the earth system to prevent dangerous voltages on the outer layer.

Use correct gland size and sealing to maintain IP rating when entering equipment. Incorrect glands are a common cause of water ingress and corrosion.

Never use single-core SWA on AC circuits due to induced heating – choose AWA instead. Regular inspection of terminations prevents long-term faults.

6. Best Installation Practices

Bury **armoured cable** at least 600 mm deep in private land (750–900 mm under driveways/roads) with yellow warning tape 150–250 mm above.

Use sand bedding (100 mm below & above) to cushion from sharp stones. Maintain minimum bending radius (usually 8–12× cable diameter).

Always use manufacturer-approved brass glands and earth rings. Test insulation resistance (>1 MΩ) after installation.

FAQ

Can armoured cable be used indoors?

Yes – especially LSZH versions in public buildings. However, unarmoured cable is often preferred indoors where mechanical protection is not required.

Is armoured cable rodent-proof?

It offers very good resistance, especially steel wire armoured types, but in severe rodent areas additional measures may still be needed.

Do I need conduit with armoured cable?

No – one of the main advantages is that **armoured cable** can be buried directly without conduit in most situations.