Armoured cable is XLPE insulated cable with a steel wire armour layer, usually written SWA. It is specified where a run needs mechanical protection — buried in the ground, run externally, or fixed somewhere it could be struck or crushed. This range is RR Kabel XLPE/SWA in 3-core and 4-core, from 4mm² up to 95mm².
What do XLPE and SWA mean?
XLPE is cross-linked polyethylene, the insulation around each conductor. It withstands a higher conductor temperature than ordinary PVC, so an XLPE cable will generally carry more current than a PVC cable of the same cross-section. SWA is the layer of steel wires wound around the cores under the outer sheath: it takes the physical abuse, and in many designs it also forms the circuit's earth path. Core count follows the design — whether the circuit needs a neutral, and how the earth is provided.
How is it terminated?
With a proper gland at each end, which grips the armour and bonds it. Armoured cable also has a much larger bending radius than flex, so allow space where it enters an enclosure — it will not turn a tight corner. Termination, gland selection and any buried work are jobs for a licensed electrician.
How much should I order?
Measure the route, not the straight line, and add slack for trench bends, gland tails and enclosure entries. Installation method changes the sizing too — direct in ground, in ducts and clipped in air all differ, and UAE ground and air temperatures reduce capacity further. Send us the drawing and we will cut to your schedule.
