Buy PVC Armoured Cable SWA & AWA – UK’s Largest Supplier

What are SWA Armoured Cables?

Cleveland Cable Company is the UK's largest supplier of armoured SWA cable. This is an electrical cable that is fitted with a protective metal armour layer designed to protect the cable against impact, crushing, and mechanical damage. The armour also allows cables to be installed underground, outdoors, and in demanding industrial environments where standard unarmoured cables may be unsuitable.

The most common armoured cable in the UK is Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable, manufactured to BS5467. Single-core cables generally use Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA), while multicore cables use galvanised Steel Wire Armour (SWA).

Armoured cables are widely used for power distribution, control circuits, substations, factories, utilities, renewable energy installations, and commercial buildings.

We offer a comprehensive range of low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) armoured cables manufactured to British and IEC Standards, suitable for industrial and commercial applications such as:

• Mains & Control
• Mains & Control Cable – MDPE
• Armoured Cable SWA 1kV - Solid Aluminium Conductors
• Single Core Armoured AWA Cable - 1kV
• 3.3kV Mains Cable

What are PVC Cables?

PVC cable is an electrical cable that uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the insulation, outer sheath, or both. PVC is one of the most widely used cable materials because it offers excellent durability, flexibility, moisture resistance, and electrical insulation at a competitive cost.

Depending on the cable design, PVC may be combined with XLPE insulation and steel wire armour to produce robust power cables suitable for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure installations.

BS5467 armoured cables combine XLPE insulation with PVC inner and outer sheaths to provide excellent mechanical protection, environmental resistance, and long service life.

PVC SWA Cable Construction

Modern BS5467 armoured cables combine XLPE insulation with durable PVC sheathing to provide excellent electrical performance and long service life.

The standard cable construction typically includes:

• Conductors: Plain annealed stranded copper or aluminium in accordance with BS EN 60228.
• Insulation: XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene).
• Inner sheath: PVC.
• Armour: Galvanised Steel Wire Armour (SWA) or Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA).
• Outer sheath: PVC Type 9 compound.

XLPE insulation allows higher operating temperatures than traditional PVC-insulated cables, while the PVC sheath provides excellent resistance to moisture, abrasion, chemicals, and weathering.

Mechanical Protection and Installation Conditions for Cables

Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable is specifically designed for applications where additional mechanical protection is required against impact, compression, and accidental damage.

BS5467 SWA cable is suitable for a wide range of installation environments, including:

• Underground installations
• Cable ducts
• Industrial environments
• Outdoor installations
• Power distribution systems
• Commercial buildings
• Renewable energy projects
• Infrastructure projects

When installed correctly using suitable cable glands, cleats, and accessories, SWA cable provides excellent long-term performance while maintaining compliance with BS7671 installation requirements.

PVC SWA Armoured Cable Range

We supply BS5467 low voltage XLPE armoured cables in a wide range of conductor sizes:

• Single core AWA: 50mm² – 1000mm²
• 2 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 400mm²
• 3 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 400mm²
• 4 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 400mm²
• 5 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 240mm²
• 7 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 16mm²
• 10 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 2.5mm²
• 12, 19 & 27 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 4mm²
• 37 & 48 core SWA: 1.5mm² – 2.5mm²

Technical Properties of SWA Armoured Cable

• Voltage rating: 600/1000V
• Flame retardant: Complies with BS EN 60332-1-2 (CPR Compliant)
• Maximum conductor operating temperature: 90°C
• Maximum short-circuit conductor temperature: 250°C
• UV resistant for outdoor applications
• Installation temperature range: 0°C to 80°C
• Bending radius: Minimum 8D (as per manufacturer specifications)

Core Identification

• Single Core: Brown or Blue
• 2 Core: Brown, Blue
• 3 Core: Brown, Black, Grey or Brown, Blue, Green/Yellow
• 4 Core: Brown, Blue, Grey, Black
• 5 Core: Brown, Blue, Grey, Black, Green/Yellow
• 7 to 48 Cores: White with printed numbers

Speak with a Cleveland Cable sales specialist for detailed technical data sheets or expert advice.

How Do You Terminate and Gland a Steel Wire Armoured Cable?

SWA cable is terminated using a purpose-designed cable gland that secures the outer sheath, bonds the steel wire armour where required, and provides mechanical retention. The cable is stripped carefully to expose the armour before the gland components are assembled and tightened according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once installed, the cable conductors are connected into the electrical equipment while maintaining the integrity of the insulation and protective earthing arrangements.

The correct gland type depends on factors including the cable size, enclosure type, ingress protection (IP) rating, and installation environment. All cable terminations should be carried out by competent persons in accordance with BS7671 and the manufacturer's installation guidance.

Why Choose Cleveland Cable?

• UK's largest stockist of PVC Armoured SWA cable
• High-quality, British and European Standard-certified products
• Competitive prices with fast UK & International delivery
• Expert technical support for your cable requirements
• In-house BSI testing lab ensuring premium quality control
• BASEC approved

Browse cables by type | Contact Cleveland Cable today for expert advice and bulk pricing on PVC SWA Cable