Steel Wire Armoured, or SWA, cables are a central component of electrical engineering and infrastructure with added strength, mechanical endurance, and reliability in various uses. They are used on a large scale in industrial, commercial, and residential applications where electric systems need to be protected from mechanical stress and atmospheric environments. Because of their rugged construction and flexibility, Steel Wire Armoured Cable in Australia are today an absolute necessity, the most crucial element of modern electrical installations.
This article by steel swa cable manufacturers is highlighting the importance of steel wire armoured cables, their composition, their application, their advantages, and why they can never be overlooked in most industries.
Discover the Structure of Steel Wire Armoured Cables
Steel Wire Armoured cables consist of several layers in an attempt to strengthen and protect them. There is a conductor, ideally copper or aluminium, within the cable that is intended to perform optimally. The conductor is then permanently covered with an insulating protective covering, ideally of some kind like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). This is for protection from electrical leakage and security.
In addition to insulation, the most common feature of SWA cables is its armoured galvanized steel wire sheath. Steel armoring protects against mechanical factors; the cable is hence surface stress-resistant, impact-resistant, and crush-resistant. Lastly, an outer sheath encases the cable, providing secondary protection from water, weather, and chemicals.
The combination of all these layers creates a very stiff cable, thus suitable for use in the areas where cables are likely to be subjected to rough handling or constant use under harsh conditions. Steel armour makes SWA cables relatively stronger than other cables and more resistant to a great extent.
Applications of Steel Wire Armoured Cables
SWA cables are used in most industries because they can also withstand mechanical tension. The cables are used differently in the power distribution industry, in buildings, on the surface, and industrially when applied. Some of the most popular uses of steel wire armoured cables include:
- Industrial Installations—Factories, manufacturing installations, and processing installations require safe and stable power electrical installations. SWA cables protect the installations from physical damage, thus providing effective power supply and work efficiency.
- Subterranean and Underground Wiring—When the cables are installed underground during construction, SWA cables are used since they are durable. Steel cover protects the cable from earth pressure, rodents, and casual digging, hence minimizing electrical faults.
- Construction Sites—Permanent and temporary installations of electricity on construction sites of buildings should be cables that can withstand abusive use, loading, and subjection to trash. SWA cables fulfill all these responsibilities and do them both firmly and securely.
- Renewable Power Projects—Even though the world keeps relying on renewable power such as sunlight and wind, power supplies receive power distributed through power grids to access SWA cables. Since they can withstand environmental stress, they can be mounted outdoors.
- Transport and Railway Networks-—Metro networks, rail networks, and road networks are under mechanical stress as well as high-load cables. SWA cables come in use in delivering the electrical integrity in adverse environments in such networks.
- Marine and Offshore Installations—Ship and offshore oil rig power supply is accomplished with the aid of SWA cables. Moisture resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical resistance of cables are the factors enabling such installations to be performed.
Advantages of Using Steel Wire Armoured Cables
Steel Wire Armoured cables are very useful, because of which they become the perfect choice during bad weather. Some of the most apparent benefits are as follows:
- Improved Mechanical Protection—The primary reason why SWA cables are used in industries is that they can withstand mechanical stress. Steel armoring offers protection as casing to the conductors on the inside from external forces such as impact, crushing, and abrasion.
- Longevity—SWA design is a longevity type based on longevity as a way of ensuring the removal of the need for replacement that is forever. It is every penny that they spend in the long run worth since it is cost-effective and value-for-money to install electricity.
- Weather Resistance—SWA cables have been manufactured with the ability to resist harsh weather conditions like temperature, humidity, and UV. SWA cables are thus optimally installed outdoors and underground.
- Enhanced Safety and Reliability—Safety in electric form is integrated into any electric power supply system. Insulation of SWA cables reduces the likelihood of electrical faults, short circuits, and fire, hence guaranteeing a reliable electrical system.
- Compatibility in High Voltage Applications—SWA cables are mostly compatible with applications at high voltages and consequently are extremely suited for being incorporated within commercial as well as industrial power supply networks.
- Flexibility during Installation—Despite being a heavy-duty type, SWA cables can readily be installed. They are a flexible type of cable that can even be installed irrespective of the prevailing condition, such as direct burial, duct, and cable trays, and also flexible on a wide range of projects.
- Rodent and Pest Protection—Pests and rodents in certain situations are a significant threat to electrical cabling. Steel armour in SWA cables is protection that does not allow animals to chew through the cable and lead to electrical faults.
Conclusion
Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable is the pillar of modern electrical installation, unparalleled in the industry for protection, strength, and reliability. Because of their strong composition, in addition to mechanical stresses and environmental attacks, they have become the most sought-after cable for numerous applications. For factory usage, underground cabling, building, and renewable power plants, SWA cables provide power transmission efficiently and increased security.
So, to the prudence of SWA cable value, the job of electricians, engineers, and contractors is simplified to choose the best one when planning electrical equipment for structures. General advantages that accrue from the employment of such cables, such as cost reduction, security enhancement, and maintenance-free operation, keep them in the centre stage in the electric sector. With growth in infrastructure always increasing globally, there will always be a topmost priority for the demand of SWA cables to provide efficient and reliable power networks.
Also Resd : Wire and Cable Safety: Tips for Installation and Maintenance
