SWA Cable Specification - 4X16MM² 1.1KV.pdf

SWA Cable Specification - 4X16MM² 1.1KV.pdf

1. ANHUI FEICHUN SPECIAL CABLE CO., LTD.
STEEL WIRE ARMOURED (SW A) CABLE - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
4 × 16 MM² SWA4 × 16 MM² SWA
Steel Wire Armoured Flexible Electric Cable - 1.1kV Insulation
ARMOURED PROTECTION HEAVY DUTY HIGH FLEXIBILITY
??????️ STEEL WIRE ARMOURED (SW A) CONSTRUCTION
Enhanced Mechanical Protection for Demanding Environments
4 16 mm² 1.1 kV SWA 5
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable is a heavy-duty power transmission cable designed for installations requiring superior mechanical
protection against impact, crushing, and rodent damage. Featuring four flexible copper conductors with 16mm² cross-sectional area and
galvanized steel wire armour, this cable is ideal for underground burial, industrial environments, and areas subject to mechanical stress. The
1.1kV insulation rating ensures reliable performance in low to medium voltage electrical distribution systems.
Parameter Specification
Cable Designation 4 × 16 MM² SWA Armoured Cable
Number of Cores 4 Cores
Conductor Cross-Section 16 mm² per core
Rated Voltage U₀/U 0.6/1.1 kV
Conductor Material Annealed Copper (Cu) - Class 5 Stranded
Conductor Type Flexible Multi-Wire Stranded
Insulation Material Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) or PVC安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司 Number of Cores Conductor Size Rated Voltage Armour Type Flexibility Class

2. Inner Sheath Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Armour Type Galvanized Steel Wire Armour (SWA)
Outer Sheath PVC - Black or as specified
Flexibility Grade Class 5 - High Flexibility
2. CABLE CONSTRUCTION & ARMOUR DETAILS
ARMOURED CABLE STRUCTURE (Core to Outer Layer)
1. Conductor Core: Fine stranded annealed copper wires (Class 5), 16mm² nominal per core
2. Conductor Insulation: XLPE or PVC insulation with color identification
3. Core Assembly: Four insulated cores twisted or laid in parallel
4. Filler: Non-hygroscopic polypropylene filler to maintain roundness
5. Bedding/Inner Sheath: PVC bedding layer to protect cores
⚙️ 6. STEEL WIRE ARMOUR (SWA): Galvanized steel wire armour for mechanical
protection
7. Outer Sheath: Heavy-duty PVC compound (Black standard)
Component Material/Description Technical Details
Conductor
Class 5 flexible stranded
copper
Per IEC 60228, wire diameter ≤0.41mm
Number of Strands Multiple fine copper wires Approximately 126+ strands per conductor
DC Resistance Maximum at 20°C ≤1.21 Ω/km per conductor
Insulation Thickness XLPE or PVC Type 0.7 - 1.0 mm nominal
Core Colors Standard identification Brown, Black, Grey, Blue or as specified
Inner Sheath
Thickness
PVC bedding layer 1.0 - 1.4 mm nominal

3. Steel Wire Armour Galvanized steel wires
Wire diameter: 0.9 - 1.25 mm (typically
1.25mm)
Armour Application Helically laid steel wires Close pitch, single layer
Outer Sheath
Thickness
PVC protective layer 1.8 - 2.2 mm nominal
Overall Diameter Approximate 22 - 25 mm (including armour)
Approximate Weight Per kilometer 1,450 - 1,650 kg/km
3. ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Parameter Value Test Condition / Standard
Rated Voltage (U₀/U) 0.6/1.1 kV AC 50/60 Hz
Maximum Conductor DC
Resistance
1.21 Ω/km At 20°C per IEC 60228
Current Carrying Capacity 80 - 95 A Depends on installation (buried/air)
Current Rating (Buried) 85 - 90 A
Underground installation, 25°C soil
temp
Current Rating (Air) 92 - 98 A Clipped to surface, 30°C ambient
AC Voltage Test 3.5 kV for 5 minutes Between conductors and armour
Insulation Resistance ≥20 MΩ·km At 20°C
Maximum Operating Temperature70°C (PVC) / 90°C (XLPE)Continuous operation
Short Circuit Temperature
160°C (PVC) / 250°C
(XLPE)
Maximum 5 seconds duration
Voltage Drop Approx. 2.65 V/A/km At power factor 0.8
Armour Earthing Required at both ends Steel wire armour provides earth path
4. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES & ARMOUR PERFORMANCE
Parameter Specification Notes
Flexibility Class Class 5 - High Flexibility Per IEC 60228

4. Mechanical Protection LevelHeavy Duty - Armoured
Superior impact and crush
resistance
Minimum Bending Radius
(Installation)
12 × Overall Diameter (≥288 mm)Due to steel wire armour
Minimum Bending Radius
(Fixed)
8 × Overall Diameter (≥192 mm)After installation
Radial Crushing Strength High resistance
Steel wire armour provides
protection
Impact Resistance Excellent
Suitable for areas with mechanical
hazards
Rodent Protection
Excellent - Armour prevents
damage
Steel wire barrier against gnawing
Installation Temperature ≥0°C
Preheating may be required below
0°C
Operating Temperature Range
-15°C to +70°C (PVC)
-20°C to +90°C (XLPE)
Ambient conditions
Direct Burial
Suitable without additional
protection
Armour provides mechanical
protection
Flame Retardant IEC 60332-1 Single vertical wire test
5. APPLICATIONS & SUITABLE ENVIRONMENTS
Underground Installation
Direct burial in trenches without additional
conduit - armour provides full mechanical
protection
Industrial Plants
Power distribution in factories, refineries,
and heavy industrial environments with
mechanical hazards
Outdoor Installations
Exposed cable runs on building exteriors,
across open yards, and through areas with
vehicular traffic
Mining Operations
Surface mining installations where cables
are subject to mechanical stress and
harsh conditions
Construction Sites
Temporary and permanent power
distribution on construction sites with
heavy equipment
Agricultural Facilities
Farms, barns, and agricultural processing
plants where rodent protection is critical
Petrochemical Plants
Power cables in hazardous areas
requiring robust mechanical protection
Marine & Offshore
Shore-based installations and transition
zones requiring enhanced protection
Key Advantages of SWA Construction: Superior mechanical protection against impact and crushing |
Rodent and pest resistant | Suitable for direct burial without conduit | Excellent long-term durability |

5. Armour provides additional earthing path | Cost-effective for underground installations | UV resistant outer
sheath | Oil and chemical resistant
6. TECHNICAL STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE
Standard Description
IEC 60502-1 Power cables with extruded insulation for rated voltages from 1 kV to 30 kV
IEC 60228 Conductors of insulated cables - Class 5 flexible conductors
IEC 60332-1 Tests on electric cables under fire conditions - Vertical flame test
IEC 60364 Low-voltage electrical installations - Earthing arrangements
BS 5467 Electric cables - Armoured cables with thermosetting insulation (Reference standard)
BS 6346 Electric cables - PVC insulated armoured cables (Reference standard)
GB/T 12706 Chinese National Standard for power cables with rated voltages 0.6/1kV to 26/35kV
RoHS DirectiveRestriction of Hazardous Substances - Environmental compliance
CE Marking European Conformity (where applicable)
7. INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR ARMOURED CABLES
Installation Parameter Requirement
Burial Depth Minimum 600mm (general areas), 900mm (under roads/driveways)
Trench Bottom 100mm sand bedding layer, free from sharp stones
Cable Laying Lay cable on sand bed, cover with 100mm sand, add warning tape
Armour Earthing MANDATORY - Earth armour at both ends using cable glands
Cable Glands Use SWA glands (BW type) with proper earthing continuity
Pulling Force Maximum 50 N/mm² of conductor area
Joint Boxes Use appropriate armoured cable joint kits
Support Spacing 0.4 - 0.6 meters for vertical runs, 1.0 - 1.5m horizontal
Route Marking Install cable route markers for future identification
Critical Installation Requirements:

6. ARMOUR MUST BE EARTHED: Failure to earth the steel wire armour can create shock hazards and
violate safety codes
Never use standard cable glands - always use SWA-specific glands with earthing tags
Do not exceed minimum bending radius - armour wires can break causing safety issues
Ensure proper continuity of armour earthing throughout the installation
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling cable
Follow local electrical codes and regulations for underground installations
Install warning tape 300mm above buried cable
8. QUALITY ASSURANCE & TESTING
Each SWA cable undergoes comprehensive factory testing including:
Conductor DC resistance measurement
High voltage insulation test (conductor to armour and conductor to conductor)
Insulation resistance test
Dimensional verification (conductor, insulation, armour, sheath)
Armour wire tensile strength test
Galvanization quality check
Mechanical flexibility test
Fire performance test (sample basis per IEC 60332-1)
Continuity test of steel wire armour
Visual inspection of overall construction
Quality Certification: All SWA cables are manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management
system. Complete test reports, certificates of conformity, and third-party test reports are available upon
request. Factory acceptance testing (FAT) can be arranged for large orders.
9. PACKAGING, STORAGE & DELIVERY
Item Details
Standard Length 100m, 200m, 300m, 500m, or customized (subject to weight limits)
Packaging Type Heavy-duty steel or wooden cable drum suitable for armoured cable weight
Cable Marking Sequential meter marking every 1 meter on outer sheath
Drum Marking Manufacturer, cable type, specifications, voltage, length, weight, drum number
Documentation Test certificate, conformity certificate, installation guide, drum data sheet
Storage Conditions
Store drums upright in dry, covered area. Protect from direct sunlight and
moisture

7. Shelf Life 24 months under proper storage conditions
Drum Handling Use proper lifting equipment - drums are heavy due to armour
Lead Time 20-35 working days after order confirmation (varies with quantity)
Minimum Order
Quantity
500 meters (negotiable for special projects)
10. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS & LIMITATIONS
Environmental Factor Suitability
Direct Burial ✓ Excellent - Primary application
Indoor Installation ✓ Suitable on cable tray or clipped to wall
Outdoor Exposure ✓ Suitable - UV resistant sheath
Wet Locations ✓ Suitable with proper termination
Corrosive Atmospheres ⚠ Limited - Check galvanization suitability
High Temperature Areas ⚠ Limited to rated temperature
Submerged Installation ✗ Not recommended - use submarine cables
Explosive Atmospheres ⚠ Requires ATEX/IECEx certified glands and proper installation
Important Technical Notes:
This specification is for reference and subject to technical modifications
Custom specifications available: LSF (Low Smoke Fume), LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheath,
different armour types (tape armour, double armour)
For special environmental conditions (high temperature, chemical exposure, marine), consult technical
department
Installation must comply with local electrical codes and standards
Professional installation by qualified electricians required
Armour earthing is mandatory and must be verified during commissioning
For detailed engineering calculations and project-specific requirements, contact technical support