BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cable XLPE Insulation For Enhanced Electrical Properties For Dependable Power Transmission
BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cable XLPE Insulation For Enhanced Electrical Properties and Dependable Power Transmission
When it comes to reliable, long-lasting, and high-performance power transmission, nothing beats the BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cable.
Designed for industrial and low voltage applications, this armored cable is trusted across the globe for its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions while ensuring dependable power distribution.
This article will delve deep into the unique features and benefits of BS 5467 SWA cables, focusing on why they are the ideal choice for fixed installations, underground wiring, and environments exposed to mechanical stress.
What is BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cable?
The BS 5467 cable is a low voltage cable with steel wire armoring (SWA) that provides exceptional strength, durability, and mechanical protection.
It’s insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), which enhances its electrical properties, making it ideal for various industrial cable applications. This armored cable is commonly used for fixed installations, power networks, and underground systems.
Key applications include:
Underground power transmission
Fixed installations in buildings
Industrial power distribution
Outdoor installations exposed to mechanical impact and environmental stress
Why Choose BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cable?
BS 5467 SWA cables are known for their robustness and reliability. Their design ensures excellent resistance to mechanical stress, water, and even chemical exposure, making them perfect for challenging environments.
The XLPE insulation used in these cables enhances their electrical properties, ensuring efficient and safe power transmission over long distances.
Key features include:
Durability: The steel wire armoring offers protection from physical damage, making these cables suitable for buried and outdoor installations.
Electrical Efficiency: XLPE insulation provides enhanced electrical properties, allowing for greater efficiency in power transmission.
Weatherproofing: With a PVC sheath, these cables are resistant to water, UV rays, and other weather conditions.
Flexibility: Despite their heavy-duty design, SWA cables are flexible enough for a wide range of installation environments.
Safety: Built to BS 5467 standards, these cables meet rigorous safety requirements for industrial use.
Technical Specifications
The BS 5467 SWA Armored Cable comes with several technical features that make it a preferred choice for many industries.
Below is a detailed specification table to help you understand its composition:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | BS 5467 |
| Conductor Material | Copper conductor |
| Insulation | Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) |
| Armoring | Steel Wire Armored (SWA) |
| Sheath | PVC sheath |
| Voltage Rating | 600/1000V |
| Temperature Range | -15°C to +90°C |
| Flame Retardant | Yes |
| Mechanical Impact Resistance | High |
| UV Resistant | Yes |
| Application | Fixed installation |
| Weatherproof | Yes |
These specifications highlight the durability, flexibility, and electrical efficiency of the BS 5467 armored cable, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.
Key Benefits of BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cables
1. Enhanced Electrical Properties with XLPE Insulation
One of the standout features of BS 5467 SWA cables is the XLPE insulation. Cross-linked polyethylene provides better electrical performance than traditional insulation materials, such as PVC.
This makes XLPE cables highly efficient in terms of power transmission while also being resistant to high temperatures and moisture.
2. Mechanical Protection with Steel Wire Armoring (SWA)
The steel wire armoring (SWA) ensures that these cables are protected from mechanical impact and stress.
This is especially important for underground cables, which are subject to various environmental and physical challenges. Whether the cable is exposed to construction activities, traffic loads, or other mechanical forces, the SWA cable remains intact, ensuring uninterrupted power transmission.
3. Reliable Power Transmission for Fixed Installations
BS 5467 cables are ideal for fixed installations, where reliability is crucial. Their high resistance to environmental factors like water, UV radiation, and chemical exposure ensures they function efficiently over long periods, even in tough conditions.
This makes them the preferred choice for critical installations, such as power networks and industrial complexes.
Applications of BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cables
1. Industrial Power Distribution
The BS 5467 armored cable is widely used in industrial applications where robust performance and reliability are paramount.
Whether it’s powering heavy machinery or distributing electricity across large facilities, this industrial cable ensures consistent and safe power delivery.
2. Underground Power Systems
Armored cables are the go-to solution for underground power transmission.
The steel wire armoring protects the cable from external damage, while the XLPE insulation and PVC sheath ensure optimal performance even in wet and corrosive conditions.
3. Outdoor Installations
Outdoor environments expose cables to various challenges, including weather, mechanical stress, and exposure to UV rays.
The weatherproof and impact-resistant design of the BS 5467 SWA cable ensures that it can withstand these challenges, providing reliable power transmission in outdoor applications like street lighting, building sites, and remote power installations.
XLPE vs PVC Insulation: A Comparison Table
| Property | XLPE Insulation | PVC Insulation |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Efficiency | High | Moderate |
| Temperature Resistance | Up to 90°C | Up to 70°C |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Mechanical Strength | Superior | Moderate |
| Durability in Harsh Conditions | High | Moderate |
| Flexibility | Moderate | High |
This table compares XLPE insulation with traditional PVC insulation. It clearly shows the superior performance of XLPE cables, particularly in terms of electrical efficiency, temperature resistance, and durability.



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Conductor shaped:RE=circular solid,CC=compacted circular stranded,SM=sector shaped stranded
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Conductors:Plain circular, compacted or shaped stranded copper or aluminium conductor
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Insulation:XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) rated at 90°C
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Assembly /Inner Sheath:Two, Three or Four insulated conductors are laid-up together with non-hygroscopic fillers and the assembly is bedded with an extruded layer of PVC. In case of non-armoured cables, this layer may be omitted
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Armour:Aluminum/Galvanized Steel Wires, single core cables shall be Aluminium wire armour, Aluminum/Steel Tapes applied helically over the bedding of multi-core cables as per IEC 60502.
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Outer Sheath:Outer sheath shall be of Extruded PVC Type ST2 as per IEC 60502-1 or Type 9 as BS 6346/5467.Special type of PVC sheathing material such as Fire Retardant PVC, Anti-Termite PVC, Anti-Rodent PVC, Sunlight resistant PVC, Oil Resistant PVC are available on special request. Also, special sheathing materials suchas LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE, LSZH, and CPE are available on request.
- XLPE/SWA
| Type | Specification | Outer diameter | Nominal thickness of insulation | Diameter of steel wire |
Nominal sheath thickness | Approx. Outer diameter of cable | Approx. Weight of cable | Ampacity of cable | ||||
| Air | Soil | |||||||||||
| CU | AL | Cu | Al | Cu | Al | |||||||
| XLPE/SWA | mm2 | mm | mm | mm | mm | mm | kg/km | kg/km | A | A | A | A |
| 4×4 RE | 2.24 | 0.7 | 1.25 | 1.8 | 19.1 | 770 | 670 | 37 | 28 | 46 | 35 | |
| 4×6 RE | 2.76 | 0.7 | 1.25 | 1.8 | 20.3 | 916 | 772 | 47 | 37 | 56 | 46 | |
| 4×10 CC | 3.8 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 22.3 | 1148 | 895 | 64 | 47 | 76 | 56 | |
| 4×16 CC | 4.8 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 24.5 | 1472 | 1070 | 84 | 64 | 98 | 76 | |
| 4×25 CC | 6.0 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 27.5 | 1942 | 1317 | 115 | 84 | 126 | 98 | |
| 4×35 CC | 7.0 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 29.5 | 2386 | 1521 | 141 | 115 | 152 | 126 | |
| 4×50 SM | 8.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 32.9 | 3209 | 2036 | 172 | 141 | 181 | 152 | |
| 4×70 SM | 9.5 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 36.7 | 4197 | 2502 | 218 | 172 | 222 | 181 | |
| 4×95 SM | 11.0 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 40.5 | 5362 | 3016 | 269 | 218 | 267 | 222 | |
| 4×120 SM | 12.4 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 45.3 | 6908 | 3940 | 313 | 269 | 305 | 267 | |
| 4×150 SM | 13.8 | 1.4 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 50.0 | 8327 | 4683 | 359 | 313 | 344 | 305 | |
| 4×185 SM | 15.4 | 1.6 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 54.2 | 10044 | 5466 | 405 | 359 | 383 | 344 | |
| 4×240 SM | 17.5 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 60.4 | 12672 | 6666 | 451 | 405 | 442 | 383 | |
| 4×300 SM | 19.6 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 65.7 | 15302 | 7795 | 497 | 451 | 461 | 422 | |
Note: RE=circular solid, CC=compacted circular stranded, SM=sector shaped stranded
Installation and Flexibility
Despite being steel wire armored, BS 5467 SWA cables offer a good degree of flexibility, which is important during installation.
They can easily be routed through tight spaces, conduits, or trenches without compromising the integrity of the cable. This flexibility makes them versatile and easy to work with, whether for large-scale industrial setups or smaller fixed installations.
Additionally, their impact resistance ensures that they remain functional even in high-traffic areas or locations exposed to accidental damage. Whether you’re installing them indoors or outdoors, these cables offer peace of mind with their robust design.
Weatherproof and Durable
Another advantage of the BS 5467 SWA cable is its weatherproof design. The PVC sheath not only provides additional protection against moisture and UV rays but also ensures that the cable can operate in extreme weather conditions without deteriorating.
This durability is a significant benefit for installations where the cables are exposed to the elements, such as outdoor lighting, construction sites, or industrial complexes.
BS 5467 Cable Comparison with Other Industrial Cables
| Feature | BS 5467 Cable | Other Industrial Cables |
|---|---|---|
| Armoring | Steel Wire Armored | Varies |
| Insulation | XLPE | PVC, EPR |
| Mechanical Impact Resistance | High | Moderate |
| Voltage Rating | 600/1000V | Varies |
| Durability in Harsh Environments | Excellent | Moderate |
| Customization | Available | Limited |
| Weatherproofing | Yes | Varies |
This comparison demonstrates the superior durability and versatility of BS 5467 cables, particularly in demanding environments.
Their ability to withstand mechanical and environmental stress makes them a top choice for low voltage power transmission.
The BS 5467 SWA Armored Power Cable with XLPE insulation is the ideal choice for industries requiring durable, reliable, and efficient power transmission.
Whether you need a low voltage cable for underground installations, industrial power distribution, or outdoor wiring, this armored cable offers unmatched performance.
With its combination of copper conductor, steel wire armoring, and PVC sheath, the BS 5467 cable delivers reliable power while resisting harsh environmental conditions.
The XLPE insulation enhances its electrical properties, making it an excellent option for industries requiring consistent and efficient power delivery.
If you're looking for a power cable solution that can handle mechanical stress, chemical exposure, and harsh weather conditions, the BS 5467 SWA cable is your best option. Contact us today to find out how our BS 5467 armored cables can meet your specific needs.


Note: This is just part of the standard parameters of our products. Please contact our Engineer if you need more. And the information contained within this webpage is for guidance only and is subject to change without notice or liability. All dimensions and specifications are nominal and are subject to normal manufacturing tolerances. All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. The actual product may vary. All the information is provided in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of publication.
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