Electrical cables are an essential part of any electrical installation, whether in residential, commercial or industrial buildings. They are used to transmit power and signals from one point to another, and their importance cannot be overemphasized. One type of cable that has gained popularity in recent years is armored cable. Armored cable is a type of electrical cable that is made of several layers of materials designed to protect it from physical damage and corrosion. In this article, we will explore the different types of armored cable, their benefits, and how they are used.
Types of Armored Cable
There are several types of armored cable, each with its unique design and application. The three most common types of armored cables are steel wire armored (SWA) cable, aluminum wire armored (AWA) cable, and armored fiber optic cable.
Steel wire armored (SWA) cable is the most widely used type of armored cable. It consists of a core made of copper or aluminum conductors, surrounded by insulation, and covered by a steel wire armor. The armor protects the cable from mechanical damage, making it suitable for underground or outdoor installations.
Aluminum wire armored (AWA) cable is similar to SWA cable, except that it uses aluminum wire armor instead of steel wire. AWA cable is used in environments where steel armored cable is not suitable, such as highly corrosive environments or areas with high magnetic fields.
Armored fiber optic cable is a type of cable used to transmit high-speed data over long distances. It consists of one or more optical fibers surrounded by a layer of aramid yarn, and then covered by a steel or aluminum armor. The armor provides physical protection for the cable, allowing it to be installed in harsh environments.
Benefits of Armored Cable
Armored cable offers several benefits over traditional electrical cables. First, it provides additional protection against physical damage and corrosion, which can extend the lifespan of the cable. This makes armored cable an ideal choice for outdoor or underground installations, where cables are exposed to harsh environments.
Secondly, armored cable is more robust than traditional electrical cables. It can withstand higher levels of mechanical stress and tension, making it less likely to break or fail during installation or use. This makes armored cable a reliable choice for industrial applications, where downtime can be costly.
Finally, armored cable is more resistant to fire than traditional electrical cables. The steel or aluminum armor provides an additional layer of insulation, which can help contain the spread of fire in the event of an electrical fault. This makes armored cable a safer choice for buildings, especially those with high fire risk.
Uses of Armored Cable
Armored cable is used in a wide range of applications, including power transmission, control systems, and data transmission. Here are some of the most common uses of armored cable:
Underground power transmission: Armored cable is often used to transmit power from the grid to residential or commercial buildings. The armor protects the cable from damage caused by digging or excavation, making it ideal for underground installations.
Outdoor lighting: Armored cable is used to power outdoor lighting fixtures, such as streetlights, floodlights, and parking lot lights. The armor protects the cable from damage caused by weather or vandalism.
Industrial machinery: Armored cable is used to power industrial machinery, such as conveyor systems, motors, and pumps. The robust design of armored cable makes it suitable for use in harsh industrial environments, where cables are exposed to high levels of stress and tension.
Data transmission: Armored fiber optic cable is used to transmit high-speed data over long distances, such as between buildings or across cities. The armor protects the cable from damage caused by weather or vandalism, allowing it to be installed in harsh environments.