MV armoured XLPE/SWA XLPE/AWA Cable

Eland Cables has an extensive portfolio of medium voltage cable including armoured cable manufactured in accordance with British Standard BS6622 and BS7835. These MV armoured cables are BASEC approved and available with PVC, MDPE and LSZH sheathing.

SWA cable is often referred to as mains power cable or booklet armoured cable.

XLPE/AWA and XLPE/SWA Construction

The armoured cables made to BS6622 and BS7835 are generally supplied with Copper conductors with Class 2 rigid stranding. Single core cables have aluminium wire armour (AWA) to prevent induced current in the armour, whilst the multicore cables have steel wire armour (SWA) providing the mechanical protection. These are round wires that provide over 90% coverage.

Whilst the standard may be used for cable specification, the construction is also commonly referred to:

Single core cables:

XLPE/PVC/AWA/PVC - XLPE insulation, PVC inner sheath, Aluminium wire armour, PVC outer sheath (BS6622)

XLPE/LSZH/AWA//LSZH - XLPE insulation, LSZH inner sheath, Aluminium wire armour, LSZH outer sheath (BS7835)

Alternative cable nomenclature referencing this same cable construction include: N2XSHR(Al)H and N2XSYR(Al)Y

Multicore cables:

XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC - XLPE insulation, PVC inner sheath, Steel wire armour, PVC outer sheath (BS6622)

XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH - XLPE insulation, LSZH inner sheath, Steel wire armour, LSZH outer sheath (BS7835)

Alternative cable nomenclature referencing this same cable construction include: N2XSHRH and N2XSYRY.

It should be noted that all Medium voltage cables will also have a conductor screen applied over the conductor, and insulation screen over the insulation. A metallic screen of copper wire and tape is also applied in all medium voltage cables.

XLPE/AWA and XLPE/SWA cable voltages

Given the construction references can be similar to low voltage armoured cables, it is important to identify by voltage. These XLPE/PVC/AWA/PVC, XLPE/PVC/SWA/PVC, XLPE/LSZH/AWA//LSZH and XLPE/LSZH/SWA/LSZH are all available with a voltage rating of 3.8/6.6kV, 6.35/11kV, 12.7/22kV and 19/33kV. 

The choice of voltage will be determined by the equipment and system design. Support can be provided to best match your requirements.

XLPE/AWA and XLPE/SWA cable specification

These armoured power cables are commonly used for the supply of mains electricity in underground systems, suitable for direct burial in free draining soil as the armour protects against mechanical stresses and potential damage. These cables are also suitable for use indoors, in cable ducts, clipped directly onto a surface, on a tray, in a basket or in free air, particularly the LSZH sheathed variants.

The specification of PVC, MDPE or LSZH sheathing will be determined by the system design and the installation parameters. LSZH armoured cable should be used in applications where the emission of smoke and toxic fumes could create a serious threat to life and sensitive equipment in the event of fire. 

Support with specification is available