Typically, the construction of an aluminium or steel wire armored cable comprises six components:
Conductor: plain stranded copper or aluminium
Insulation: materials such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) provide high temperature resistance and excellent dielectric strength-providing enhanced electrical properties.
Bedding: a layer to create a protective barrier between the insulation and the armour.
Armour: a steel or aluminium armour provides mechanical protection to allow the cable to withstand the mechanical stresses to which it is exposed.
Sheath: the constituent parts of the cable are held together by a sheath offering a further level of protection. Black sheaths can be carbon-loaded for UV stability.
Voltage: voltage ratings of 600/1000V, 6.35/11kV and 19/33kV.
The armour provides additional protection where mechanical stress has the potential to cause damage to the cable, such as direct burial, outdoors or underground. The armour also enables the cable to withstand higher pulling loads. It should be noted, however, that the armour provides no protection for climatic conditions.
16.0mm 3 core
25.0mm 3 core