16mm² 2 Core SWA XLPE PVC Steel Wire Armoured Cable

Robust Protection for Demanding Installations

The 16mm² 2 Core SWA cable is ideal for garden lighting circuits and supplying mains power to outhouses or sheds over longer distances, making it a practical choice for residential and light commercial applications. This cable is designed for mains electricity in various applications, including laying underground, power networks, and incoming mains to homes.

Superior Mechanical Durability

The embedded steel wire armor (SWA) provides the cable's cover excellent mechanical strength against impacts as well as protection from physical forces which is desirable in underground or external applications. There is a steel wire armour below the outer sheath, making it resistant to damage. This protection is critical in environments where cables may face accidental damage, crushing, or impact from excavation, construction equipment, or environmental hazards.

Thermal and Electrical Performance

The XLPE insulation is resistant to a number of different fluids, chemicals and has good heat stability, as well as being UV Resistant. Since the molecules in XLPE are chemically bonded together, it has greater ductile strength and impact resistance, and will not melt or drip in temperatures up to 90°C. Unlike standard PVC insulation, for the same conductor cross-sectional area, an XLPE-insulated cable can carry more current than its PVC counterpart as a direct result of its higher thermal rating.

Multi-Functional Protection System

The armoring also functions as an earth continuity conductor, which adds to the cable's safety. This dual functionality—mechanical protection plus electrical grounding—means the cable can serve multiple purposes in your installation, reducing the need for separate earthing provisions in many applications. The outer sheath of the cable is made of PVC that protects against moisture, chemicals, and UV rays, therefore increasing its life span and durability.

Real-World Application Versatility

The steel wire armouring provides further protection from external damage and is suitable for direct burial, making this cable equally at home buried underground or exposed on external walls. You'll find armoured cables in everything from transmission, power and distribution networks and the renewable energy sector to the oil, gas and petrochemical, water treatment and transport industries. The structure of the armour guarantees maximum resistance to crushing, cutting, and wear.

Why Choose This Cable Over Alternatives

The structure of XLPE makes it extremely resistant to abrasion as well as wear and tear, which makes a XLPE insulated cable less prone to cracking and ageing. These cables are not prone to failure due to ageing characteristics and have longer life, meaning your installation will continue performing reliably for years to come. XLPE is also resistant to high voltage electricity, chemicals, and other hazardous materials, making it suitable for challenging industrial and environmental conditions that would damage less robust cables.

Standards-Compliant Quality

You will frequently see the term BS5467 or BS6724 when referring to an SWA cable. These phrases mean that the SWA cable meets the British Standards requirements, for both construction and testing. This certification ensures your cable meets rigorous UK safety and performance standards, providing confidence in electrical safety and regulatory compliance for your project.