16mm 5 Core PVC SWA XLPE Armoured Cable Sold Per Metre

Professional Three-Phase Power Distribution Cable for Demanding Environments

This 16mm 5 Core PVC SWA XLPE armoured cable delivers the robust protection and electrical performance required for industrial power networks, commercial installations, and critical infrastructure projects. Engineered with galvanised steel wire armour (SWA) positioned directly beneath the outer PVC sheath, it provides comprehensive mechanical protection against crushing, impact, abrasion, and penetration—making it the standard choice for applications where cable integrity cannot be compromised.

Superior Multi-Layer Protection for Harsh Conditions

The cable's construction combines three essential protective elements. Class 2 stranded copper conductors deliver reliable current flow up to 75 amps in three-phase configurations, while cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation maintains electrical integrity at operating temperatures up to 90°C. A PVC bedding layer creates the foundation for the steel wire armour, which itself is enclosed in a durable black PVC outer sheath. This layered approach means moisture, UV exposure, chemicals, and extreme temperatures cannot penetrate to the conductors underneath.

The galvanised steel wire armour does more than just resist external damage. It protects the cores and bedding below from impact and electrical interference, ensuring stable voltage and current flow in critical applications. The cable is designed to avoid electrical interference and makes sure a stable flow of electricity—essential in industrial environments where power quality directly affects equipment performance and safety.

Built for Direct Burial and Exposed Installation

It is designed for mains supply electricity, both externally and buried underground. Unlike unarmoured cables that require conduit protection in exposed settings, this SWA cable can be installed directly in trenches, under roads, and along building exteriors without additional protective conduit. The cable is specifically designed to prevent water penetration through multiple protective layers, with the PVC outer sheath acting as a primary moisture barrier and the XLPE insulation being inherently hydrophobic. This makes it ideal for coastal installations, underground applications in damp soil, and areas with high water tables.

The steel wire armouring provides further protection from external damaged, and they effectively deter rodents and other pests, which can wreak havoc on unarmoured cables and cause costly disruptions. For buried installations, this rodent and pest protection eliminates a common failure point in direct-burial applications.

Versatile Applications Across Industries

The five-core configuration with brown, blue, black, grey, and green/yellow conductor identification makes this cable ideal for:

• Three-phase power distribution systems in factories, manufacturing plants, and industrial complexes
• Auxiliary power networks requiring dual phase connections with neutral and earth
• Power transmission to renewable energy installations, including solar panel systems connecting to the grid
• Incoming mains to commercial buildings and infrastructure installations
• Outdoor lighting networks for roads, industrial sites, and public spaces
• Cable ducting and underground networks in utility infrastructure projects

Compliance and Performance Standards

This cable meets BS 5467 standards for electric cables, ensuring it complies with British and international specifications for low-voltage armoured cables. The 600/1000V voltage rating makes it suitable for standard three-phase mains and local distribution systems. XLPE cable has high electric strength, mechanical strength, high-ageing resisting, environmetal stress resisting antichemical corrossion, meaning this cable maintains performance across decades even in chemically aggressive industrial environments.

Important Installation Considerations

The overall cable diameter of 26.6mm (excluding conductor size) makes this cable suitable for most standard cable trays, conduits, and installation scenarios. Maintain minimum bending radius (typically 12–15× cable diameter) to avoid damaging the armour during installation. Use CC11 Cable Cleats to attach the cable to any building or structure and outdoor CW32 glands to terminate the stripped ends, ensuring both mechanical security and proper grounding of the steel armour layer.

Purchase by the metre with flexible ordering, allowing you to source exactly the cable length required for your project without waste or necessity for multiple orders.