5 Core 2.5mm SWA XLPE Armoured Cable Sold by Metre

Premium Steel Wire Armoured Cable for Demanding Installations

This 5 core 2.5mm SWA XLPE armoured cable combines industrial-grade protection with reliable power distribution. Designed to meet BS 5467 standards, it's engineered for installations where standard cables simply won't survive the environment.

Why Choose SWA XLPE Armoured Cable?

The steel wire armour layer provides exceptional mechanical protection against crushing, impacts, abrasion, and pulling forces—making this cable the standard choice for outdoor and underground work. The galvanised steel wires are applied helically in a single layer with near-100% coverage, ensuring your cable stays protected even in high-stress situations.

XLPE insulation outperforms standard PVC. Cross-linked polyethylene delivers superior heat resistance, allowing safe operation at conductor temperatures up to 90°C, while maintaining excellent electrical properties and water resistance. This means higher current-carrying capacity and longer service life compared to thermoplastic alternatives.

Built to Handle Real-World Conditions

Multiple protective layers work together:

• Class 2 stranded copper conductors – Flexible yet robust, with excellent conductivity
• XLPE core insulation – Superior short-circuit withstand and temperature tolerance
• PVC bedding layer – Protects insulated cores from internal abrasion
• Steel wire armour – Guards against mechanical stress, moisture penetration, and environmental hazards
• Black PVC outer sheath – Resists UV degradation, moisture, and chemical exposure

This five-core design makes it ideal for multi-circuit applications where you need live, neutral, earth, and two additional circuits in a single cable. It eliminates the need for running separate cables and reduces installation complexity while maintaining safety compliance.

Versatile Applications

Use this cable for:

• Underground power distribution – Direct burial without additional ducting or conduit
• Outdoor installations – Fixed to walls, poles, or cable trays; suitable for direct exposure to weather
• Industrial facilities – Power distribution in factories, manufacturing plants, and construction sites
• Solar panel connections – Connecting domestic PV systems to grid infrastructure
• Cable ducting and networks – Indoor or enclosed routing in complex building systems
• Garden and landscaping projects – Supplying power to outbuildings, sheds, and external equipment

The 2.5mm conductor size is engineered for moderate-to-heavy electrical loads, offering a practical balance between current capacity and flexibility. It's large enough to safely carry significant power without excessive voltage drop over reasonable distances.

Safety and Compliance

SWA cable meets BS 5467 standards for thermosetting-insulated armoured cables, ensuring rigorous testing for mechanical performance, voltage withstand, and insulation integrity. The galvanised steel armour doubles as an effective circuit protective conductor (earth path), enhancing electrical safety and grounding continuity.

Sold by the metre – Order exactly what you need without paying for excess cable or dealing with bulk packaging constraints.

Installation Considerations

Unlike standard cables, SWA armoured cable requires specialist glands and termination fittings designed for armoured connections. Maintain a minimum bending radius of 12-15 times the cable diameter to protect the insulation and armour during installation. Use approved cable cleats for external runs to manage the cable's weight securely.

Durability you can count on: With proper installation and maintenance, these cables deliver 25+ years of reliable performance, even in harsh conditions. The investment in armoured protection pays for itself through reduced maintenance, fewer emergency repairs, and consistent safety performance.