4mm 3 Core SWA XLPE Armoured Power Cable 50 Metre Reel

Premium-Grade SWA XLPE Armoured Cable Built for Demanding Electrical Projects

When you need reliable power distribution that stands up to real-world abuse, the 4mm 3 Core SWA XLPE Armoured Cable is engineered for professional-grade performance. This cable contains hard-wearing steel wire armour between the bedding and outer sheath, protecting it from mechanical stress and reducing the risk of damage. Unlike unarmoured alternatives, this cable is designed to survive the environments where standard cables fail.

What Makes This Cable Different

The XLPE insulation offers superior short-circuit withstand, lower dielectric losses, and higher temperature tolerance compared with traditional PVC. This means your installation remains safe and reliable under demanding conditions. Steel wire armoured XLPE cable provides excellent thermal performance, supporting heavier loads with less severe derating than PVC-insulated alternatives. With a maximum conductor operating temperature of 90°C, this cable handles industrial-strength applications without overheating.

Where This Cable Delivers Real Value

The 4mm 3 core configuration delivers a 42-amp current rating, making it suitable for a wide range of installations. Common applications include the supply of mains electricity and auxiliary control cables in diverse environments including aerial power networks, outdoors, indoors, underground systems and in cable ducting. They are suitable for direct burial into free draining soil or can be clipped directly onto a surface, on a tray, in a basket or in free air.

For residential and commercial projects, this cable excels at powering outbuildings, garden installations, and outdoor equipment. Suitable for both domestic and commercial applications, the 3 core 4mm cable can be used in supplying power to outbuildings, garden lighting or security systems. The galvanised steel armour protects against rodent damage and environmental degradation—a problem that plagues unarmoured cables.

Proven Mechanical Protection

Galvanised steel wires are applied helically in a single layer for multicore cables, with wire diameter typically 0.9 mm to 3.15 mm, scaled to ensure near-100% coverage and high impact resistance. The process of galvanization coats the steel wires with a protective layer of zinc, which prevents corrosion and rust. This greatly improves the lifespan of the cable, particularly in outdoor and below-ground placement scenarios where constant exposure to water, soil, and fluctuating temperatures is the norm.

This isn't theoretical protection—the steel armour serves multiple functions simultaneously. It shields conductors from crushing and impacts, prevents damage from digging tools and machinery, and acts as a protective earth conductor when properly earthed.

Built for Long-Term Installation

With proper installation, these cables can last 25+ years in stable environments. SWA cables maintain their integrity in adverse weather conditions, including exposure to UV radiation, moisture, and temperature changes. This resilience ensures that the cable can perform effectively without degradation, contributing to long-term safety and reliability.

The 50-metre reel format provides flexibility for various project sizes while minimizing waste. Whether you're extending power to a detached structure, installing outdoor lighting for landscaping, or running underground power for industrial equipment, this length covers most single-run installations efficiently.

Compliance and Certification

SWA Cable primarily complies with BS 5467 (UK) for XLPE-insulated, PVC-bedded and sheathed armoured cables, and IEC 60502-1 for extruded solid dielectric cables rated up to 1 kV. The voltage rating is 600/1000V. This ensures your installation meets all UK electrical safety standards and regulations.

Why Contractors and Professional Installers Trust This Cable

The steel wire armour makes SWA cables highly resistant to crushing, impact, and external damage, making them ideal for underground installations and heavy-duty environments. Unlike lighter-duty alternatives, this cable doesn't compromise on protection or electrical performance, giving you the confidence that your installation will remain trouble-free through years of service.

The weight and rigidity that result from the steel armour aren't drawbacks in permanent installations—they ensure the cable stays exactly where you position it and maintains uncompromised protection throughout its lifespan.