50mm 3 Core PVC SWA XLPE Armoured Cable Sold By The Metre

Heavy-Duty Power Cable Built to Last in Harsh Conditions

This 3-core SWA cable carries live, neutral and earth, making it suitable for standard mains power distribution. The XLPE insulation offers superior short-circuit withstand, lower dielectric losses, and higher temperature tolerance compared to traditional PVC, ensuring safer, more reliable operation even under demanding loads. The cable can be used for fixed installation indoors and outdoors in cable ducts or directly in the ground.

Maximum Mechanical Protection for Dangerous Environments

The cable is designed with a layer of galvanised steel wires that protect the inner conductors from impact, pressure, and environmental damage. The galvanised steel wires are wrapped around the internal construction for maximum coverage—usually a minimum of 90% coverage, providing robust defense against crushing and external threats. This protection is critical for installations in areas where the cable faces mechanical stress from equipment, machinery, or regular foot traffic.

Underground and Outdoor Applications

Steel wire armoured cable is the accepted standard for underground installations, designed for use in mains supply electricity. The 50mm conductor size delivers high current capacity for demanding installations, making it ideal for powering large industrial equipment, distribution boards, and long-distance power runs. Applications include fast/commercial EV chargers, industrial welding equipment, and control installations. The cable is equally suited for outdoor wall-mounted installations or permanent outdoor structures where weather exposure and UV degradation are concerns.

Built-In Earthing Protection

The steel wire armour sits below the outer sheath, protecting it from mechanical damage as well as acting as another earth. This dual functionality simplifies installation while providing an additional safety layer—the armour itself can serve as the circuit protective conductor, reducing the need for separate grounding arrangements in many applications.

What Sets This Cable Apart

Steel wire armoured XLPE cable provides excellent thermal performance, supporting heavier loads with less severe derating than PVC-insulated alternatives. You're investing in a cable rated for 0.6/1kV that meets British Standard requirements, meaning it complies with stringent safety regulations and delivers consistent performance across temperature extremes and moisture exposure. Under proper conditions and maintenance, armoured cables can last up to 30 years or more, providing reliable service throughout their lifespan.

Installation Considerations

It's important to terminate an armoured cable with a metal gland that anchors the armour. For outdoor installations, use weatherproof CW-type glands; for indoor, BW-type glands are appropriate. The cable's weight and rigidity are intentional design features that ensure it won't shift, flex, or degrade under stress—exactly what you need in permanent, high-load installations where reliability cannot be compromised.

Sold by the Metre for Flexible Purchasing

Buy exactly what you need. Whether you're specifying cable for a complete industrial project or need additional runs for an expansion, purchasing by the metre eliminates waste and gives you precise cost control over your installation budget.