Low voltage (LV) power cables are the lifeblood of electrical systems in buildings, infrastructure, and industrial settings. Choosing the right cable is crucial for safety, reliability, and longevity. Within the realm of LV cables, armoured cables offer superior protection against mechanical damage, making them ideal for demanding environments. This article focuses on two prominent types of armoured LV cables: AWA (Aluminium Wire Armoured) and SWA (Steel Wire Armoured), comparing their characteristics, applications, and safety features, with a particular emphasis on their fire performance, especially concerning LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) materials.
AWA vs. SWA Cable: A Detailed Comparison
The primary difference between AWA and SWA cables lies in the armouring material: aluminium for AWA and steel for SWA. This fundamental difference impacts several key aspects of the cables, including their weight, strength, cost, and electromagnetic properties.
1. Armouring Material and Mechanical Strength:
* SWA (Steel Wire Armoured): SWA cables utilize a galvanized steel wire armour, providing superior mechanical protection against impacts, crushing, and abrasion. This makes them ideal for direct burial, use in conduits exposed to potential damage, and applications where high tensile strength is required. The steel armour also offers better resistance to rodent damage compared to aluminium.
* AWA (Aluminium Wire Armoured): AWA cables utilize an aluminium wire armour, resulting in a lighter cable compared to its SWA counterpart. Aluminium's lower tensile strength means AWA cables are less robust against mechanical stress, limiting their suitability for applications with high risk of damage. However, the lighter weight can be advantageous in installations where handling and transportation are crucial considerations.
2. Weight and Handling:
The lighter weight of AWA cables simplifies installation, especially in situations requiring significant cable runs or access to challenging locations. This can translate to reduced labour costs and faster project completion. However, the increased flexibility of AWA cables can sometimes make them more susceptible to kinking or damage during installation if proper care isn't taken. SWA cables, while heavier, generally offer better resistance to such handling-related damage.
3. Cost:
Generally, AWA cables are less expensive than SWA cables due to the lower cost of aluminium. This price difference can be significant for large-scale projects, making AWA a more economically viable option in many circumstances. However, the cost savings need to be weighed against the potential for increased maintenance or replacement due to the lower mechanical strength of the aluminium armour.
4. Electromagnetic Properties:
The steel armour in SWA cables can affect electromagnetic fields, potentially causing interference with sensitive electronic equipment. This is especially relevant in installations near communication systems or delicate instrumentation. AWA cables exhibit less electromagnetic interference due to the non-magnetic nature of aluminium.
5. Corrosion Resistance:
Both AWA and SWA cables typically have a galvanized armour providing a degree of corrosion resistance. However, SWA cables, with their thicker steel armour, generally offer better long-term protection against corrosion, particularly in harsh environmental conditions like damp soil or corrosive atmospheres. The choice between AWA and SWA often depends on the specific environmental factors at play.
LV XLPE SWA PVC: A Specific Cable Construction
LV XLPE SWA PVC cables represent a common configuration incorporating several key components:
* LV (Low Voltage): Indicates the cable is designed for low voltage applications, typically up to 1 kV.
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