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To put it in context, typically armoured cables would be used when you require the cable to be buried directly underground, for outdoor installation or in tunnels. There may be instances where the ground is opened up again, and in the process, a spade or mechanical excavator may hit the buried cable by accident.
Where are armored cables used?
Armored cables are used in applications where cables will be exposed to mechanical or environmental damage under normal operating conditions. These applications include power circuits in industrial plants, commercial buildings, processing plants and central and substation utility applications.
Do I need armored cable?
Armored cables provide the protection and durability required without the need for electrical conduit, elbows, costly offsets, and conduit couplings. Metal-clad armor resists corrosion, making it suitable for areas exposed to moisture.
What location an armored cable must not be used?
Armored cable cannot be used for direct burial in earth. With minor exceptions, armored cable is also not permitted to be used in hoists or elevators, storage battery rooms, any hazardous locations, in commercial garages and in theaters or similar locations.
What is the purpose of armoured cables?
The armoured cable is a common cable with an extra protective layer to keep it away from unwanted cut or damage. The armour increases cable life thus improves the performance, reliability, and safety of the cable core.
Can I run armoured cable above ground?
The cable can be run above ground, so long as it is kept away from anything that may damage the wire. To achieve this, and stop rodents from destroying the wire, install it at height with cleats. If you’ll be running the cable underground then you’ll need to lift the floor to make enough space and depth.
Is armoured cable earthed?
The armour does provide some mechanical protection and it is important that the armour is earthed so that if the cable were penetrated (e.g. by a garden fork), the supply would automatically be disconnected by the protective device under this fault condition.
Can you use armoured cable outside?
Armoured cables and cables having an earthed metal sheath suitable for use as a protective conductor may be buried directly in the ground without further protection, except against corrosion, which may be negated by the provision of a plastic covering. Surface fixed cables may be fixed to permanent structures.
Can armoured cable be used indoors?
The Indoor BW20S Armoured Cable Glands are, as indicated by the name, intended for indoor use, meaning they are not strictly waterproof or protected against environmental effects such as rain and snow, as they are with Outdoor CW Glands.
Can you use armored cable outdoors?
The interlocking metal tape armor Type MC cable is required to have a bare or insulated equipment grounding conductor in addition to any other conductors within the cable. These cables can be installed either indoors or outdoors and in exposed and concealed locations.
What is difference between Armoured cable and flexible cable?
Unlike cable shielding, which is often braided or a foil wrap design, the armor shield is wound around the cable, giving it a corded, corrugated appearance. And some companies’ armored cables, such as Mencom, use a woven flexible stainless-steel design. A big difference in the three designs is in how they are ground.
When can you use the flexible armored cable?
Flexible armored cable wiring is commonly used in situations that need bending regularly. In high-risk applications, it would be beneficial if you did not utilize a standard copper flexible cable. A flexible armored cable is recommended for high-risk situations.
Can Armoured cable be submerged in water?
Armoured cables should not be installed in locations where they are liable to be immersed in water, such as on the floor of a crawl-way duct where water may collect in puddles. The ends of armoured cables should be kept sealed until ready for termination, to reduce the risk of water ingress.
Do I need armoured cable for outside lights?
Keeping the lights on requires the cable to be selected and installed correctly with a focus on protecting it both mechanically and electrically. It’s a requirement of the Wiring Regulations that any cable buried in the ground shall have an earthed armour as part of its design.
What is 2.5 mm armoured cable used for?
2.5mm 3 Core Armoured SWA Cable is a type of electrical cable used to supply mains voltage electricity for a variety of uses such as armoured cable for a shed socket circuit. As this cable is armoured, it is suitable for underground installation as well as being attached to structures or buildings using Cable Cleats.
Is armoured cable shielded?
Armoured cable, also known as SWA cable, consists of steel wire armouring, copper conductors and XLPE insulation. This is wrapped in a protective metal cover to protect it from extremes of temperature and water which enables its both indoors and out, though it is more commonly used for exterior installations.
Can you clip SWA to a fence?
Yep, they sometimes do. But the point of clipping the cable to the fence (if it happens to be going the right way) rather than, say, shallow dig it is to make it visible and keep it away from potential sources of damage such as digging. The cable would ideally be fixed to, say, the top of the gravel board – ie.
What cable do I need to run power to my shed?
One of the most frequently asked questions is what outdoor electrical cable do I need to power my shed? The answer is armoured cable.
How far down does armoured cable be buried?
The NICEIC manual recommends 600mm down or more with tape or tiles 150mm above the cable in sifted soil or sand.
