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EC-05 · Supply

Armoured Cable (SWA) for Underground and Outdoor Runs

Steel wire armoured cable in 2, 3 and 4 core, copper or aluminium, cut lengths or drums. Send one free request and a cable supplier near you quotes directly.

Black steel wire armoured cable being unrolled from a drum into a fresh trench
Black steel wire armoured cable being unrolled from a drum into a fresh trench

Armoured cable, often called SWA, is the standard choice in South Africa for buried supplies, outdoor runs and anywhere a cable could be damaged. A layer of galvanised steel wires under the outer sheath protects the cores from spades, rocks and rodents. ElectricalCable.co.za is a free quote service: tell us the size, number of cores and length you need, and we send your request to an independent cable supplier or electrical contractor near you. They quote you directly, and you decide whether to go ahead.

How steel wire armoured cable is built

Standard low-voltage steel wire armoured cable is made in layers, often written as PVC/SWA/PVC:

  • Stranded copper or aluminium conductors, each with coloured insulation
  • A bedding layer that keeps the cores round
  • Galvanised steel wire armour for mechanical protection
  • A tough black outer sheath that resists water and sunlight

Most is rated 600/1000 V and made to the relevant SANS 1507 part. XLPE-insulated versions run hotter and carry more current for the same size. Aluminium-wire armour is used on single-core cables, where steel would heat up in the magnetic field.

Choosing cores and size

Two-core armoured cable suits single-phase supplies such as a gate motor, borehole pump or outbuilding. Three-core adds a dedicated earth or serves three-phase loads without neutral. 4 core armoured cable is the standard for three-phase supplies to shops, workshops and farm sheds. Sizes run from 1.5 mm² to well over 100 mm², and armoured cable 4 core 16mm is one of the most-ordered sizes for main supplies. The right size depends on load, distance and volt drop, which an electrician calculates to SANS 10142-1.

Price drivers and buying

Armoured cable is priced per metre and follows the copper price closely, so quotes are usually valid for a short time. Size and core count matter most, then copper versus aluminium, cut length versus full drum, brand and delivery. Long runs are often cheaper bought as a drum. Remember to budget for cable glands, lugs, warning tape and sleeving, which a supplier can quote together with the cable. Ask whether the price includes cutting, drum deposit and delivery, so you can compare quotes on the same basis.

Installation

Armoured cable must be installed by, or under the supervision of, a registered electrician who issues a COC for the work. They set the trench depth and route, bed the cable in soil free of rocks, lay warning tape above it, and terminate each end with the correct gland so the armour is earthed. Where cables cross driveways or roads they are sleeved for protection, and the route is recorded for future digging. Suppliers can usually put you in touch with a local contractor for trenching and installation.

Comparing armoured cable prices

Cable prices change with the copper price, size, brand and quantity. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact specification: size in mm², cores, conductor, insulation, armour and voltage rating.
  • Quantity: cut length or full drum, and whether the drum deposit is refundable.
  • Standards: SABS-marked cable to the relevant SANS standard, not unmarked imports.
  • Delivery: lead time, delivery to site and offloading of heavy drums.

What to include in your request

  • Conductor size and number of cores
  • Total route length, and whether it is buried or above ground
  • Copper or aluminium, PVC or XLPE insulation
  • Glands, lugs, warning tape and trenching if needed
  • Site address, access for delivery and timing

Frequently asked questions

Does armoured cable have to be buried?
No. It can be buried, clipped to walls or laid on cable tray, and is often used above ground where it could be knocked. When it is buried, your electrician sets the depth, bedding and warning tape to meet SANS 10142-1.
Can the armour be used as the earth?
In many installations the steel armour, properly glanded at both ends, forms part of the earth path. Some designs need a separate earth conductor as well, especially on longer runs. Your electrician decides this when designing the circuit and tests the earth continuity before issuing a COC.
What is the difference between PVC and XLPE armoured cable?
Both look similar from outside. XLPE insulation tolerates higher temperatures, so it can carry more current for the same conductor size and is often used on larger feeders. PVC armoured cable is common for domestic and light commercial runs.
Is armoured cable sold in cut lengths?
Yes. Electrical wholesalers cut armoured cable to the length you order, priced per metre. For long runs or several jobs, a full drum is usually better value. Measure the route along the actual trench line and add a few metres for terminations at each end.

Armoured Cable (SWA) by province

Armoured Cable (SWA) by city

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