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Industry News
Industry news
Nov. 18, 2025
PVC SWA cable—short for Polyvinyl Chloride Steel Wire Armoured cable—is one of the most commonly used power distribution cables in industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Known for its rugged construction, mechanical protection, and versatile performance, PVC SWA cable is a preferred solution for fixed installations both indoors and outdoors.
This ultimate guide explains everything you need to know about PVC SWA cables: structure, features, applications, standards, installation tips, and how to choose the right type for your project.
A PVC SWA cable is a low-voltage power cable designed with a protective layer of galvanized steel wires surrounding the insulated cores. The outer sheath is made of PVC, providing durability, moisture resistance, and protection against environmental factors.
Conductor – Copper or aluminum
Insulation – XLPE or PVC
Inner sheath – PVC
Steel Wire Armour (SWA) – Offers strong mechanical protection
Outer sheath – PVC (flame-retardant options available)
PVC SWA cables are usually rated for low-voltage applications up to 600/1000 V.
The steel wire armour provides:
Impact resistance
Crush resistance
Protection against accidental digging or physical damage
PVC SWA cables can be installed:
Directly underground
In ducts
In outdoor trenches
This makes them ideal for harsh installation environments.
With PVC or XLPE insulation, these cables offer:
Stable dielectric properties
Good thermal performance
Low electrical loss
PVC outer sheath provides:
Flame retardance (depending on formulation)
Resistance to chemicals, oil, moisture, and UV exposure
Can be installed:
Outdoors
Underground
On cable trays
Inside industrial buildings
In mechanical risk areas
PVC SWA cables are used across a wide range of industries due to their ability to withstand mechanical stress.
Manufacturing plants
Oil & gas facilities
Mining operations
Refineries
Heavy-duty machinery power supply
Office buildings
Shopping centers
Hospitals
Schools
Roadway lighting
Power distribution networks
Underground power transmission
Garden power
Garage and shed supplies
Outdoor lighting systems
Wherever mechanical protection and reliable power delivery are required, PVC SWA cables are an ideal choice.
PVC SWA cables must meet specific international standards for performance and safety. Common standards include:
IEC 60502-1 – Power cables for rated voltages up to 1 kV
BS 5467 – XLPE insulated SWA cables
BS 6346 – PVC insulated SWA cables
EN 60228 – Conductor standards
Manufacturers like Zhuhai Cable produce SWA cables that comply with these international specifications and supply them to global markets.
PVC SWA cables are available in single-core and multi-core designs.
Used mainly for:
Power transmission
Industrial feeders
Large current loads
Used for:
Control circuits
Three-phase power
Low-voltage distribution networks
1.5 mm² – 16 mm²: Lighting and small loads
25 mm² – 95 mm²: General distribution cables
120 mm² – 300 mm²: High-power industrial applications
Copper or aluminum conductors can be selected depending on cost and performance requirements.
While SWA cables are robust, proper installation is still essential.
450–600 mm in gardens
600–900 mm under driveways and public areas
Sand bedding
Warning tape
Clean backfill
Follow manufacturer recommendations (typically 8–12x cable diameter).
Steel wire armour must be properly grounded to maintain fault protection.
A reputable manufacturer ensures:
High-conductivity copper/aluminum
Consistent armour thickness
Uniform PVC sheath quality
Compliance with global standards
Long-term reliability in harsh environments
Manufacturers like Zhuhai Cable produce high-performance SWA cables designed for industrial-grade durability and global export markets.
When selecting a cable, consider:
Commonly 600/1000 V for SWA cables.
Copper → high conductivity, premium choice
Aluminum → cost-effective for long runs
2-core / 3-core → single-phase or three-phase
4-core → three-phase with neutral
Multi-core → control and signal applications
SWA → for mechanical protection in LV systems
STA → for MV systems with compression risks
PVC → general purpose
LSZH → low smoke, low toxicity for indoor or public areas
PVC SWA cables are one of the most reliable and versatile low-voltage power cables in the electrical industry. Their strong steel wire armour, PVC outer sheath, and durable construction make them suitable for direct burial, outdoor installations, industrial plants, and commercial buildings.
Whether used for power distribution, machinery, lighting, or infrastructure, PVC SWA cables provide long-term safety, performance, and protection.
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