SWA Armoured Cable

SWA armoured cable is steel wire armoured power cable, with a layer of galvanised steel wires beneath the outer sheath, used for buried supplies, outdoor runs and submains that need mechanical protection. Current stock includes 6945B 25mm 5 core SWA with LSF sheath, 16mm 5 core SWA cable and 16mm PRO single core control cable in blue and brown.

All are priced per metre so you can order exactly the length you need. Trade pricing is available on account, and in-stock cuts ordered before 5pm on a working day are delivered next day across NI and ROI.

6945B 25.0 Ships in 3 - 5 days

6945B 25MM 5 Core Swa LSF Cable (Black, Brown, Blue, Grey and Earth) Priced Per Meter

£33.48 inc. VAT

PRO Single Core Control Cable RS - Blue by Meteor Electrical

16.0SQTRIBLUE In-Stock

16mm PRO Single Core Control Cable RS, 1m (Blue)

£3.96 inc. VAT

6945X 16.0/HC Out-of-Stock

5 Core 16.0mm SWA Cable Blue, Grey, Brown, Black,Green/yellow

£21.46 inc. VAT

PRO Single Core Control Cable RS - Brown by Meteor Electrical

16.0SQTRIBROWN In-Stock

16mm PRO Single Core Control Cable RS 1m (Brown)

£3.96 inc. VAT

How to choose the right SWA cable

Armoured cable is chosen when a circuit needs to survive being buried, clipped to an external wall or run through industrial areas where it could be struck. Getting the core count, size and sheath right, and terminating it properly, are the keys to a safe installation.

Cores and sizes

3 core – single-phase supplies (line, neutral, earth) to outbuildings, garages and EV chargers.
4 core – three-phase supplies without neutral, or single-phase with an additional core.
5 core – three-phase plus neutral and earth, as with the 16mm and 25mm sizes listed here, for distribution boards and larger plant.

Size the cable for the design current, protective device, grouping and especially voltage drop, which is often the deciding factor on long runs. Use the current wiring regulations (BS 7671) and manufacturer data.

Sheath options

Standard SWA has a black PVC sheath. LSF versions, such as the 6945B listed here, produce less smoke and fumes in a fire, so they are often specified for runs inside public buildings, plant rooms and escape routes. Check the project specification.

Terminating and jointing

Terminate each end with the correct size of armoured cable gland, with a shroud and an earth tag where connecting to an enclosure. Where a run has to be extended or repaired, use a purpose-made SWA cable joint kit. For larger conductors, crimp suitable lugs before landing on busbars or isolators.

Supporting armoured cable

Large SWA is heavy, so support it on cable tray, cleats or strut rather than relying on the gland. Observe the manufacturer's minimum bend radius.

From our 200,000 sq ft Cookstown warehouse, Meteor Electrical supplies contractors across Ireland and the UK. Credit accounts are available subject to approval, and orders over £30 / €35 ex VAT ship free.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What are Armoured Cables?: Armoured cable – usually SWA (steel wire armoured) – has a layer of galvanised steel wires between the inner bedding and the outer PVC sheath. The steel armour gives strong mechanical protection against impact and crushing and can act as the circuit protective conductor, so SWA can be buried directly in the ground and used outdoors, on construction sites and in industrial buildings, as well as indoors.
Are Armoured Cables waterproof?: SWA cable is designed for wet and underground conditions. It is the tough outer PVC sheath that keeps water out – the steel armour provides mechanical protection, not waterproofing. Damage to the sheath can let water reach the armour, so terminate it with suitable glands and shrouds and protect any joints with a proper SWA joint kit.
Where is SWA armoured cable used?: SWA cable is mainly used in harsh external or underground installations such as a construction sites, underground cable ducting, sewers, workshops and transport. SWA armoured is suitable for direct burial in to soil because of its armoured protection.
How can I fix or join armoured cables?: SWA cable should only be jointed or repaired by a qualified electrician. Damaged sections can be joined using a purpose-made SWA cable joint kit (resin or heat-shrink type), which restores insulation, armour continuity and protection against moisture.
How deep should SWA armoured cable be buried?: BS 7671 requires buried cables to be laid deep enough to avoid damage from normal ground disturbance. In practice SWA is commonly laid at around 450–600mm under gardens and fields, and deeper under driveways or roads, with cable warning tape above it and, where needed, in ducting. Always check the site conditions and your electrician’s design.
Should Armoured Cable be earthed?: Yes, it is important that armour cables are earthed. Armoured cables are classed as exposed conductive therefore, must be earthed.
How long does Armoured Cables last?: Armoured cables have a long lifespan due to the durability of the cables. They can last up to 20 to 50 years.
Can you use Armoured Cables internally?: Yes. SWA cable can be used indoors as well as outdoors – it is common in commercial and industrial buildings, plant rooms and anywhere cables need extra mechanical protection. For escape routes and public areas, a low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) SWA cable may be specified.
What Armoured Cables do you stock?: We stock a wide range of underground XLPE PVC SWA cables including:

3 core

4 core

5 core
What sizes of Armoured Cables do you stock?: We stock SWA cable in conductor sizes including 1.5mm², 2.5mm², 6mm² and 10mm², in 3, 4 and 5 core. It is sold by the metre, and more sizes are available on request. Heavy or long lengths may carry additional shipping charges.
How much is armoured cable?: Armoured cable is priced per metre on our website. Set the quantity to the length you need – for example 10 for 10 metres – and our warehouse team will cut it to length. In-stock cable is delivered next working day anywhere in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on orders before 5pm; orders to Great Britain take 3–5 working days. Cut cable is non-returnable.
What is the difference between LSF and PVC sheathed SWA?: Both have the same armoured construction, but LSF SWA has a low smoke and fume outer sheath, whereas standard SWA uses PVC. LSF gives off less dense smoke and fewer harmful fumes if it burns, so it is often specified indoors in public buildings, plant rooms and escape routes. Check the project specification.
What size SWA do I need for a garage or outbuilding?: The size depends on the load, the protective device, how the cable is installed and the length of run, with voltage drop often the deciding factor over longer distances. Many outbuilding supplies use 3 core SWA, but always calculate the size using current wiring regulations or ask a qualified electrician.
Why would I use 5 core SWA cable?: 5 core SWA is used for three-phase supplies that also need a neutral and a separate earth conductor, for example feeding a three-phase distribution board or plant with single-phase loads. The cores are colour coded brown, black and grey for the lines, blue for neutral and green/yellow for earth.