SWA Armoured Cable - Steel Wire Armoured Cable Per Metre
SWA cable is a heavy duty steel wire armoured cable for underground installation, outdoor wiring, and mains power distribution. We stock 3 core and 4 core SWA cable in all sizes from 1.5mm to 95mm, available per metre or in full drums with fast delivery from six UK branches.
View our full electrical cable range and get best prices here.
3 Core SWA Cable - Single Phase Armoured Cable Per Metre
3 core single phase armoured cable is the most common SWA type for mains power supply to outbuildings, garages, outdoor lighting, and underground wiring. All sizes conform to BS5467 with XLPE insulation, PVC bedding, galvanised steel wire armour, and PVC sheath.
1.5mm x 3 Core Single Phase to 6mm x 3 Core Single Phase
| Core SWA Cable Size | Standard | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5mm x 3 core single phase | BS5467 | Lighting circuits, low current outdoor supplies |
| 2.5mm x 3 core single phase | BS5467 | Socket circuits, outdoor power to sheds and garden rooms |
| 4mm x 3 core single phase | BS5467 | Longer cable runs, small workshop supplies |
| 6mm x 3 core single phase | BS5467 | Hot tubs, EV chargers, outbuilding mains supply |
10mm x 3 Core Single to 25mm x 3 Core Single
| Core SWA Cable Size | Standard | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 10mm x 3 core single phase | BS5467 | Sub-main distribution boards, larger outbuildings |
| 16mm x 3 core single phase | BS5467 | Commercial sub-mains, high current industrial feeds |
| 25mm x 3 core single | BS5467 | Large commercial and industrial power distribution |
35mm to 95mm - 3 Core Single Phase Armoured Cable
| Core SWA Cable Size | Standard | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 35mm 3 core SWA | BS5467 | Heavy industrial feeds |
| 50mm 3 core SWA | BS5467 | High capacity power feeds |
| 70mm 3 core SWA | BS5467 | Major industrial installations |
| 95mm 3 core SWA | BS5467 | Utility mains power cable |
All sizes also available in BS6724 low smoke zero halogen (LSZH). Use our cable calculator for current ratings and voltage drop.
4 Core SWA Cable - 3 Phase Armoured Cable
4 core SWA cable is used for 3 phase power distribution in commercial and industrial electrical installations. Available from 2.5mm to 95mm with copper conductors, XLPE insulation, and steel wire armour.
Need core SWA cable per metre?
We supply SWA armoured cable cut to length from our Wrexham facility, or in full drums with fast delivery nationwide.
Request a QuoteWhat Is SWA Cable?
SWA cable is a steel wire armoured electrical cable used for fixed wiring and mains electricity supply. The abbreviation stands for Steel Wire Armoured - the layer of galvanised steel wires that provides mechanical protection against impact, compression, and damage.
The armour allows the cable to be buried directly underground, installed on cable tray, run through ducting, or fixed to surfaces without additional conduit. SWA armoured cable is the standard for external wiring to outbuildings and garages, and for industrial mains power cable across construction sites, factories, and power networks.
5 Components Of Steel Wire Armoured Cable
SWA Cable Construction
- Conductor: Plain stranded copper conductors carry the electrical current. Aluminium conductors are used in larger sizes.
- Insulation: XLPE insulation provides heat resistance up to 90°C and excellent dielectric strength.
- Bedding: A PVC layer separates the insulated conductors from the steel armour.
- Armour: Galvanised steel wires provide the mechanical protection. Single core cables must use aluminium wire armour (AWA) to avoid eddy current heating.
- Sheath: Outer PVC sheath protects against moisture, UV, and chemical exposure. BS6724 cables use LSZH sheathing.
Where Is SWA Armoured Cable Used?
Common SWA Cable Applications
- Underground and direct burial: Mains supply to outbuildings, garages, garden rooms.
- Outdoor and external wiring: Garden lighting, EV charging, extension leads for outdoor power. On cable tray or through ducting.
- Industrial and commercial: Heavy duty mains power cable to machinery in factories and construction sites.
- Power networks: Low voltage power distribution for utility companies.
- Public buildings (LSZH): BS6724 SWA with low smoke zero halogen sheath for hospitals, railway tunnels, and public places.
BS5467 vs BS6724 SWA Cable
BS5467 PVC Steel Wire Armoured Cable
The most common type with XLPE insulation and black PVC outer sheath, conforming to IEC 60502 at 600/1000V. Suitable for most underground, outdoor, and industrial wiring.
BS6724 LSZH Steel Wire Armoured Cable
BS6724 cable uses low smoke zero halogen insulation and sheathing. Specified for public places, hospitals, airports, and railway tunnels. Minimal smoke and no toxic halogen gases in a fire. Tested to BS EN standards.
Steel Wire Armour vs AWA
Multi-core cables use steel wire armour. Single core cables must use aluminium wire armour (AWA) to avoid eddy current heating - a serious fire risk under BS7671 wiring regulations.
SWA Cable Glands and Installation
Every SWA installation requires cable glands to terminate the armour, provide earth continuity, and seal the entry point. CW glands for indoor use, BW glands for outdoor and underground with weatherproof seal, and E1W glands for exposed outdoor installations with LSF shroud.
SWA can be installed by direct burial underground (minimum 500mm depth per BS7671), through ducting, on cable tray using cable cleats, or surface-fixed to walls. We stock brass glands from CMP and Prysmian in all sizes.
SWA Cable FAQ
Can SWA Cable Be Buried Underground?
Yes. SWA is the standard for direct burial at minimum 500mm depth (600mm under roads) per BS7671.
Is SWA Cable Waterproof?
Water-resistant, not waterproof. The PVC sheath resists moisture. Use BW or E1W glands for a watertight termination.
What Size SWA Cable Do I Need?
Depends on load (amps), run length, and installation method. A typical garage supply uses 6mm 3 core SWA; larger 3 phase installations may need 25mm+ 4 core. Use our cable calculator or call our team.
What Is the Difference Between SWA and XLPE?
XLPE is the insulation; SWA is the armour. Most SWA cables have XLPE insulation. XLPE cable without armour is for environments not needing mechanical protection.
Complete SWA Armoured Cable Solutions
Cable Joints
Resin, heat shrink, and cold shrink joints for extending SWA cable runs.
View Cable JointsWe also supply all types of electrical cable including low voltage, medium voltage, and high voltage cables. Our cable cutting service provides SWA per metre.
Get SWA Cable at Best Prices - Fast Delivery
Contact us to discuss your SWA armoured cable requirements. Six UK branches - Wrexham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Stone, Swindon, and Guildford.
Cable Services supply a wide range of products from leading brands, click here to see a sample range of cables that can offer:
Contact Us
For further details on our products and services please get in touch.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1978 340 450
Email: sales@cableservices.co.uk
Cable Cutting Service
We have invested in an automatic winding and measuring cable cutting machine at our Wrexham facility. This £90,000 investment reflects our commitment to offering an economically valuable and highly efficient service for our valued customers.
We are known for providing tailored solutions that meet the exact needs of our customers. We recognise the growing demand for a flexible service that eradicates waste and delivers cost efficiencies. The efficiency and precision of this new machine support the industry’s commitment to operational sustainability and allow us to pass on cost savings to our customers.
