Choosing the right cable to use orwhat type of cable to use might seem like no big deal in the world of electrical engineering or wiring. From the wide variety of cable types available, it is the aluminium armoured cable and unarmoured cable that stand out with their special characteristics and uses. Although both are designed to carry the principal task of carrying electricity, they vary greatly in construction, protection, and purpose. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between these two
types of cable by the Armoured Cable Manufacturers so you will get to know about their characteristics and whento use them.
What is an Armoured Cable?
Armoured cable is an electrical wirethat consists of an additional layer, typically comprising steel wire or tape. This outer layer is armour, intended to protect the cable from physical damage, environmental impact, and mechanical stress. This type of cable consists of a bundle of wires insulated with a sheath.
Armoured cables consist of severallayers:
- Core: The centre part iscomposed of copper or aluminium conductors that transmit the electrical
current. - Insulating Layer: To maintain electrical insulation, the core is surrounded by an insulating layer, typically made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cross-linked polyethene (XLPE).
- Armouring: The armouring is aprotective layer that generally consists of galvanized steel wires or tapes wrapped around the insulated core. It gives mechanical protection and resistance to external forces.
- Top Sheath: The outermostlayer, typically close to the PVC or equivalent, that protects from
environmental influences such as moisture and chemicals.
Advantages of Armoured Cables
Features of Armoured Fibre CableProtect from cuts, abrasions, and impacts.
- Harsh Environment Resistance: These cables had the ability to withstand weather, extreme pressure, and corrosive environments.
- Encapsulation: The encapsulation covering (the protective layer) prevents electrical shocks and
short circuits by providing a layer of protection shielding the core.
Common Applications
- Subterranean installations where the cable may be subject to mechanical forces
- Industrial environments filled with massive machinery.
- Open-air spaces that are subjected to the elements.
- Difficulties of wiring in are as subject to physical damage
What is an Unarmoured Cable
As the name implies, unarmoured cables do not have the layer of extra protection that armoured cables feature. These cables consist of an inner core and outside protective canopy and are installed in areas with little risk of physical harm.
Unarmoured Cables Unarmoured cablestypically consist of:
- Core: The conductive part,usually copper or aluminium.
- Insulation: A dense layerprotecting the inner core, usually made of PVC or rubber.
- Outer Sheath: It is thecovering that protects the wire as well as prevents any weather factor.
Benefits of Unarmoured Cables
- Affordable: Compared toarmoured cables, these are comparatively the cheaper option thanks to their simplicity.
- Light: Without armouring, theyare lighter and easier to manipulate and install.
- Flexibility: Unarmoured cablesare often more flexible than their armoured counterparts, allowing for easy installation in confined spaces or locations with frequent bends.
Common Applications
- Wiring indoors, includinghouses and offices.
- Wired in a controlledenvironment.
- Use cases where mechanicalstress makes no sense.
Key Differences Between Armoured and Unarmoured Cables
Construction
- Armoured Cable: Has an extralayer of steel or aluminium that provides mechanical strength.
- Unarmoured Cable: This type ofcable is the simplest, with no armouring, consisting only of the core,
insulation, and sheath.
Durability
- Armoured Cable: Durable andresistant to physical, chemical, and environmental challenges.
- Unarmoured Cable: With lessstrength, these are best suited for locations with minimal external threats.
Flexibility
- Armoured Cable: Much stifferand less flexible due to metal armouring.
- Unarmoured cable: easier tobend and to install in small and complex places.
Cost
- Armoured cable: With the extraarmouring material and manufacturing process comes the higher price.
- Unarmoured Cable: As it is lessexpensive, it is an economical solution for applications that are not likely to be at risk.
Applications
- Armoured Cable: Commonly usedin hazardous locations such as industrial environments, in underground applications, and outdoors.
- Unarmoured Cable: A good optionfor low-risk environments, like residential wiring or controlled indoor environments.
Safety
- Armoured Cable: Acts as a sealof safety against electrical burnout and mechanical damage.
- Unarmoured Cable: BasicProtection, but not for Harsh Environments
How to Choose the Right Cable?
Choosing well requires weighingseveral factors:
Environmental Conditions
- Where cables are in the open orin conditions that are hostile or subject to mechanical stress, armoured cables are a more suitable option.
- Unarmoured cable is sufficientfor indoor or low-risk environments.
Budget
- Armoured cables are costlierbut essential for high-risk situations.
- Unarmoured cables can be moreeconomical if cost is an issue and the risks are low.
Safety Requirements
- In addition, the armour cablesprovide a higher degree of safety pertaining to critical installations.
- Normal: For non-hazardous andlow-risk safety applications.
Regulatory Compliance
- Some industrial sectors evenrequire the use of armoured cabling for safety reasons.
- For any selection, ensure compliance with local codes and standards.
Why Does the Choice Matter?
It is very important to choose the right type of cable since, without the correct type, electrical systems can
suffer from lack of safety and efficiency, as well as decreased lifespan. The type of cables used can do any of the following:
- Early Failures: In high-stressareas, unarmoured cables can quickly become worn.
- Suggestion: It is a securityhazard to cause electrical accidents or damage to devices due to insufficient protection.
- Rising expenses: Frequent fixesor substitutions will inflate costs ultimately and have longer-term effects.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference betweenarmoured and unarmoured cables is essential for making informed decisions in electrical projects. Armoured Cable offer superior protection and durability, making them ideal for high-risk environments. On the other hand, unarmoured cables are cost-effective and suitable for low-risk indoor applications.
By evaluating factors with the help of professionals at Znergy Cable, such as environmental conditions, budget, and safety requirements, you can choose the right cable type to ensure reliable and safe electrical installations. Both armoured and unarmoured cables play vital roles in powering our homes, industries, and infrastructure, each designed to meet specific needs and challenges.
Also Read: Who Manufactures Mining Cable?
