Last Updated on June 16, 2024 by Rojgar Buddy Team
As we know electrical wiring, cables play a crucial role in transmitting power and signals safely from one place to another. Two common types of cables used are armoured and unarmoured cables. Each type serves different purposes and provides varying levels of protection. Let’s explore the differences between these two types of cables in simple terms.
What are Armoured Cables?
Armoured cables are designed with an extra layer of protection to withstand mechanical damage and other external forces. This protection is especially important in environments where cables might be exposed to physical stress, such as underground installations, outdoor settings, or industrial facilities.
Components of Armoured Cables:
- Conductor: The core component that carries the electrical current.
- Insulation: Provides electrical insulation to prevent current leakage.
- Bedding: A protective layer that covers the insulation.
- Armouring: The additional protective layer made of metal (usually steel or aluminum) wires or tapes.
- Sheath: The outermost layer that provides additional protection and insulation.
Types of Armouring:
- Steel Wire Armour (SWA): Consists of galvanized steel wires wound around the cable.
- Steel Tape Armour (STA): Involves steel tapes wrapped helically around the cable.
Advantages of Armoured Cables:
- Mechanical Protection: Resistant to physical damage, including impact and compression.
- Environmental Protection: Suitable for harsh conditions like direct burial, underwater use, and exposure to chemicals.
- Rodent Resistance: Provides some defense against rodent attacks due to the tough outer layer.
Common Uses:
- Outdoor Installations: Used in underground cables, overhead power lines, and outdoor lighting.
- Industrial Applications: Found in factories, mines, and industrial plants where durability is crucial.
- Long-Distance Transmission: Used for transmitting electricity over long distances with minimal risk of damage.
What are Unarmoured Cables?
Unarmoured cables, in contrast, do not have the additional protective layer of armour. They consist of a simpler structure designed primarily for indoor use or environments where they are not exposed to mechanical damage or external hazards.
Components of Unarmoured Cables:
- Conductor: Carries the electrical current.
- Insulation: Provides electrical insulation.
- Sheath: Outer layer that protects the cable from moisture and other environmental factors.
Advantages of Unarmoured Cables:
- Flexibility: Generally more flexible and easier to install compared to armoured cables.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Often less expensive due to the simpler construction.
- Lighter Weight: Easier to handle and transport.
Common Uses:
- Indoor Installations: Used extensively in residential and commercial buildings where cables are protected within walls, conduits, or cable trays.
- Low-Risk Environments: Suitable for environments where there is minimal risk of physical damage or exposure to harsh conditions.
- Short-Distance Transmission: Used for short electrical runs within buildings or structures.
Key Differences Between Armoured and Unarmoured Cables:
- Protection:
- Armoured Cables: Provide high mechanical protection against physical damage, moisture, and chemicals.
- Unarmoured Cables: Offer basic protection against electrical faults but lack the robustness of armoured cables.
- Environment:
- Armoured Cables: Suitable for outdoor, underground, and industrial applications where cables are exposed to harsh conditions.
- Unarmoured Cables: Primarily used indoors or in environments where cables are shielded from physical harm.
- Applications:
- Armoured Cables: Used in heavy-duty applications such as power distribution networks, industrial machinery, and outdoor lighting.
- Unarmoured Cables: Commonly found in residential wiring, office buildings, and other low-risk environments.
- Cost and Installation:
- Armoured Cables: Generally more expensive and require specialized tools and techniques for installation due to their heavier and more robust construction.
- Unarmoured Cables: Cost-effective and easier to install, suitable for quick and straightforward installations in indoor settings.
Conclusion
Choosing between armoured and unarmoured cables depends largely on the specific requirements of the installation. Armoured cables are preferred for their superior protection and durability in challenging environments, whereas unarmoured cables are suitable for simpler, indoor applications where cost-effectiveness and ease of installation are prioritized.
Understanding these differences helps ensure that electrical systems are installed safely and effectively according to their intended use and environmental conditions. Whether you’re wiring a home, a factory, or an outdoor lighting system, selecting the right type of cable ensures reliability, safety, and longevity for the electrical infrastructure.
FAQs
What is an armored cable?
An armored cable is a type of electrical cable that has a protective layer typically made of metal or a polymer that provides additional protection against mechanical damage.
What is an unarmored cable?
An unarmored cable is a type of electrical cable that lacks the additional protective layer found in armored cables, making it more flexible but less resistant to physical damage.
What are the main differences between armored and unarmored cables?
Armored cables have a layer of protection (typically metal or polymer) that makes them more resistant to physical damage, whereas unarmored cables are more flexible but offer less protection.
Where are armored cables typically used?
Armored cables are commonly used in environments where there is a higher risk of mechanical damage, such as in underground installations, outdoor applications, or industrial settings.
Where are unarmored cables typically used?
Unarmored cables are often used in situations where flexibility is more important than physical protection, such as in indoor wiring or where the cable is not exposed to significant mechanical risks.
What are the advantages of armored cables?
Armored cables provide superior protection against physical damage, abrasion, and rodent attacks, making them more durable and suitable for harsh environments.
What are the disadvantages of armored cables?
Armored cables are generally less flexible and heavier than unarmored cables, which can make them more challenging to install in certain applications.
What are the advantages of unarmored cables?
Unarmored cables are lightweight and highly flexible, making them easier to handle and install in tight spaces or areas where flexibility is crucial.
What are the disadvantages of unarmored cables?
Unarmored cables offer less protection against physical damage, which can limit their use to environments where mechanical risks are minimal.
How do I choose between armored and unarmored cables for my application?
The choice between armored and unarmored cables depends on factors such as the installation environment, potential risks of physical damage, flexibility requirements, and budget considerations. Armored cables are preferred for harsh conditions, while unarmored cables are suitable for less demanding environments where flexibility is essential.
