Aluminium Wire Armouring (AWA)
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Aluminium Wire Armouring (AWA) is a layer of aluminium wires applied over the bedding of a cable to provide mechanical protection. It is primarily used for single-core power cables because aluminium is non-magnetic, preventing excessive eddy current losses that would occur if steel armour were used.
Construction
A typical AWA cable consists of:
- Conductor (Copper or Aluminium)
- Insulation (XLPE or PVC)
- Inner Covering/Bedding
- Aluminium Wire Armour (AWA)
- Outer Sheath (PVC, PE, or LSZH)
Applications
- Single-core LV and MV power cables
- Underground cable installations
- Cable trays and ducts
- Industrial plants
- Power distribution systems
- Renewable energy projects
Advantages
- Excellent mechanical protection
- Non-magnetic (ideal for single-core AC cables)
- Lightweight compared to steel armour
- Good corrosion resistance
- Easy to install and handle
Limitations
- Lower tensile strength than steel wire armour
- Not recommended where very high mechanical impact resistance is required
AWA vs SWA
| Feature | AWA | SWA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Aluminium Wire Armouring | Steel Wire Armouring |
| Material | Aluminium | Galvanized Steel |
| Magnetic | No | Yes |
| Typical Use | Single-core AC cables | Multi-core cables |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Corrosion Resistance | Better | Good (galvanized) |
| Mechanical Strength | Moderate | High |
Applicable Standards
- IEC 60502-1 – Power cables up to 1 kV
- IEC 60502-2 – Power cables from 6 kV to 30 kV
- BS 5467 – XLPE insulated, PVC sheathed armoured cables
- BS 6724 – LSZH armoured cables
Manufacturing Process
- Conductor Stranding
- Insulation Extrusion
- Core Assembly (if applicable)
- Bedding Extrusion
- Aluminium Wire Armouring (AWA)
- Outer Sheathing
- Testing and Inspection
Typical Marking
Cu/XLPE/AWA/PVC
or
Al/XLPE/AWA/PE
This indicates:
- Cu/Al – Conductor material
- XLPE – Insulation
- AWA – Aluminium Wire Armour
- PVC/PE – Outer sheath
Key Point: AWA should be used for single-core AC power cables, while SWA (Steel Wire Armouring) is generally used for multi-core power cables because steel armour on single-core AC cables can produce unwanted magnetic heating.
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