9 Reasons Why Armoured Cable is the Superior Choice

7 min readJun 11, 2024

Let’s be honest: the world of cables can be a knotted chaos. For internet speeds that will make a cheetah envious, you have your CAT6, CAT6A, your reliable HDMI for those epic movie nights, and a maze of other cables that power everything from your kitchen appliances to your gaming system (because, well, priorities). But there’s one cable that stands out from the pack, a knight in shining — well, maybe not shining, but definitely protected — the armoured cable.

Now, you might be thinking, “Armoured cable? Sounds fancy, but is it really all that necessary?” Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dissect this marvel of engineering and show you why it deserves a permanent place in your networking toolbox (or, more realistically, your network engineer’s).

Reason #1: Superior Physical Protection

Imagine your wires as the delicate diplomats of your project. They carry vital information (data/current) and need a safe passage. Standard cables, while functional, are vulnerable to physical trauma. A stray nail during construction or a nibbling rodent in the attic — these seemingly insignificant threats can spell disaster for your networking system.

Armoured cable, however, is a fortress. Its secret weapon? A robust metallic armour, typically made of interlocking steel or aluminium tape. This impenetrable layer acts as a shield, deflecting blows from sharp objects, resisting crushing forces, and deterring those pesky critters who consider standard wires as a midnight snack.

Reason #2: Excellent EMI/RFI Shielding

Networking is a complex blend of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) that surround us. These invisible things can create chaos in your signals, causing everything from data corruption to erratic equipment behaviour. But fret not, for armoured cable has another trick up its metallic sleeve.

The same armour that provides physical protection also acts as a Faraday cage. By creating a barrier around the inner conductors, armoured cable significantly reduces the impact of EMI/RFI. This is an even more high-priority thing for sensitive devices in data centres, hospitals, and industrial setups where preserving pristine signals is critical.

Reason #3: Bending the Rules (Without Breaking Them) — Superior Flexibility

For instance, you are in a scenario where you demand a bit of flexibility — running wires around corners, navigating tight spaces. Standard conduit systems can be rigid and cumbersome here. Armoured cable, on the other hand, strikes a beautiful balance between flexibility and protection.

Though it shows off a hard covering, the inner conductors and insulations are as a rule developed with flexibility in mind. This permits less complicated manoeuvring in the course of installation, saving you time and irritation, particularly in those awkward nooks and crannies.

Reason #4: Top-notch Environmental Resistance

The networking world doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s possible that your cables will have to withstand the harsh desert sun, the unceasing rain, or the chilly temperatures of winter. Standard cables, while functional indoors, can succumb to the harsh realities of Mother Nature.

Armoured cable, however, is built to endure. The outer jacket materials are often chosen for their resilience to harsh weather conditions. This can include UV-resistant polymers for sun protection, water-tight seals for wet environments, and even flame-retardant properties for added safety.

Reason #5: Diverse Applications

Armoured cable has more than one function. Because of its adaptability, it is a preferred option for many different kinds of applications. Here are a handful of instances:

Industrial Settings: Powering heavy machinery, control panels, and lighting systems in factories and workshops.

Construction Sites: Supplying temporary power for construction tools and equipment.

Underground Installations: Providing a robust and weatherproof solution for buried electrical lines.

Signage and Lighting: Supplying power to outdoor signs, landscape lighting, and other outdoor electrical/networking fixtures.

Reason #6: Installation Efficiency — Saving Time and Money

Time is money, especially in the world of networking projects. Armoured cable streamlines the installation process by combining multiple functionalities into one neat package.

Here’s how:

Eliminates the Need for Conduit: Forget the hassle of installing separate conduit systems. Armoured cable provides its own built-in physical protection, saving you time and labour costs.

Reduces Connections: The integrated grounding conductor cuts out the requirement for a separate grounding cable, facilitating installation and minimizing the number of potential connection points that could end up being problematic later.

Flexible Handling: As discussed earlier, these cables provide a degree of flexibility, enabling simpler navigation around obstacles and through tight spaces. This translates to speedier installation instances compared to rigid conduit systems.

Reason #7: A Long and Healthy Life — Superior Durability

So, you want your wires to last the long haul? Standard cables, while functional for short-term applications, can be susceptible to wear and tear over time.

Armoured cable, on the other hand, is built to last. The robust metallic armour shields the inner conductors from the elements, physical damage, and even those critters with a penchant for electrical insulation. This translates to a longer lifespan for your entire system, saving you the hassle and cost of premature wire replacements.

Reason #8: Improved Safety

Safety should always be the top priority in any endeavour. Several features of armoured cable help provide a safer networking environment. These include:

Reduced Risk of Shocks: By giving any stray current a safe route, the integrated grounding conductor reduces the risk of shocks.

Enhanced Fire Safety: Many armoured cables have flame-retardant characteristics, which can help prevent fires from spreading in the event of a malfunction.

Animal Deterrence: By physically discouraging rodents and other animals from chewing on your wires, the metallic armour helps to avoid potential harm.

Reason #9: A Future-Proof Investment — Adaptability and Scalability

The world of networking is continuously advancing, and your gadgets need to be able to keep pace. Armoured cable delivers a scope of future-proofing because of its built-in versatility.

Here’s how:

Adaptability: Whether you need to power new equipment or expand your existing system, armoured cable’s ability to handle a wide range of voltages and amperages makes it a flexible choice.

Scalability: The diverse range of available armoured cable types allows you to choose the right option for your specific needs, from low-voltage lighting circuits to high-power industrial applications.

By opting for armoured cable, you’re making an investment that can adapt and scale as your requirements change.

Looking for a Reliable Source of Armoured Cable?

At AE Connect, we’ve been designing high-quality armoured cables for more than 2 decades. We comprehend the integral duty this cable plays in ensuring risk-free and reliable networking. That’s why we provide a vast array of armoured cable types built with ECCS tape with flame-retardant, anti-rodent and anti-termite properties.

Our cables are assembled using the finest quality components and go through strenuous testing to guarantee they meet the most stringent industry standards. Regardless of whether you require an armoured cable for industrial applications, construction sites, or outdoor lighting, we have the ideal solution for you.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, armoured cable offers exceptional protection, flexibility, and longevity for a wide range of applications. With superior physical shielding, resistance to environmental factors, and enhanced safety features, it stands out as the optimal choice for any networking project.

AE Connect’s extensive experience and commitment to quality ensure that you get reliable, high-performance armoured cables tailored to your specific needs. Make the smart choice for your networking and choose armoured cables from AE Connect.

FAQs

What Metal is Used in Armoured Cables?

Armoured cables typically use steel or aluminium as the metal for the armour layer. These metals provide robust protection against physical damage and environmental factors while maintaining flexibility for easy installation.

Steel armoured cable is particularly common due to its strength and durability, making it suitable for various applications. Aluminum armoured cable offers similar protection but is lighter in weight, which can be advantageous in certain situations. Ultimately, the choice between steel and aluminium depends on factors such as the specific requirements of the project and budget considerations.

What is the Aluminium Armoured Cable Current Carrying Capacity?

The size of the cable (the cross-sectional area of the conductor), the type of insulation used, the surrounding temperature, and the installation circumstances (such as being buried below, in the air, or conduits) all affect the aluminium armoured cable current carrying capacity.

Because aluminium has a higher electrical resistance than copper, aluminium cables often have a lower current-carrying capability than copper cables of the same size. Nonetheless, due to their smaller weight and reduced cost, aluminium cables are frequently utilized.

Electrical codes/standards or cable manufacturers, usually specify the current ratings for aluminium armoured cables based on variables such as maximum heating limits, voltage drop limits, and insulation temperature limits.

The following are some typical current carrying capacities for standard aluminium armoured cable sizes when put in the air at an ambient temperature of 30°C:

– 16 mm² (6 AWG): 70–85 Amps

– 25 mm² (4 AWG): 100–115 Amps

– 35 mm² (2 AWG): 130–150 Amps

– 50 mm² (1/0 AWG): 175–195 Amps

– 70 mm² (2/0 AWG): 220–245 Amps

These are only rough values; for the particular cable type, size, and installation circumstances, the exact current rating should always be confirmed with the cable manufacturer or applicable electrical codes/standards.

When to Use Armoured Cable?

You should use armoured cables whenever there’s a high risk of physical damage to the cable. The armouring in cables, typically made of steel or aluminium, provides an extra layer of protection for the insulated wires inside. Here are some common situations where armoured cables are recommended:

Underground installations: Armoured cables can be buried directly in the ground without needing conduit for protection. This is important because underground cables are at risk of being damaged by shovels or other digging tools.

Exposed locations: Armoured cables are ideal for use in exposed locations like exterior walls or industrial facilities. They can withstand impacts, abrasions, and exposure to the elements.

Rodent infestation: Rodents like mice and squirrels can chew through regular cables. Armoured cables provide a physical barrier that helps to deter rodents from damaging the wires.

In essence, armoured cables offer superior durability and protection compared to regular cables. However, they are also generally more expensive and difficult to work with. If there’s no significant risk of physical damage, then a regular cable may be a more suitable and cost-effective option.