4 Core SWA Armoured Electrical Cable 0.6/1kV Copper XLPE Insulated for 3-Phase

Product Specification

4 Core SWA Armoured Electrical Cable 0.6/1kV Copper XLPE Insulated for 3-Phase Industrial Power Supply

Product Introduction

The 4 Core SWA Armoured Electrical Cable 0.6/1kV with copper conductor and XLPE insulation is purpose-built for 3-phase industrial power supply applications. The 4-core configuration delivers three live phases (L1, L2, L3) plus a dedicated neutral conductor, providing complete 3-phase power distribution with built-in neutral return for unbalanced load scenarios commonly encountered in commercial buildings, factories, and infrastructure installations.

Suitable for underground installation, cable tray routing, and outdoor power distribution, this cable meets the rigorous demands of modern industrial power systems. Each core is individually insulated with XLPE for thermal stability at 90 °C, encased in a continuous SWA armor layer for mechanical protection, and finished with a durable PVC outer sheath that resists moisture, UV, and chemical exposure.

Application Scenarios

Industrial Power Distribution

Factories and processing plants require reliable 3-phase power for motor-driven equipment. A 4-core cable provides complete L1+L2+L3+N connectivity in a single run, simplifying installation and cable management while reducing the total cost of separate neutral cabling. Suitable for heavy machinery, conveyor systems, and motor control centers.

Commercial Building Distribution

High-rise buildings, shopping malls, and hospitals rely on balanced 3-phase distribution with neutral for single-phase loads (lighting, HVAC, office equipment). The 4-core configuration ensures safe and efficient power delivery across mixed load types, from basement substation to upper-floor distribution boards.

Technical Specifications

4-Core Conductor Technical Data (Copper, XLPE Insulated, 0.6/1kV)

Engineering Advantages

• Complete 3-Phase Power Delivery: The 4-core (3-phase + neutral) configuration supports both balanced 3-phase motor loads and single-phase auxiliary circuits through a single cable run, reducing material and installation costs compared to running separate cables.
• Built-in Neutral Conductor: A dedicated neutral core handles unbalanced load return currents safely, essential for commercial buildings where single-phase loads fluctuate throughout the day (lighting, HVAC cycling, office equipment).
• High Current Carrying Capacity: Copper conductors with XLPE insulation achieve higher ampacity ratings, minimizing voltage drop over long cable runs in industrial plants and multi-story buildings.
• Superior Mechanical Protection: Galvanized SWA armor protects all four cores from external mechanical stress, making the cable suitable for direct burial, cable trench, and areas with potential impact risk.
• Flame Retardant Outer Sheath: The PVC outer sheath provides inherent flame retardancy, reducing fire propagation risk in building riser shafts and cable galleries.
• Wide Cross-Section Range: Available from 1.5 mm² to 400 mm², covering everything from lighting circuits to heavy motor feeders within the same cable series, simplifying procurement and stocking.

Standards & Certifications

• CE - European conformity marking
• EAC - Eurasian Conformity mark (CU TR 004/2011), required for Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan markets
• ISO 9001:2015 - Quality management system certification
• 3C (CCC) - China Compulsory Certification for electrical products
• IEC 60502 - Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories
• BS 5467 - British standard for thermosetting insulated armoured cables (600/1000V)
• Third-party testing reports available upon request (routine test, sample test, type test)

- International standard for power cables with extruded insulation (1kV to 30kV)

• BS 5467 - British standard for thermosetting insulated armoured cables (600/1000V)
• ISO 9001:2015 - Certified quality management system
• CE - European conformity marking
• Third-party testing and certification reports available on request

FAQ

Q1: How to calculate the voltage drop for a 4-core cable run?
A: Use the formula Vd = (mV/A/m) * load current (A) * cable length (m) ÷ 1000. Our technical specification table provides the mV/A/m values for each cross-section (see table above). For example, a 4*70mm² cable carrying 200A over 100 meters yields a voltage drop of (0.67 * 200 * 100) ÷ 1000 = 13.4V. Ensure the total voltage drop remains within 3% for feeders and 5% for combined feeder+branch circuits per IEC 60364.

Q2: What protection devices are compatible with 4-core SWA cables?
A: Standard protection includes MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) for overload and short-circuit protection, RCD (Residual Current Device) for earth leakage protection, and SPD (Surge Protection Device) for transient overvoltage. The 4-core configuration with dedicated neutral simplifies RCD installation as all conductors pass through a single device. Always coordinate cable ampacity with protection device ratings per IEC 60364-4-43.

Q3: Can the steel wire armor be used as the earth conductor?
A: Yes, the SWA layer can serve as the circuit protective conductor (CPC/earth) in many installations per IEC 60364-5-54 and BS 7671. The galvanized steel wires provide sufficient cross-sectional area for fault current paths. However, for critical installations or where regulations mandate a dedicated copper earth core, we recommend ordering a 5-core variant with a separate earth conductor.

Q4: What is the minimum bending radius during installation?
A: The minimum bending radius is 15 times the overall cable diameter (15*OD). Refer to the overall diameter column in our technical data table above for each cross-section. For example, a 4*120mm² cable with OD approximately 50.5mm requires a minimum bend radius of 758mm. Exceeding this limit can damage the XLPE insulation and compromise cable performance.

Q5: How should 4-core cables be terminated in a distribution board?
A: The three phase conductors (Brown, Black, Grey) connect to L1, L2, L3 terminals respectively. The blue neutral conductor connects to the neutral busbar. The SWA armor must be properly glanded using brass SWA cable glands to maintain earth continuity and mechanical integrity. We recommend using armored cable glands with earth tags (banjo washers or Piranha earth nuts) to ensure a reliable earth connection at both ends of the cable run.