The Difference Between Armoured and Unarmoured Cables and Key Points of Selection

In modern power systems, cables are crucial equipment for power transmission and distribution, and their performance and quality are vital to the stable operation of the power systems. According to the sheath structure of the cables, they can be divided into armored and unarmoured cables. This article will analyze the differences between armored and unarmoured cables and the key points for their selection in detail.

Armoured Cable

Armoured cable refers to a type of cable that has an additional layer of metal armor on the outer sheath to enhance its mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and compression ability. Depending on the material of the armor, armoured cables can be classified into types such as aluminum alloy, galvanized steel tape, and stainless steel.

Advantages:

High mechanical strength, capable of withstanding large tensile, compressive, and lateral pressures;
Excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for corrosive environments;
Strong compression ability, suitable for underground laying situations;
Increased cable protection level, reducing the failure rate.

Different Types of Armoured Cables

Depending on the type of conductors, armoured cables can be categorized into single-core and multi-core types. Multi-core segments are expected to show a substantial compound annual growth rate in the coming years due to their ease in handling, high flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, thereby boosting the demand for various industrial applications and increasing end-user preference.

Models of control armoured cables: KVV22, KVVP22, KYJV22, KVV32, and KYJV32
Models of power armoured cables: YJV22, YJV32, VV22, and VV32
Models of armored communication cables: HYA53, HYAT53, HYA23, HYV22, HYA22

Unarmored Cable

Unarmoured cable refers to cables that do not have an additional metal armor on the outer sheath and are composed only of non-metallic materials like plastic or rubber. Unarmoured cables can be categorized into types such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and cross-linked polyethylene based on the outer sheath material.

Advantages:

Lower cost, relatively affordable prices;
Lightweight, easy to transport and install;
Less damage to the cable during installation;
Good flexibility, suitable for bending and stretching situations.

Key Points for Selection

Cable Laying Environment: For corrosive environments and underground laying situations, armoured cables should be selected; for general situations, unarmoured cables can be used.
Cable Load Capacity: For cables that bear a large load, armoured cables should be selected to ensure the stable operation of the power system.
Cost Budget: Based on meeting performance requirements, either unarmored or armoured cables can be chosen according to the cost budget.
Cable Service Life: In harsh environments such as high temperature and high humidity, armoured cables generally have a longer service life, helping to reduce maintenance costs.

Armored and unarmoured cables differ significantly in terms of performance, cost, and applicable situations. During actual selection, comprehensive consideration of factors such as the cable laying environment, load capacity, and cost budget should be given to ensure the stable operation of the power system.