Definition of Armored Cable
Armored cables are made up of conductors made of different materials embedded in insulated metal sleeves, which are processed into flexible and solid assemblies. This type of cable has a protective layer of metal (such as steel strip, steel wire, etc.) or non-metal material added around the cable core to enhance the mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, durability, and electromagnetic interference resistance of the cable.
Main characteristics of armored cables
Enhanced mechanical strength: The metal sheath of armored cables can significantly improve their mechanical strength, enabling them to withstand greater external forces and extend their service life.
Improve anti-corrosion durability: The armor layer can isolate external environmental erosion, such as compression resistance, earthquake resistance, rain resistance, corrosion resistance, etc., protecting the conductors and insulation layers inside the cable from damage.
Anti electromagnetic interference: The metal sheath of armored cables can also serve as electromagnetic shielding, reducing the interference of external electromagnetic fields on the internal signal transmission of the cable.
Improving weather resistance and fire resistance: The metal sheath of armored cables can enhance their weather resistance and fire resistance, enabling them to maintain stable performance in various harsh environments.
Anti rodent bite: Armored cables have a certain resistance to external forces and can also prevent rodents and other animals from biting, ensuring the safety and reliability of power transmission.
Classification of armored cables
Armored cables can be classified into steel strip armor, thin steel wire armor, and thick steel wire armor according to the different armor materials. Different types of armored cables have different characteristics and uses. For example, steel tape armored cables are generally laid flat and can withstand external forces in the horizontal direction; Steel wire armored cables are mostly used in vertical shafts and other places that require vertical installation.
What is the difference between armored cable and normal cable?
There are significant differences between armored cables and ordinary cables in multiple aspects
Structural differences
Armored cable: It has a clear metal armor layer made of steel strip or wire and wrapped around the insulation layer of the cable. This armor layer provides additional mechanical protection for the cable.
Ordinary cable: without a metal armor layer, its conductor and insulation layer are directly combined together.
Scope of application
Armored cable: Due to its strong metal armor layer, armored cables are suitable for environments that are easily damaged by mechanical external forces or have corrosive gases around them, such as mountains, rock areas, etc. They can be buried directly underground and are not easily damaged.
Ordinary cable: It is usually used in normal environments or regions and is not suitable for use in harsh or complex environments.
Price
Armored cables: Due to the relatively complex manufacturing process and composition structure, the price of armored cables is usually higher than that of ordinary cables.
Ordinary cable: relatively low price, suitable for general application scenarios.
Bending radius
Armored cable: Its minimum bending radius is not less than 12 times the outer diameter of the cable, which requires more space for bending and installation during installation.
Ordinary cable: Its minimum bending radius is not less than 6 times the outer diameter of the cable, making it relatively easier to bend and install.
Security
Armored cable: The armor layer can be grounded, which not only protects the cable but also improves its safety performance and prevents safety accidents caused by cable faults.
Ordinary cables: may not be as safe as armored cables, especially when used in harsh environments where they are more prone to failure.
Why is armored cable used?
Armored cables, based on their various advantages, perform well in various applications. The following are the specific reasons for choosing to use armored cables:
1、 Enhance mechanical strength and durability
Armored cables significantly enhance their mechanical strength by adding a protective layer of metal or non-metal material around the cable core. This design enables armored cables to withstand greater tension, pressure, and wear, allowing for long-term stable operation in various harsh environments. In addition, the armor layer can effectively prevent animals such as mice from biting and protect the interior of the cable from damage.
2、 Improve waterproof and anti-corrosion performance
The metal or non-metal protective layer of armored cables has good waterproof and anti-corrosion properties. In humid and highly corrosive environments, armored cables can maintain the stability of their electrical and mechanical properties, ensuring reliable transmission of electricity or signals. This is particularly important for cables used in industries such as chemical, metallurgical, and petroleum.
3、 Enhance fire resistance performance
The metal protective layer of armored cables also has a certain degree of fire resistance. In extreme situations such as fires, the armor layer can block the erosion of flames and high temperatures inside the cable, thereby protecting the conductors and insulation layers inside the cable from damage. This helps to reduce the impact of fires on power or signal transmission systems, and improve the safety and reliability of the system.
4、 Anti electromagnetic interference
The metal armor layer of armored cables can effectively shield electromagnetic interference. In the environment of electromagnetic radiation field strength, armored cables can protect the signal transmission inside the cable from external interference, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the signal. This is particularly important for applications that require high signal fidelity, such as communication and data transmission.
5、 Improve safety and reliability
The metal armor layer of armored cables not only provides additional protection, but also offers extra fire and explosion protection. This makes armored cables safer and more reliable in dangerous environments, such as petroleum, chemical, shipbuilding and other industries. In these industries, the safety and stability of power transmission are crucial, and the use of armored cables can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure smooth production.
6、 Wide applicability
Armored cables are widely used in various fields due to their excellent performance and wide applicability. Armored cables can provide reliable solutions for power transmission, communication, transportation, petroleum, chemical, and new energy industries. In addition, armored cables can be customized according to specific needs to meet the special requirements of different occasions.
