Underground Transmission
ARMORED POWER
CABLES (SWA)
Delivering Medium Voltage power through rocky terrain with XLPE insulation and heavy-duty Steel Wire Armor protection.
Technical Data
Standard
IEC 60502-2
Structure
Cu/XLPE/SWA/PVC
Armor Type
Mechanical Protection
Steel Wire
The Challenge
An industrial park expansion in Southeast Asia required laying 50km of medium voltage cable directly underground. The soil analysis revealed a high content of sharp rocks and aggressive termite activity.
Using standard PVC cables was risky; any puncture during backfilling or termite damage would cause catastrophic short circuits and power outages for the factories.
The Solution
We supplied Steel Wire Armored (SWA) cables tailored for this harsh environment.
- Mechanical Armor: A layer of galvanized steel wires sits beneath the outer sheath, providing a physical shield against crushing forces and rodent/termite bites.
- XLPE Insulation: Cross-linked Polyethylene insulation allows for higher operating temperatures (90°C), ensuring efficient power transmission even in tropical heat.
- Giant Drum Logistics: Cables were spooled onto reinforced 2.4m wooden drums to facilitate easy unrolling directly into the trench.
Detail: Cross-section showing Copper Core, XLPE Insulation, and Steel Wire Armor layer.
The Result
The installation passed all VLF (Very Low Frequency) high-voltage tests on the first try. The robust armor protection guarantees a service life of 30+ years, even in shifting soil conditions.