In power transmission, construction engineering and industrial applications, cables are core
components for power and signal transmission. Their performance and reliability directly
affect the safety and efficiency of the system. According to the sheath structure of the
cable, cables can be divided into armored cables and unarmored cables. There are
significant differences between armored cables and unarmored cables in many aspects,
which are mainly reflected in the construction,classification, scope of use and purpose.
Structure difference of armored cables and unarmored cables
Unarmored cable:The outer sheath of the cable is not equipped with metal armor, but is
only composed of non-metallic materials such as plastic and rubber. Unarmored cables
can be divided into polyethylene,polyvinyl chloride, cross-linked polyethylene and other
types according to the different outer sheath materials. It has no armor layer and has a
relatively simple structure. It is generally composed of a conductor, an insulating layer
and a sheath. This structure makes the unarmored cable more flexible and easy to bend
and lay.
Armored cable: A layer of metal armor is added between the insulation layer and the
sheath of the cable,usually composed of steel belt or steel wire. This armor layer can
protect the cable from damage by external mechanical forces, prevent rat bites, etc.,
and also has a certain shielding effect, which can reduce electromagnetic interference.
Advantages and disadvantages of armored cables and unarmored cables
Advantages of unarmored cables
(1) Low cost, relatively affordable price; (2) Light weight, easy to carry and install;
(3) Less damage to the cable during laying; (4) Good flexibility, suitable for bending
and expansion occasions.
Disadvantages of unarmored cables
(1) Low mechanical strength, weak ability to withstand tension, pressure and lateral
pressure; (2) Poor corrosion resistance, not suitable for corrosive environments;
(3) Weak pressure resistance, not suitable for underground laying and other occasions;
(4) Low protection level,relatively high failure rate.
Advantages of armored cables:
1. Advantages (1) High mechanical strength, can withstand large tension, pressure and
lateral pressure; (2) Good corrosion resistance, suitable for corrosive environments;
(3) Strong pressure resistance, suitable for underground laying and other occasions;
(4) Improved cable protection level and reduced failure rate.
Disadvantages of armored cables:
(1) Compared with unarmored cables, the cost is high; (2) The cable may be damaged
during the laying process; (3) The weight is large and it is difficult to carry and install.
Classification and application of armored cables and unarmored cables
Non-armored cables can be divided into flame-retardant rubber sheathed, power,
communication, optical fiber and other cables. Armored cables can be divided into
three types: steel belt, fine steel wire and thick steel wire.
Steel belt armored cable: With steel belt as the metal sheath, it can provide higher physical
protection and strength, and is suitable for use in harsh environments.
Steel wire armored cable: With steel wire as the metal sheath, it has higher pressure
resistance andtensile strength, and is suitable for use in environments such as burial,
laying underground or in water.
Aluminum belt armored cable: With aluminum belt as the metal sheath. Compared with
steel belt cable, aluminum belt cable is lighter and suitable for occasions with lower weight
requirements.
Aluminum wire armored cable: With aluminum wire as the metal sheath. Compared with
steel wire armored cable, aluminum wire armored cable is lighter and can be used in
bending and tortuous terrain with higher requirements. In the actual selection process,
comprehensive consideration should be given to factors such as the cable laying
environment, load capacity, cost budget, etc. to ensure the stable operation of the power
system.
