Unarmoured Cable: Technical Overview for Protected Installations

Unarmoured Cable: Technical Overview for Protected Installations

Unarmoured cable refers to power and control cables without metallic armouring layers such as steel tape or steel wire. These cables rely on insulation, bedding, and outer sheath materials for electrical insulation, environmental protection, and limited mechanical resistance. They are commonly used in indoor wiring, cable trays, conduits, trunking, switchboards, control panels, and other protected environments where external mechanical risk is low. Compared with armoured cables, unarmoured cables are lighter, more flexible, and easier to terminate. They are suitable for fixed installations in dry or controlled environments, and may also be used in ducts or enclosed cable routes where additional mechanical protection is provided by the installation method. Key selection parameters include rated voltage, conductor material, conductor cross-section, number of cores, insulation and sheath material, flame retardancy, smoke emission, halogen content, temperature rating, and installation conditions. For international projects, unarmoured cables may reference IEC 60502, IEC 60228, IEC 60332, IEC 60754, IEC 61034, BS 5467, BS 6724, and applicable local standards. Manufacturers typically support type tests, routine tests, insulation resistance tests, flame propagation tests, and third-party certification. Unarmoured cable selection should be matched to installation environment, mechanical protection requirements, and project specifications.

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