When to Use Armoured Cable

A Practical Decision Guide for Outdoor, Underground & Factory Zones

Choosing the right cable isn’t just about current rating or cable size.
Where the cable is installed matters just as much.

In Malaysia’s hot weather, heavy rain, and industrial environments, using the wrong cable type can lead to insulation damage, nuisance trips, or even fire risk.

This guide explains when armoured cable is the right choice, when it’s overkill, and how to decide confidently for homes, outdoor areas, underground routes, and factories.

What Is an Armoured Cable?

An armoured cable is a power cable with an added metal armour layer (usually steel wire or steel tape) that protects the inner cores from:

• Physical impact

• Crushing

• Rodents

• Soil pressure

• Construction damage

In Malaysia, common armoured cables include:

• XLPE/SWA/PVC (most common for LV power)

• XLPE/STA/PVC (for specific installation needs)

At See Kwong, these are commonly supplied for outdoor, industrial, and underground installations where safety and durability matter.

When You SHOULD Use Armoured Cable

1. Outdoor Cable Runs (Exposed Areas)

If a cable is installed outdoors and exposed, armoured cable is usually the safer choice.

Use armoured cable when:

• Cable runs along external walls

• Installed at low level where it can be knocked

• Exposed to weather, tools, or moving equipment

• Near parking areas or loading bays

💡 In Malaysia, UV, heat, and rain accelerate cable ageing — armour adds a critical safety layer.

2. Underground Installation (Direct Burial)

This is one of the most important use cases for armoured cable.

Armoured cable is strongly recommended when:

• Cable is buried directly in soil

• Running under driveways or roads

• Installed beneath concrete slabs

• Exposed to soil movement or water ingress

Why?

• Soil pressure can crush normal cables

• Stones and construction debris cause insulation damage

• Future digging accidents are common

📌 In practice, most contractors in Malaysia specify XLPE/SWA/PVC for underground LV distribution.

3. Factory & Industrial Zones

Factories are high-risk environments for cables.

Use armoured cable in factories when:

• Forklifts or trolleys operate nearby

• Cables run at floor or low-wall level

• Heavy machinery causes vibration

• Maintenance work happens frequently

Armoured cable protects against:

• Accidental impact

• Abrasion

• Long-term mechanical stress

This is especially important for:

• Main feeders

• Sub-DB supplies

• Motor and machine power lines

4. Cable Trays Without Full Enclosure

If cables are installed on open trays (not fully enclosed trunking):

• Normal PVC cables are vulnerable

• Dropped tools can cause serious damage

Armoured cables provide extra protection without needing expensive full containment systems.

When Armoured Cable Is NOT Necessary

Armoured cable is strong — but it’s not always needed.

You usually don’t need armoured cable when:

• Wiring is fully enclosed in conduit or trunking

• Installed inside walls or ceilings

• Residential internal wiring

• Lighting circuits inside buildings

Using armoured cable here:

• Increases cost

• Makes installation harder

• Provides little extra benefit

💡 Good design is about choosing the right level of protection, not the maximum.

Common Mistakes We See On-Site

From real-world supply experience at See Kwong, these are frequent issues:

❌ Using normal PVC cable underground
❌ Assuming conduit alone is enough outdoors
❌ Skipping proper glands for armoured cable termination
❌ Forgetting earthing continuity through armour

Each of these can lead to:

• Cable failure

• Failed inspections

• Costly rework

Armoured Cable & Earthing — Why It Matters

One major advantage of armoured cable is that the steel armour can act as an earth path (when installed correctly).

This improves:

• Fault protection

• Disconnection time

• Overall system safety

⚠️ Only if terminated with the correct brass glands and earthing method.

If unsure, always confirm with a qualified electrician or supplier.

Quick Decision Table

Final Advice from See Kwong

Armoured cable isn’t about over-engineering — it’s about risk control.

If the cable:

• Can be hit

• Can be crushed

• Can be dug up

• Can be damaged

👉 Armoured cable is the smart choice.

At See Kwong, we help contractors, factories, and homeowners select the correct cable type based on real installation conditions, not guesswork.

If you’re unsure:

• Share your installation environment

• Tell us indoor / outdoor / underground

• We’ll guide you properly — before problems happen

Looking for armoured cables, glands, or proper LV cable advice in Malaysia?
See Kwong is here to help — with experience you can trust.