Does outdoor lighting cable need to be Armoured?

It’s a requirement of the Wiring Regulations that any cable buried in the ground shall have an earthed armour as part of its design. This ensures all the electrical and physical properties are compliant, including the galvanised steel in the armour, which has superior resistance to corrosion.

Do you have to use SWA cable outside?

Voltage Rating: SWA cables are heavy, which makes them extremely difficult to bend; therefore they are most suited to underground cabling or fixed to outdoor walls using cable cleats.

Is Armoured cable necessary?

Whilst the weight and rigidity of armoured cables can make them hard to handle and time-consuming to terminate, they are essential in applications where unarmoured cables may be prone to damage and require containment protection, i.e.: conduit or trunking.

Can you use normal electrical cable outdoors?

Cables for external use have been designed to survive the adverse conditions in the outdoor environment. Unprotected outdoor cables must, as a minimum, be weather resistant, which includes protection against the typical ambient temperature range, UV light, ozone and water.

When should you use armored cable?

To put it in context, typically armoured cables would be used when you require the cable to be buried directly underground, for outdoor installation or in tunnels. There may be instances where the ground is opened up again, and in the process, a spade or mechanical excavator may hit the buried cable by accident.

Does Armoured cable need RCD protection?

there is no requirement to afford rcd protection to cables buried outside. socket circuits that COULD be used outdoors MUST have RCD protection, when this is a domestic installation.

Does buried SWA need RCD protection?

swa’s steel armour is NOT accepted as sufficient protection for the cable when buried. there is no requirement to afford rcd protection to cables buried outside. socket circuits that COULD be used outdoors MUST have RCD protection, when this is a domestic installation.

Does SWA cable have to be buried?

Ideally the cable should be buried at a sufficient depth so as not to be easily hit by say a pick or shovel. it should also have marker tape buried above it close to the surface so that anyone digging above the cable finds this first and it should warn them that a cable is below.

What size Armoured cable do I need for outside lights?

Once outdoors, you should supply your lights via 1.5mm² three core steel-wire-armoured cable (SWA). Make sure that you only fit weatherproof lights that are suitable for outdoor use and that your circuit is RCD-protected.

What cable do I need for outdoor power?

The choice of cable running to the exterior socket should be, as a minimum, 2.5mm2 twin and earth (TWE) housed in conduit, which could be the mini trunking type or a round design.

How can I run electricity from my house to my shed UK?

Here are 6 steps you need to take to run power to a shed in the UK:

1. Find an electrician.
2. Think about WHY you need to power your shed.
3. Work out where the cable will run.
4. Prepare the cable trench.
5. Check you’re happy with the plan.
6. Let the electrician do their work.

Where can armored cable not be used?

Armored cable cannot be used for direct burial in earth. With minor exceptions, armored cable is also not permitted to be used in hoists or elevators, storage battery rooms, any hazardous locations, in commercial garages and in theaters or similar locations.