BS 5467 1.9/3.3kV Copper Conductor Multi Core SWA PVC Power Cable for Underground & Fixed Installation

Category

Specification

Application

Multi-core PVC cable with steel wire armour (SWA). Suitable for direct burial in free-draining soil conditions and fixed indoor and outdoor installations.

Characteristics

Voltage Rating Uo/U: 1.9/3.3 kV
Temperature Rating: Maximum Operating: +90°C, Maximum Short-Circuit: +250°C
Minimum Bending Radius: 12 × overall diameter

Construction

Conductor: Class 2 stranded copper
Insulation: XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
Separator: Polyester Tape
Filler: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Armour: SWA (Galvanized Steel Wire Armour)
Outer Sheath: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Core Identification: Brown, Black, Grey
Sheath Colour: Black

Standards

BS 5467, IEC 60502-1, EN 60228
Flame retardant to IEC/EN 60332-1
UV Resistant

DIMENSIONS

No. of Cores

Nominal Cross Sectional Area (mm²)

Nominal Diameter of Conductor (mm)

Nominal Thickness of Insulation (mm)

Minimum Thickness of Outer Sheath (mm)

Nominal Outer Diameter (mm)

Nominal Weight (kg/km)

3

10

3.85

2.0

1.24

23

1545

3

16

4.70

2.0

1.24

27

1680

3

25

5.85

2.0

1.24

30

2100

3

35

6.90

2.0

1.32

32

2530

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Nominal Cross Sectional Area (mm²)

Current Carrying Capacity (A) – Clipped Direct at 30°C

Current Carrying Capacity (A) – In Free Air / Perforated Tray at 30°C

Current Carrying Capacity (A) – Direct in Ground / In Ducting at 20°C

Maximum Conductor DC Resistance at 20°C (Ω/km)

10

73

78

58

1.83

16

94

99

75

1.15

25

124

131

96

0.727

35

154

162

115

0.524

When engineers, contractors, or EPC companies search for a medium-voltage SWA cable suitable for underground and fixed installation, one model frequently appears: BS 5467 1.9/3.3kV Copper Conductor Multi Core SWA PVC Power Cable.

But what exactly is BS 5467 SWA cable, how is it constructed, where is it commonly used, and how does it compare with other armored power cables used in Indonesia and Southeast Asia?

What Does the BS 5467 Standard Mean for SWA Power Cables?

BS 5467 is a British Standard specifying armoured power cables with copper conductors for fixed installations at voltage levels up to 3.3kV.

It is widely recognized in:

  • Indonesia

  • Southeast Asia

  • Middle East

  • Africa

because it offers:

  • Proven mechanical protection

  • Stable electrical performance

  • Compatibility with IEC-based systems

Which Standards Does BS 5467 1.9/3.3kV SWA Cable Comply With?

BS 5467 SWA cables typically comply with:

  • BS 5467 (primary standard)

  • IEC 60502-1 (power cables up to 3.6/6kV)

  • EN 60228 (conductor requirements)

  • IEC/EN 60332-1 (flame retardant performance)

This makes the cable acceptable for industrial, utility, and infrastructure projects in Indonesia.

Where Is BS 5467 1.9/3.3kV SWA Cable Commonly Used?

Typical Application Scenarios

This cable is designed for fixed installations, including:

  • Underground power distribution

  • Industrial plants

  • Cement factories

  • Oil & gas facilities

  • Power substations

  • Water treatment plants

It is not designed for flexible or reeling applications.


How Is BS 5467 SWA Cable Used in Indonesia? (Case Study)

Indonesian Industrial Park Power Distribution Project

Location: West Java
Application: Underground medium-voltage feeder

Why BS 5467 1.9/3.3kV SWA was selected:

  • High humidity and seasonal flooding risks

  • Need for direct burial without concrete ducting

  • Compliance with IEC-based project specifications

Result:

  • Stable operation for over 8 years

  • No insulation breakdown

  • Minimal maintenance costs

This case shows why BS 5467 SWA cables are trusted in Indonesian infrastructure projects.


How Does BS 5467 SWA Cable Compare with Other Power Cables?

BS 5467 vs Unarmoured XLPE Cable

Feature

BS 5467 SWA

Unarmoured XLPE

Mechanical Protection

High

Low

Direct Burial

Yes

No

Cost

Higher

Lower

Installation Safety

Excellent

Limited


BS 5467 vs IEC 60502-2 MV Cable

Aspect

BS 5467 3.3kV

IEC 60502-2

Voltage Range

Up to 3.3kV

Up to 30kV

Typical Use

Industrial distribution

Utility transmission

Armour

SWA

Optional


What Should Be Considered During Installation?

Best Installation Practices

  • Respect minimum bending radius (12×OD)

  • Ensure proper earthing of SWA armour

  • Use sand bedding for direct burial

  • Avoid water-logged soil without drainage

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-tight bending at termination points

  • Ignoring soil thermal resistivity

  • Incorrect gland selection for SWA


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is BS 5467 1.9/3.3kV SWA cable suitable for direct burial?

Yes. It is specifically designed for direct burial in free-draining soil conditions.


Can this cable be used outdoors under sunlight?

Yes. The black PVC sheath is UV resistant.


Is BS 5467 SWA cable flame retardant?

Yes. It complies with IEC/EN 60332-1 flame retardant requirements.


Is this cable suitable for Indonesian industrial standards?

Yes. It aligns well with IEC-based specifications widely used in Indonesia.


What is the expected service life?

With correct installation, 25–30 years is common.


Why Choose BS 5467 1.9/3.3kV SWA Cable for Your Project?

This cable offers:

  • Proven reliability

  • Strong mechanical protection

  • Stable electrical performance

  • Wide international acceptance

It is an ideal balance between cost, durability, and safety for medium-voltage fixed installations.


Call-to-Action (CTA)

If you are:

  • Designing an industrial or underground power system

  • Looking for BS 5467 compliant SWA cables

  • Comparing medium-voltage cable options

👉 Contact a professional cable supplier to request:

  • Technical datasheets

  • Installation guidance

  • Project-specific recommendations

Choosing the right SWA cable today can reduce maintenance costs and improve system reliability for decades.