When it comes to wiring solutions that require extra protection, armored cables are a top choice for safety and reliability. Designed to withstand harsh environments and physical damage, the best armored cables provide enhanced durability and secure electrical connections, making them ideal for both residential and industrial applications. Whether you’re installing electrical systems in construction sites, machinery, or outdoor settings, armored cables offer superior protection against abrasion, cuts, and exposure to moisture or chemicals.
The best armored cables are built with a robust metal sheath, typically made of steel or aluminum, which acts as a protective layer around the cable’s inner wires. This added armor ensures the cables are highly resistant to damage, making them perfect for high-risk areas where standard cables may fail. In addition to their physical strength, these cables are designed to meet strict safety standards, providing reliable electrical performance without compromising on safety.
Armored cables are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, including power distribution, industrial machinery, and outdoor electrical installations. Many of the best armored cables are designed to be flexible, allowing for easy installation in tight spaces or complex configurations. They also come in various sizes and insulation types, catering to different voltage requirements and environmental conditions.
In this guide, we’ll review the best armored cables available today, focusing on key features such as durability, flexibility, and safety. Whether you’re a contractor, electrician, or DIY enthusiast, selecting the right armored cable will ensure your wiring is safe, reliable, and long-lasting.
Invest in the best armored cable to protect your electrical systems and enjoy peace of mind knowing your installations are secure and built to last!
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Reviews
Tactacam Solar Armored Cable
The Tactacam Armored Solar Cable is a 6.5-foot long cable that provides excellent protection against harsh weather conditions and pesky critters. Designed to be compatible with the REVEAL External Solar Panel, it boasts a high rating of 4.8, with most customers praising its sturdiness, durability, and perfect cable length. The reviews highlight its excellent protection, heavy-duty quality, and affordable price, making it a popular choice for Tactacam users.
Southwire Armorlite Aluminum Armored 12/3 AC Cable for Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Applications
The Southwire Armorlite 12/3 Solid Aluminum BX/AC Armored Cable is a high-quality option for power, lighting, control, and signal circuits in commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings. With copper conductors and aluminum armor, this cable’s flexibility makes it a breeze to work with in various settings. The smooth installation process and excellent reviews from customers make it an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable and sturdy armored cable.
Armored Outdoor Plenum Fiber Optic Cable for Rodent Resistance
Experience the ultimate protection for your fiber optic cable with our Steel Armored Fiber Optic Cable. Its Rodent Resistant Spiral Steel Armor ensures a sturdy lay, while the 6 strands of OM1 62.5/125um Multimode Corning InfiniCor 300 core offer reliable data transmission. The black outdoor plenum rated jacket ensures durability, and the cable’s 0.9mm tight buffered fiber surrounded by an Aramid yarn strength member provides enhanced toughness. Suitable for various applications including fiber to the home access networks, telecommunication networks, and more, this cable offers an easy installation process and high-crush, pressure, and tension resistance. Perfect for outdoor plant installations, with a 5-year warranty, 850nm/1300nm wavelength, and 3.5/1.5 dB/km max attenuation, it’s the ideal solution for your data communication needs.
Tactical Fiber Systems DuraTAC 2-Fiber Single Mode Armored Cable & Reel with BullsEye Connectors (250 ft) – Kevlar, Aluminum, Waterproof
Experience unmatched durability and reliability with the Tactical Fiber Systems DuraTAC Armored Cable and Reel. Featuring a stainless steel under Kevlar construction, this robust cable offers superior protection against wear and tear, rodents, and contamination. With TFS BullsEye connectors equipped with waterproof dust covers, you can rest assured that your connections are safe from damage. The adjustable drag brake ensures smooth reeling, making this 250 ft single-mode cable a top choice for tactical applications.
Southwire Duraclad 100-ft 4/1 Stranded Steel AC Cable: Residential Grounding Electrode Conductor
Experience top-notch craftsmanship with this Southwire Duraclad 100-foot Residential Service Grounding Cable. Constructed with durable galvanized steel for protection, it meets safety standards like UL 467 and REACH/RoHS-2, ensuring reliable and environmentally friendly performance.
Southwire Aluminum MC Cable – Lightweight and Flame Resistant Armored Cable
The Southwire Aluminum MC Cable is a versatile and dependable cable suitable for various applications. With its flame and heat-resistant PVC insulation and oil and gasoline-resistant nylon jacket, this cable is designed to withstand challenging conditions and ensure safety. At 50 feet long, it’s perfect for power distribution, lighting, control, and signal circuits in commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects. Made with conductors and ground wire cabled and wrapped with a polyester tape, this cable is an ideal addition to any DIY or professional electrical project.
500 Feet Aluminum-Clad Armored Control Cable – 4-Conductor, 22 AWG
Experience reliable control with the Belden 5541UE Armored MC Control Cable, a 4-conductor 22-awg 22/4C that comes in a handy 500-foot package. This armored cable, with its unshielded PVC internal cable jacket, is a robust and durable choice for your control needs.
Southwire 50 ft. 14/2 MC Armored Cable
The Southwire 50 ft. 14/2 MC Armored Cable is a lightweight, highly durable option for your electrical needs. Its aluminum armor is up to 45% lighter than traditional steel models, making it easier to handle and reducing installation costs by as much as 50%. The cable is UL classified for various firestop systems and comes in a convenient length for easy installation. Users have praised its craftsmanship and ease of use, making it a perfect choice for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential power distribution applications.
Southwire 100 ft. 12/2 MC Armored Cable for Electricity, 68580023
Incorporating Armorlite Type MC Cable, this robust cable offers the perfect blend of durability and flexibility. Constructed using soft-drawn copper conductors rated up to 90°C dry, it ensures improved performance in a variety of installation settings. With a green insulated grounding conductor that adds a touch of convenience, the cable’s aluminum interlocking armor guarantees protection against external damage. Designed for branch, feeder, and service power distribution in commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings, it seamlessly handles power, lighting, control, and signal circuits. Available in a range of sizes, the cable’s flame-retardant, heat-resistant PVC insulation with nylon jacket ensures safe operation across various applications.
125-Foot Solid Aluminum MC Cable for Commercial/Residential Power Distribution
Experience top-notch power distribution with the Armorlite 125-ft 10/2 Solid Aluminum MC Cable. This exceptional cable is designed for a wide range of applications, including commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential buildings. Constructed from soft-drawn copper and aluminum interlocking armor, it’s perfect for concealed or exposed installations. Moisture resistant and UV resistant, this cable is built to last. Reviewers rave about its ease of use and durability, making it a top choice for your power needs.
12 AWG Aluminum Armoured MC Cable – Lightweight, Durable, and Easy Installation
The Southwire Armorlite Solid Aluminum 12/2 MC Cable is a user-friendly, sturdy choice for electrical installations. With individual phase identification and UL, NEC, and federal standard compliance, this cable provides easy installation and durability. Constructed of soft-drawn copper conductors and compliant with ISO 9001 standards, it’s suitable for indoor applications and offers a 20-amp rating with a 250-foot length. The Aluminum interlocking armor over the assembly ensures reliable protection and corrosion resistance, making it an excellent addition to your electrical projects.
Southwire Aluminum Armored Cable – 25′
Introducing the Southwire aluminum armored cable, an excellent choice for power, lighting, control, and signal circuits in various environments. This versatile cable is suitable for use in exposed, concealed, wet, and hazardous areas, making it a popular option for environmental air handling spaces, under raised floors, and aerial cable installations. With its rugged aluminum interlocking armor and solid copper conductors, this cable is designed to provide durability, sturdiness, and ease of installation. Whether you’re a seasoned electrician or a beginner, you’ll appreciate the convenience and reliability of this high-quality cable.
Buyer’s Guide
Welcome to our guide on Armored Cables. This section aims to provide you with essential information, features, considerations, and advice when purchasing Armored Cables for your projects.
Understanding Armored Cables
Armored cables, also known as electrical cables with outer protective layers, are designed to provide electrical power and signal transmission while ensuring the safety of the users and the environment. They come in various types, materials, and configurations to cater to different applications and standards. Understanding the basic structure and components of an armored cable is crucial to make informed decisions when purchasing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Armored Cables
- Conductor Material: The inner conductor can be made of copper, aluminum, or other materials. Copper conductors typically offer better conductivity, but aluminum is more cost-effective. Consider the conductivity, corrosion resistance, and application requirements when selecting the conductor material.
Additional Considerations for Choosing Armored Cables
- Insulation: The insulation material must have excellent dielectric properties and be resistant to physical and chemical damages. Some common insulation materials include thermoplastic, rubber, and polyethylene. Choose an insulation material that suits the specific application and environmental conditions.
Importance of Armored Cable Compliance Standards
Armored cables should comply with various national and international standards to ensure safety, reliability, and interchangeability. Some of the most important standards include UL, NEC, and IEC. Familiarize yourself with these standards to ensure the cable you choose meets the necessary requirements for your project.
FAQ
What is an Armored Cable used for?
Armored cables are used in a wide range of electrical systems to provide a high degree of safety and reliability. They are typically used in industrial and commercial applications, where the risk of electrical fires or damage from environmental factors is high, such as in power distribution systems, transmission lines, and underground electrical networks.
By encasing the conductors and insulation in a tough armor, armored cables are well-protected from accidental damage, mechanical stress, and external factors like corrosion, humidity, and UV radiation. This makes them ideal for use in harsh conditions where other cables might fail prematurely or pose a safety risk.
What are the key components of an Armored Cable?
The key components of an armored cable include a metallic conductor, insulation, jacket, armor, and terminations. The most common materials used for these components are copper for conductors and aluminum for arms, with a wide variety of insulating materials such as rubber, polyethylene, or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). The armor can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper, and the jacket is typically made from a flame-retardant material such as PVC or polyolefin.
Terminations can be either bolted, lugged, or screwed depending on the application, and they are used to connect the armored cable to various types of electrical equipment. The conductors within the armored cable are often bundled together in groups called cables, which can be further grouped into sets of cables called buses.
What are the benefits of using an Armored Cable?
There are several key benefits to using an armored cable, including improved safety, longer service life, and reduced maintenance costs. By providing increased protection against mechanical damage, environmental factors, and fire, armored cables help ensure that electrical systems operate reliably and safely. This can reduce the risk of downtime, equipment damage, and accidents.
Armored cables are also known for their durability, which can minimize the need for repairs and replacements over their lifetime. This can lead to significant cost savings for businesses that rely on these cables for their critical infrastructure. Furthermore, armored cables are typically easier to install and handle compared to other types of cables, thanks to their robust construction and protective armor.
How do I select the right size of Armored Cable for my application?
The size of an armored cable is determined by a number of factors, including the current-carrying capacity, insulation type, conductor materials, and the application requirements. Commonly, armored cables are rated by their American Wire Gauge (AWG) size, which indicates the size of the conductor and the corresponding current capacity.
When selecting the right size of armored cable for your application, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your system, such as the current draw, the distance the cable will be used, and any local codes or standards that may apply. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with a qualified electrical engineer or cable manufacturer to ensure that you select the appropriate cable for your application.
Can Armored Cables be repaired or are they sold as disposable items?
In many cases, armored cables can be repaired if they suffer damage under normal usage conditions. This may involve removing the damaged portion of the cable, cutting away the damaged insulation or armor, and then resealing the cable with a suitable connector or terminal. However, the degree of repairability will depend on the extent of the damage and the specific construction of the armored cable.
It is important to note that some types of damage may render an armored cable unsafe for use, and in these cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire cable. Additionally, it is always advisable to maintain and inspect armored cables regularly, as preventive maintenance can help to identify potential problems early and minimize the risk of costly repairs or replacements.
How should Armored Cables be installed and managed to ensure optimal performance?
To ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards, armored cables should be installed and managed according to industry best practices. This includes proper routing and termination, ensuring adequate clearances for air circulation and preventing moisture ingress, and periodic inspections and testing.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance guidelines carefully, as these will provide detailed instructions on how to handle and install the armored cable in a way that minimizes risks and ensures longevity. Additionally, it is recommended to work with qualified professionals who have experience with armored cables or electrical systems, as they can provide expert guidance and help ensure that the installation is carried out safely and effectively.
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