The Main Role of Cable Armoring and Stranding

When your cables need extra protection to withstand the harshest conditions, armored jackets may be your best option. Armored cable is a cable with a metal or plastic jacket. This outer coating acts as a protective layer and is much stronger than any type of conventional cable jacket. As discussed further below, this type of armor can make the cable very robust and durable.

Commonly used armoring materials are steel tape, steel wire, aluminum tape, aluminum tube, etc.

Copper wires of different sizes and quantities are twisted together according to a certain arrangement order and twisting distance to become large-diameter conductors. This stranded large diameter stranded conductor is more flexible than a single copper wire of the same diameter size. Therefore, the bending performance of the wire is good, and it is not easy to break during the vibration test. For some wires that require flexibility (such as medical grade wires), it is easier to meet the requirements.

In terms of electrical properties: after the conductor is energized, the resistance consumes electricity and generates heat. As the temperature increases, it will affect the performance life of the insulation and protective layer materials. In order for the cable to operate efficiently, the conductor cross-section should be increased. However, a single wire has a large cross-section, is not easy to bend, and has poor flexibility, which is very unfavorable for production, transportation, installation and laying. In terms of mechanical properties and requirements for flexibility and reliability, multiple single-strand wires are twisted together, which in turn can resolve conflicts.