- Corrosion Risk
Aluminum armor degrades faster than steel in wet, acidic, or saline soils, leading to premature failure.
- Lower Mechanical Strength
Less resistant to crushing, rodent attacks, and excavation damage compared to SWA (Steel Wire Armor).
3.Lack of Standardized Ratings in BS 7671
No official current-carrying capacity (CCC) tables, requiring reliance on manufacturer data or IEC standards.
- Poorer Fault Current Handling
Higher resistance in aluminum armor reduces effectiveness as an earth path (CPC), risking safety in fault conditions.
- Installation Challenges
Less rigid than SWA, making it harder to pull in long trenches without damage.