Complications of Using AWA Cable as an Underground (UG) Cable

1. Corrosion Risk

Aluminum armor degrades faster than steel in wet, acidic, or saline soils, leading to premature failure.

2. 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.

3. Poorer Fault Current Handling

Higher resistance in aluminum armor reduces effectiveness as an earth path (CPC), risking safety in fault conditions.

3. Installation Challenges

Less rigid than SWA, making it harder to pull in long trenches without damage.