CVV & CXV cables: Comparing DSTA, DATA, SWA, AWA types

The table below summarizes some key differences between CVV and CXV cables.

When should you choose CVV or CXV cables?

• Choose CVV cables: When the system has standard requirements for insulation performance and operating temperature, and a cable suitable for low-voltage electrical systems and fixed installations is required.
• Choose CXV cables: When the system has higher requirements for temperature resistance or requires the cable's current-carrying capacity to be utilized under suitable conditions. XLPE has a higher continuous operating temperature than PVC, so CXV is often considered for these applications.

Typically, CVV and CXV cables are manufactured with a construction consisting of a conductor, insulation and outer protective sheath, without an armour layer. However, under certain installation conditions, an additional armour layer may be required to enhance protection against external mechanical impacts. Depending on the technical requirements and installation environment, the armour can be designed using different materials and constructions, commonly including DSTA, DATA, SWA and AWA. These armour types can be distinguished as follows:

3.1. CVV/DSTA and CXV/DSTA cables

DSTA (Double Steel Tape Armour) is an armour layer consisting of two layers of steel tape wrapped around the cores of CVV/CXV cables, providing increased protection against external mechanical impacts. This type of armour is commonly used in multi-core power cables, particularly cables installed underground or in environments where there is a risk of impact and mechanical stress.

3.2. CVV/DATA and CXV/DATA cables

DATA (Double Aluminium Tape Armour) is an armour layer consisting of two layers of aluminium tape, with a construction similar to DSTA but using aluminium instead of steel. Thanks to the non-magnetic properties of aluminium, CVV/CXV cables with DATA armour can be used in certain single-core AC cable designs to minimize the effects of electromagnetic induction.

3.3. CVV/SWA and CXV/SWA cables

SWA (Steel Wire Armour) is an armour layer consisting of steel wires arranged helically around CVV/CXV cables. The wire construction provides mechanical protection for the cable and is suitable for various power and industrial cable designs. SWA armour is commonly used in multi-core cables, such as cables installed underground or in areas where there is a risk of mechanical stress.

3.4. CVV/AWA and CXV/AWA cables

AWA (Aluminium Wire Armour) is an armour layer consisting of aluminium wires arranged around CVV/CXV cables. Compared with SWA, the main difference is that AWA uses non-magnetic aluminium. Therefore, AWA armour is often considered for single-core cable designs used in AC systems to minimize electromagnetic induction and related losses.

The choice of whether to use armoured CVV/CXV cables depends on the installation conditions, the required level of mechanical protection and the technical requirements of the project. You may consider using armoured cables in the following cases:

- When the cable route is exposed to mechanical impacts: If the cable is installed in an area where it may be exposed to impact, compression or other mechanical forces, you should consider using an armoured cable to provide additional protection for the cable structure.

- When the installation method requires mechanical protection: For underground cable routes or installations with specific protection requirements, you should select an armoured cable that is suitable for the installation conditions and technical requirements of the project.

- When electrical characteristics need to be considered: For single-core cables used in AC systems, you need to select an appropriate armour material to minimize the effects of electromagnetic induction.

- When balancing protection and installation requirements: If an armoured cable is used, you need to consider factors such as weight, overall diameter, bending radius, cable pulling and securing methods, as well as suitable cable accessories and terminations.

In general, the final selection should be based on the product datasheet, applicable standards and actual project conditions to ensure that the cable meets both operational and installation requirements.

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To choose a standard CVV/CXV cable or a suitable armoured type, you should consider the following factors:

- Determine the number of cable cores: Identify whether the system requires a single-core or multi-core cable, as the core configuration affects the choice of armour type. In particular, for single-core cables used in AC systems, you should pay attention to the requirement for non-magnetic armour materials.

- Select the armour material: Consider steel or aluminium armour based on the mechanical and electrical requirements of the system. Steel armour types include DSTA and SWA, while aluminium armour types include DATA and AWA.

- Select the armour construction: Determine whether tape armour or wire armour is required. Choose DSTA or DATA for tape armour, and SWA or AWA for wire armour.

- Check the product's technical specifications: Check the catalogue or datasheet to confirm the rated voltage, conductor cross-section, number of cores, insulation material, armour type, sheath material, overall diameter, minimum bending radius and applicable standards.

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We HELU offer various cable types with construction and characteristics similar to CVV and CXV, suitable for different requirements in terms of voltage, flexibility and installation conditions. Some representative cable types include:

Each project has different requirements for voltage, cross-section, number of cores, armour and installation conditions. Contact our HELU Vietnam team for consultation on the cable type that best meets your project's technical requirements and actual application.