Galvanised Steel Wire Braid – GSWB
Leading manufacturer of galvanised steel wire braided cables
A galvanised steel wire braid (GSWB) is a type of mechanical protection for cables. It is also known as a galvanised steel wire braided cable or galvanised wire braid armoured cable. Unlike a traditional steel wire armoured cable (SWA), which is heavier and less flexible, galvanised steel wire braid offers a lighter duty solution where flexibility and reduced cable diameter are critical.
GSWB is widely used where cables need strength against knocks, scrapes, or crushing but also need to remain bendable for installation in tight or mobile setups.
Why choose galvanised steel wire braid instead of armoured cable?
Steel wire armoured cable is the standard for high mechanical protection. However, many projects call for flexible armoured cables that can be installed quickly and routed through confined spaces.
Galvanised steel wire braid offers:
Flexibility
Galvanised steel wire braid cables are much easier to bend and route than standard steel wire armoured (SWA) cables. This flexibility is valuable when working in restricted areas, around corners, or inside machinery where rigid cables are difficult to install. It also helps reduce installation time and cost.
Weight savings
Compared with SWA armoured cables, GSWB construction uses less steel, making the cable lighter and easier to handle. The reduced weight simplifies lifting, pulling, and transporting cables on site. For projects involving long cable runs or overhead installations, this makes a noticeable difference in both safety and efficiency.
Smaller diameter
The braid design allows for a more compact overall diameter than traditional armouring. A smaller cable size saves valuable space in trays, conduits, or cabinets, enabling neater layouts and reducing congestion. This is beneficial in control panels, telecom racks, and equipment where space is at a premium.
Adequate protection
Although lighter than SWA, galvanised steel wire braid still provides strong mechanical protection against crushing or impact. It should not be relied on for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, but for physical durability it offers a reliable balance between strength and flexibility, making it suitable for many industrial and commercial applications.
This makes GSWB particularly useful in industries like automation, robotics, telecoms, and control systems.
How galvanised steel wire braid works
The protection level of GSWB depends on two main factors:
- Wire diameter: thicker wires provide more protection.
- Wire count and coverage: the number of strands and how tightly they are braided affects resistance to crushing or impact.
Coverage can range from partial to 100%, with higher coverage giving stronger protection.
Mechanical protection vs. EMI shielding
It is important to note that galvanised steel wire braid is not a substitute for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. GSWB is designed purely for mechanical protection. If you need shielding from external interference, a tinned copper wire braid (TCWB) or foil shield may be more suitable.
Cable design and enhancement options
At Custom Designed Cables Ltd, you can use galvanised steel wire braid in two ways:
- Part of a new cable design, built into the construction from the ground up.
- Enhancement of an existing cable, applied to a pre-supplied cable as part of our cable enhancement service.
After discussing your project, our team will recommend the right braid coverage and wire size, balancing protection, weight, and flexibility. Once braiding is complete, we can add a cable jacket in your choice of material and colour, plus printing for identification, branding, or health and safety reference.
Manufacturing capability
We support a wide range of GSWB cable builds:
- Braid coverage up to 100%
- Cables up to 35 mm outer diameter
- 16, 24, 32, and 48 carrier braiders available
- Custom strand sizes and configurations
With ISO 9001:2015 certification, UL & CSA approvals, and over 6,000 designs manufactured to date, we deliver consistently high standards for customers across aerospace, automotive, defence, medical, and other regulated sectors.
Our service promise
We combine technical expertise with fast turnaround times. From first consultation to finished product, our team maintains clear communication and ensures your cables meet all relevant British, European, and international standards.
FAQs about galvanised steel wire braid cables
What is the difference between GSWB and SWA cable?
The main difference is flexibility and weight. Steel wire armoured (SWA) cable is heavier and designed for high mechanical protection, while galvanised steel wire braid (GSWB) is lighter, easier to install, and takes up less space. GSWB is ideal when compact size and easier handling are more important than maximum strength.
Can galvanised steel wire braid protect against electrical interference?
No. Galvanised steel wire braid is purely for mechanical protection against crushing or impact. It does not shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI). If you need both protection and EMI shielding, a tinned copper wire braid (TCWB) or foil shield is a better choice because these materials block external electrical noise.
What applications use galvanised steel wire braid?
GSWB is often used in machine tools, robotics, telecoms, and control panels where cables face frequent bending or physical stress. Its flexibility makes it easier to route through confined spaces compared to SWA. It’s chosen in industries that require both durability and ease of installation without adding excess weight to the system.
Can you apply GSWB to an existing cable?
Yes. At Custom Designed Cables, we can take a pre-supplied cable and apply galvanised steel wire braid as part of our enhancement service. Once braided, we can finish the cable with a protective jacket and custom printing, providing added durability, colour-coding, or safety labelling tailored to your exact project requirements.
What braid coverage levels are available?
We can provide braid coverage from partial up to 100%, depending on the level of protection needed. Higher coverage increases resistance to crushing and impact, while partial coverage offers flexibility with some savings in weight and cost. Our team will recommend the right balance for your installation requirements and environment.
Get a quote for your project
Need a flexible armoured cable with galvanised steel wire braid? Contact us today for a free consultation and quotation.
