As a flexible form of armoured cable, braided wire offers reliable mechanical protection without sacrificing manoeuvrability. Where traditional armouring can make cables rigid and difficult to handle, braided constructions retain a degree of movement that proves invaluable during installation. The result is a cable that can be routed through tighter spaces and more complex layouts with far less effort. It’s no surprise, then, that braided cables are widely specified in sectors such as marine and offshore engineering, where installation conditions are rarely straightforward.
These cables are typically known as galvanised steel wire braid, or GSWB, to distinguish them from the more familiar steel wire armoured, or SWA, type. While both fall under the category of armoured cables, their construction and performance characteristics differ in ways that directly influence how and where they are used.
What is an SWA cable?
Steel wire armoured cable has long been the standard for applications that demand maximum mechanical protection.
Its durability comes from a robust layered construction. A multicore cable is first surrounded by galvanised steel wires, which are wrapped helically around the inner cores to achieve very high coverage, often around 90%. This armour is then enclosed within an outer sheath, commonly made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC, to hold the assembly together and provide additional environmental protection.
This design makes SWA cable particularly well suited to underground power distribution, where it may be exposed to significant loads, ground movement or accidental impact from excavation work. The trade-off, however, is a lack of flexibility. The dense, tightly wound armour adds both weight and rigidity, which can make handling and installation more demanding, especially in confined or intricate settings.
What is a GSWB cable?
Galvanised steel wire braid cable was developed to address these limitations. Rather than being wrapped, the steel wires are interwoven to form a protective braid around the cable core. This structure typically provides slightly less coverage, usually in the region of 80%, but introduces a marked increase in flexibility. Because the braid can move and adjust as the cable bends, GSWB cables are able to flex repeatedly without sustaining the same level of stress seen in more rigid constructions. They’re easier to route, simpler to install, and better suited to applications where movement or vibration is expected. In environments where both protection and adaptability are required, this compromise often proves advantageous.
Learn more in our Complete guide to galvanised steel wire braid cables
Key properties of steel wire braid cable
Mechanical protection
Although lighter in construction, braided armour still provides an effective barrier against physical damage. It helps protect conductors from crushing forces, abrasion and incidental impacts, making it suitable for demanding industrial and infrastructure settings.
Flexibility
The defining characteristic of GSWB cable is its ability to bend and recover without deformation. This makes it particularly useful in installations with tight bends, moving components or evolving layouts, where a rigid cable would be impractical.
Design adaptability
One of the strengths of braided construction is that it can be tailored. By adjusting the number and diameter of the wires, manufacturers can strike a balance between strength and flexibility to suit specific applications. Heavier braids offer greater protection, while lighter configurations prioritise ease of handling.
Reduced weight and size
Compared with SWA, braided cables are generally lighter and less bulky. This has a direct impact on installation time and cost, especially in large-scale or complex projects where ease of handling can significantly improve efficiency.
Corrosion resistance
The use of galvanised steel provides a level of protection against corrosion, allowing these cables to perform reliably in environments exposed to moisture, oils, and chemicals. This makes them a practical choice for outdoor, marine, and industrial use.
Typical applications of steel wire braided cable
GSWB cables are used where a combination of flexibility and mechanical resilience is required. They’re commonly found in marine and offshore installations, as well as in manufacturing equipment, control systems and instrumentation. In such settings, cables may need to withstand movement, vibration or repeated handling without compromising performance.
While SWA remains the preferred choice for static, heavy-duty underground networks, braided alternatives are often selected when installation constraints or operational movement make flexibility a priority. Their lighter construction can also simplify transport and reduce labour requirements on site.
It’s worth noting that braided cables are not designed to provide electromagnetic shielding. Their purpose is mechanical protection rather than signal integrity.
What is SY cable?
SY cable is closely related to GSWB construction. The key difference lies in the outer sheath, which is typically transparent. This allows for visual inspection of the braid, making it easier to identify wear, corrosion or damage during routine maintenance.
SY cables are widely used in control and instrumentation systems, as well as in production and assembly environments where visibility and safety are important considerations.
Armoured vs shielded cables
Armoured and shielded cables are often confused, but they serve distinct purposes. Armouring, whether in the form of SWA or braided steel, is intended to protect against physical damage. Shielding, by contrast, is used to guard against electromagnetic interference. Shielded cables incorporate a fine metallic screen, usually made from copper strands, which surrounds the conductors and blocks unwanted electrical noise. While this screen offers a modest degree of mechanical protection, it’s not a substitute for true armouring.
Choosing between the two depends entirely on the demands of the application. Where physical durability is the primary concern, armoured solutions are appropriate. Where signal integrity is critical, shielding becomes essential. In some cases, both features may be combined within a single cable design.
For projects with specific or complex requirements, a custom cable design can ensure the right balance of protection, flexibility, and performance, while meeting relevant standards and regulations. Here at Custom Designed Cables, we’re able to design, manufacture and test custom cables for a wide variety of industries, ensuring that your new cable solution delivers the results you need while also complying with national, international or industry regulations where relevant. Contact us today for an initial consultation, or visit our blog to discover additional in-depth cable guides.