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BS 5308-1 Type 2 SWA armoured cableBS 5308 Part 1 Type 2Galvanised SWA · LCL Option300/500 V · CAM / ICAM

BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 Armoured Instrumentation CableBritish Standard PE/XLPE-insulated SWA armoured refinery instrumentation cable

Heavy-duty 300/500 V armoured instrumentation cable built to BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 with PE or XLPE insulation, CAM or ICAM Al/PET screen, extruded bedding (optional Lead Alloy E or Al-PE moisture barrier), galvanised SWA and PVC or LSZH sheath.

Low-EMC design
EMC screen
Oil-resistant
Outdoor & humid
Order designation
BS5308-1-T2 5P×1.5 ICAM SWA
Outer Ø ≈
23.5 mm
Copper weight
172 kg/km
Total weight ≈
1,025 kg/km
Min. bend R (fixed)
235 mm
All sizes (17)
Request a quoteDatasheetWhatsApp
Engineering reply in 2 business hoursCut-to-length export drumsEN 10204 3.1 certificate per drum
Rated voltage
300/500 V
BS 5308-1 · 1000/2000 V AC test
Armouring
Galvanised SWA
BS EN 10257-1 round steel wires
Barrier option
SWA or LCL+SWA
Lead Alloy E or Al-PE/PA barrier
Max. L/R ratio
≤ 25 / 40 µH/Ω
0.5–1.0 mm² (25) · 1.5 mm² (40)
Capacitance
≤ 75–115 pF/m
75–85 pF/m CAM · 115 pF/m ICAM
Bend radius
10 × OD
fixed · 12 × OD lead-sheathed

Typical values for this cable type, based on BS 5308-1 Type 2 (300/500 V) — confirmed in the datasheet and quotation for your order.

Application fit

Is BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 right for your machine?

Engineered for direct-burial trenches, tank farms, refinery pipe racks and hydrocarbon-contaminated soils across UK, Middle East and international oil & gas projects.

TBM gantry & advancing tunnel reel

Suitable

Galvanised SWA over extruded PE/PVC bedding (plus optional Type 2 LCL lead/Al-PE barrier) is designed for direct trench burial.

Offshore platform & shipboard deck trays

Suitable

Full mechanical impact, rodent and UV protection on exposed refinery and petrochemical racks.

Fixed installation

Suitable

Compatible with standard British BS 6121 (E1W) and ATEX/IECEx Ex-d/Ex-e armoured glands.

Energy chain / drag chain

Not suitable

SWA armoured construction is strictly for static installation and direct burial.

PUR Drag-Chain Control Cable
Typical machinesCrude Oil Refineries & Tank FarmsLNG, Gas Processing & Pipeline TerminalsPetrochemical & Aromatics ComplexesFertiliser & Desalination PlantsZone 1 / Zone 2 Hazardous Process Areas

Construction

Layer by layer

Shown: BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 ICAM SWA 5P×1.5 mm² (7/0.53 mm) with PE/XLPE Black/Blue numbered pairs, individual & collective Al/PET screens, extruded bedding, galvanised SWA and Black or Ex-i Blue outer sheath.

123456
Schematic, not to scale — generated from the layer data
#LayerMaterial & reference
1Plain annealed copper conductorsIEC 60228 Class 5 (0.5/0.75/1.0 mm²), Class 1 (0.5/1.0 mm²) or Class 2 (1.5 mm², 7/0.53 mm)Exact BS 5308-1 conductor stranding classes
2Polyethylene (PE) or XLPE insulationSolid PE Type 03 to BS 6234 (+70 °C) or thermoset XLPE (+90 °C)Low capacitance (≤ 75–115 pF/m) and ≥ 5 GΩ·km insulation resistance
3CAM or ICAM Al/PET electrostatic screenAluminium/PET tape + 0.5 mm² (16/0.20 mm) tinned copper drain wire100 % electrostatic interference rejection
4Extruded PE/PVC bedding (& optional LCL barrier)Extruded PE Type 03C or PVC Type TM1 bedding (optional Lead Alloy E or Al-PE/Polyamide hydrocarbon barrier)Protects core screen and blocks aromatic hydrocarbons in refinery trenches
5Galvanised steel wire armour (SWA)Single layer of round galvanised steel wires (0.9 / 1.25 / 1.6 / 2.0 mm per BS EN 10257-1)Mechanical crush, impact, rodent and tensile protection
6Flame-retardant PVC or LSZH outer sheathExtruded PVC Type TM1 or LSZH Type LTS1, Black RAL 9005 or Blue RAL 5015 (Ex-i)BS EN 60332-1-2 & BS EN 60332-3-24 Cat C flame retardant

Part 1 Type 2 CAM SWA

Collectively screened PE/XLPE pairs/triples with bedding, galvanised SWA and PVC/LSZH sheath

Part 1 Type 2 ICAM SWA

Individually and collectively screened pairs (ICAM) with galvanised SWA armour

Part 1 Type 2 LCL / AL-PE SWA

Includes Lead Alloy E sheath (BS EN 50307) or Al-PE/Polyamide chemical barrier under the SWA

Technical data

Ratings & operating limits

Typical values: Typical values for this cable type, based on BS 5308-1 Type 2 (300/500 V). Values for your order are confirmed in the datasheet and quotation.

Electrical

Rated voltage U0/U
300/500 V
Test voltage
1000 V AC (core/screen) · 2000 V AC (core/core)
Insulation resistance
≥ 5000 MΩ·km at +20 °C
Max. mutual capacitance (at 1 kHz)
≤ 75–85 pF/m (CAM) · ≤ 115 pF/m (ICAM)
Max. L/R ratio
≤ 25 µH/Ω (0.5–1.0 mm²) · ≤ 40 µH/Ω (1.5 mm²)

Thermal

Operating temperature (PE / PVC)
−40 °C to +70 °C (fixed)
Operating temperature (XLPE / LSZH)
−40 °C to +90 °C (fixed)
Installation temperature
0 °C to +50 °C

Mechanical

Armour wire diameter
0.90 / 1.25 / 1.60 / 2.00 mm galvanised steel (BS EN 10257-1)
Min. bending radius
10 × OD (SWA) · 12 × OD (Lead-sheathed Type 2)

Resistance

Flame retardance
BS EN 60332-1-2 & BS EN 60332-3-24 (Cat C)
Hydrocarbon barrier option
Lead Alloy E (BS EN 50307) or Al-PE/PA moisture barrier
Direct burial
Full mechanical protection in trenches and ducts

Reference standards

Design standard
BS 5308-1 / PAS 5308-1 Type 2
Conductor & armour standards
BS EN 60228 & BS EN 10257-1
Gland compatibility
BS 6121 Part 1 (E1W) & IEC 60079-14 Ex-d/Ex-e

Identification

Core identification
Pairs: Black / Blue numbered (Triples: Black / Blue / Brown)
Outer sheath colour
Black (RAL 9005) or Blue (RAL 5015 Ex-i)
Customs tariff (HS)
8544.49

Sizes

17 standard BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 (SWA Armoured) sizes

Includes SWA armour wire diameter and nominal overall diameter for BS 6121 / Ex-d gland sizing.

Dimensions, SWA wire size & weights
Order designationFormat & strandingSWA wire ØOuter Ø ≈
mm		Copper
kg/km		Weight ≈
kg/km		Min. bend R
fixed mm		Enquiry
0.5 mm² (16/0.20 mm) Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-1-T2 1P×0.5 CAM SWA1×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)0.9 mm SWA11.216245112
BS5308-1-T2 2P×0.5 CAM SWA2×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)0.9 mm SWA14.226365142
BS5308-1-T2 5P×0.5 ICAM SWA5×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)1.25 mm SWA18.872650188
BS5308-1-T2 10P×0.5 ICAM SWA10×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)1.6 mm SWA23.6138975236
BS5308-1-T2 20P×0.5 ICAM SWA20×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)1.6 mm SWA29.42681,480294
0.75 mm² (24/0.20 mm) Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-1-T2 1P×0.75 CAM SWA1×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)0.9 mm SWA11.721268117
BS5308-1-T2 2P×0.75 CAM SWA2×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)0.9 mm SWA15.136408151
BS5308-1-T2 5P×0.75 ICAM SWA5×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)1.25 mm SWA20.196735201
BS5308-1-T2 10P×0.75 ICAM SWA10×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)1.6 mm SWA25.81861,155258
1.0 mm² (1/1.13 or 32/0.20 mm) Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-1-T2 1P×1.0 CAM SWA1×2×1.0 mm² (1/1.13 or 32/0.20)0.9 mm SWA12.126290121
BS5308-1-T2 5P×1.0 ICAM SWA5×2×1.0 mm² (32/0.20)1.25 mm SWA21.2122815212
BS5308-1-T2 10P×1.0 ICAM SWA10×2×1.0 mm² (32/0.20)1.6 mm SWA27.22361,295272
1.5 mm² (7/0.53 mm) Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-1-T2 1P×1.5 CAM SWA1×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)0.9 mm SWA12.936332129
BS5308-1-T2 2P×1.5 CAM SWA2×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)1.25 mm SWA17.865585178
BS5308-1-T2 5P×1.5 ICAM SWA5×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)1.6 mm SWA23.51721,025235
BS5308-1-T2 10P×1.5 ICAM SWA10×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)1.6 mm SWA30.23361,620302
BS5308-1-T2 20P×1.5 ICAM SWA20×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)2.0 mm SWA39.46622,740394
  • Typical values for this cable type; dimensions and weights for your order are confirmed in the quotation.
  • 30-pair and 50-pair Type 2 SWA cables as well as Lead-sheathed (LCL) executions are manufactured to order.

Quality & approvals

Testing & inspection

Routine tests on every production length, sample and type tests per batch — documented on an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate.

  1. ConductorClass 5 stranding
  2. Spark test100 % in-line
  3. Lay-upCores, earth, fillers
  4. SheathingInner, braid / screen, outer
  5. Electrical testsAC voltage, resistance
  6. DimensionsOD, wall thickness
  7. Inspection documents & dispatchDrum & dispatch
Testing & inspectionTest value / referenceFrequency
Routine tests
1000 V AC core-to-screen & 2000 V AC core-to-core dielectric testNo breakdown over 5 min / 1 min AC withstand testEvery manufactured drum
Sample tests
BS EN 10257-1 galvanised steel armour wire testVerify wire diameter, tensile strength and zinc massPer armour lot
BS EN 60332-3-24 Cat C vertical flame testPass bunched vertical ladder flame testPeriodic audit

Inspection certificate

Issued with every drum, listing the routine test results for that length.

Product approvals

BS 5308-1 / PAS 5308-1 Type 2 CompliantBS EN 10257-1 Galvanised SWABS EN 60332-1-2 & 60332-3-24

Company certificates

ISO 9001ISO 14001ISO 45001VDE marks approvalUL / cULCE · LVD / EMC

Marking & supply

Ordering & delivery

Sheath marking

TEBAOFLEX BS 5308 PART 1 TYPE 2 <size> 300/500V CAM/ICAM SWA CE
Delivery form
Non-returnable fumigated wooden drums
Standard lengths
500 m · 1000 m standard drums (cut lengths on request)
MOQ
500 m (stock sizes) · 1000 m (custom)
Lead time
2–4 weeks ex-works
Incoterms
EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF, DAP

Technical documents

Downloads

PDFBS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 Armoured Instrumentation Cable – technical datasheet17 sizes · construction, technical data, approvalsXLSXBS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 spec data (Excel)All 17 sizes with dimensions and data, for your BOM or quotation
Revision
2026-10-20
Updated
2026-10-20

FAQ

Questions engineers ask first

Not covered here? Send your drawing — an engineer replies within 2 business hours.

Why does BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 offer a Lead Alloy E or Al-PE/Polyamide barrier option?
Polyethylene (PE) core insulation has outstanding electrical properties, but low-molecular-weight aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, condensate) in waterlogged refinery soil can slowly permeate standard PVC/PE sheaths and swell PE insulation. Adding a seamless Lead Alloy E sheath (LCL) or a bonded Aluminium-PE/Polyamide laminate barrier beneath the SWA provides 100 % chemical impermeability.
When is standard BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 (PE/PVC bedding + SWA) sufficient without a lead sheath?
Standard Type 2 (extruded PE or PVC inner bedding + Galvanised Steel Wire Armour + PVC or LSZH outer sheath) is the workhorse specification for above-ground pipe racks, concrete trenches, culvert trays, and uncontaminated direct-burial ground.
How does BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 compare with BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2?
Both use Galvanised Steel Wire Armour (SWA), but Part 1 Type 2 uses low-capacitance PE or XLPE core insulation (≤ 75–115 pF/m, ≥ 5000 MΩ·km), whereas Part 2 Type 2 uses PVC core insulation (≤ 250 pF/m, ≥ 25 MΩ·km).
How should the screen and drain wire of BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 be earthed in instrumentation and Ex-i loops?
To prevent circulating 50/60 Hz ground-loop currents from coupling into millivolt or 4–20 mA signals, the Al/PET screen and tinned copper drain wire of BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 should be bonded to the clean instrumentation earth bar at one end only (typically in the control/marshalling cabinet) and insulated against chassis contact at the field transmitter or junction box, in accordance with IEC 60079-14 and EN 50288-7.

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BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 Armoured Instrumentation Cable

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