1 / 5

Product

BS 5308-2 Type 2 SWA armoured cableBS 5308 Part 2 Type 2Galvanised SWA · PVC Cores300/500 V · CAM / ICAM

BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 Armoured Instrumentation CableBritish Standard PVC-insulated galvanised steel wire armoured instrumentation cable

British Standard 300/500 V armoured instrumentation cable built to BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 with Class 1, 2 or 5 copper conductors, PVC (TI 1) insulation, CAM or ICAM Al/PET screen, extruded bedding, galvanised steel wire armour (SWA) and PVC or LSZH sheath.

Low-EMC design
EMC screen
Oil-resistant
Outdoor & humid
Order designation
BS5308-2-T2 5P×1.5 ICAM SWA
Outer Ø ≈
22.6 mm
Copper weight
172 kg/km
Total weight ≈
985 kg/km
Min. bend R (fixed)
226 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 5308-2 · 1000/2000 V AC test
Armouring
Galvanised SWA
BS EN 10257-1 round steel wires
Insulation
PVC (Type TI 1)
BS EN 50363-3 · −40…+70 °C
Max. L/R ratio
≤ 25 / 40 µH/Ω
0.5–1.0 mm² (25) · 1.5 mm² (40)
Capacitance
≤ 250 pF/m
core-to-core at 1 kHz (TI 1 PVC)
Bend radius
10 × OD
fixed routing & trench burial

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

Application fit

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

Engineered for direct-burial trenches, outdoor pipe racks and exposed industrial plant runs in chemical, water, power and general process facilities specifying BS 5308 Part 2.

TBM gantry & advancing tunnel reel

Suitable

Galvanised steel wire armour (SWA) over extruded PVC bedding provides full mechanical protection for direct burial.

Offshore platform & shipboard deck trays

Suitable

UV-stabilised PVC or LSZH outer sheath and SWA armour resist impact, weather and rodent attack.

Fixed installation

Suitable

Terminates into standard BS 6121 (E1W) and Ex-d/Ex-e double-compression armoured cable glands.

Typical machinesChemical & Pharmaceutical Production ComplexesWater & Wastewater Utility NetworksPower Stations, Boilers & Tank FarmsCement, Paper & Heavy ManufacturingIntrinsically Safe (Ex-i) Outdoor Loops

Construction

Layer by layer

Shown: BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 ICAM SWA 5P×1.5 mm² (7/0.53 mm) with PVC (TI 1) Black/Blue numbered pairs, individual & collective Al/PET screens, extruded PVC bedding, 1.6 mm 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 mm²) or Class 2 (1.5 mm², 7/0.53 mm)Exact BS 5308-2 conductor stranding classes
2PVC core insulation (Type TI 1)Extruded PVC Type TI 1 to BS EN 50363-3 (≥ 25 MΩ·km at +20 °C)Flexible, flame-retardant core insulation
3CAM or ICAM Al/PET electrostatic screenAluminium/PET tape + 0.5 mm² (16/0.20 mm) tinned copper drain wire100 % electrostatic interference rejection
4Extruded PVC inner bedding (Type TM 1)Extruded PVC compound filling interstices over the collective screenProvides a circular, moisture-tight seat for E1W / Ex-d gland inner seals
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)Withstands trench backfill crush, impact, pulling load and rodents
6Flame-retardant PVC or LSZH outer sheathExtruded PVC Type TM 1 or LSZH Type LTS 1 with ripcord, Black RAL 9005 or Blue RAL 5015 (Ex-i)BS EN 60332-1-2 & BS EN 60332-3-24 Cat C flame retardant

Part 2 Type 2 CAM SWA

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

Part 2 Type 2 ICAM SWA

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

Technical data

Ratings & operating limits

Typical values: Typical values for this cable type, based on BS 5308-2 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
≥ 25 MΩ·km at +20 °C
Max. mutual capacitance (at 1 kHz)
≤ 250 pF/m (core/core) · ≤ 450 pF/m (core/screen)
Max. L/R ratio
≤ 25 µH/Ω (0.5–1.0 mm²) · ≤ 40 µH/Ω (1.5 mm²)

Thermal

Operating temperature, fixed
−40 °C to +70 °C
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

Resistance

Flame retardance
BS EN 60332-1-2 & BS EN 60332-3-24 (Cat C)
Direct burial & impact
Full mechanical protection via galvanised SWA

Reference standards

Design standard
BS 5308-2 / PAS 5308-2 Type 2
Conductor & armour standards
BS EN 60228 & BS EN 10257-1

Identification

Core identification
Pairs: Black / Blue numbered (or multi-colour coding per App. A)
Outer sheath colour
Black (RAL 9005) or Blue (RAL 5015 Ex-i)
Customs tariff (HS)
8544.49

Sizes

17 standard BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 (PVC 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) PVC Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-2-T2 1P×0.5 CAM SWA1×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)0.9 mm SWA10.916238109
BS5308-2-T2 2P×0.5 CAM SWA2×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)0.9 mm SWA13.826352138
BS5308-2-T2 5P×0.5 ICAM SWA5×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)1.25 mm SWA18.272628182
BS5308-2-T2 10P×0.5 ICAM SWA10×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)1.6 mm SWA22.8138940228
BS5308-2-T2 20P×0.5 ICAM SWA20×2×0.5 mm² (16/0.20)1.6 mm SWA28.42681,425284
0.75 mm² (24/0.20 mm) PVC Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-2-T2 1P×0.75 CAM SWA1×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)0.9 mm SWA11.421260114
BS5308-2-T2 2P×0.75 CAM SWA2×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)0.9 mm SWA14.636395146
BS5308-2-T2 5P×0.75 ICAM SWA5×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)1.25 mm SWA19.496710194
BS5308-2-T2 10P×0.75 ICAM SWA10×2×0.75 mm² (24/0.20)1.6 mm SWA24.81861,110248
1.0 mm² (32/0.20 mm) PVC Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-2-T2 1P×1.0 CAM SWA1×2×1.0 mm² (32/0.20)0.9 mm SWA11.826282118
BS5308-2-T2 5P×1.0 ICAM SWA5×2×1.0 mm² (32/0.20)1.25 mm SWA20.5122788205
BS5308-2-T2 10P×1.0 ICAM SWA10×2×1.0 mm² (32/0.20)1.6 mm SWA26.22361,245262
1.5 mm² (7/0.53 mm) PVC Type 2 SWA Armoured
BS5308-2-T2 1P×1.5 CAM SWA1×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)0.9 mm SWA12.636322126
BS5308-2-T2 2P×1.5 CAM SWA2×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)1.25 mm SWA17.265565172
BS5308-2-T2 5P×1.5 ICAM SWA5×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)1.6 mm SWA22.6172985226
BS5308-2-T2 10P×1.5 ICAM SWA10×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)1.6 mm SWA29.03361,555290
BS5308-2-T2 20P×1.5 ICAM SWA20×2×1.5 mm² (7/0.53)2.0 mm SWA37.86622,620378
  • Typical values for this cable type; dimensions and weights for your order are confirmed in the quotation.
  • 6, 12, 24 and 36-core SWA armoured multicore instrumentation cables to BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 are also supplied.

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 test5 min / 1 min AC withstand test without breakdownEvery manufactured drum
Sample tests
BS EN 10257-1 galvanised steel armour wire verificationWire diameter, tensile strength and zinc coating massPer armour lot

Inspection certificate

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

Product approvals

BS 5308-2 / PAS 5308-2 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 2 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 2 Type 2 Armoured Instrumentation Cable – technical datasheet17 sizes · construction, technical data, approvalsXLSXBS 5308 Part 2 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.

How do I choose between BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 and BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2?
Both feature Galvanised Steel Wire Armour (SWA) for direct burial and outdoor mechanical protection. Choose Part 2 Type 2 (PVC core insulation) for general chemical, water, power, and industrial plants where flexible PVC cores simplify cabinet termination; choose Part 1 Type 2 (PE or XLPE core insulation) for long-run petrochemical and Ex-i circuits that require low mutual capacitance (≤ 75–115 pF/m).
What is the difference between Type 2 and Type 3 in BS 5308 Part 2?
In BS 5308 Part 2, Type 1 is unarmoured, Type 2 is armoured with round Galvanised Steel Wire Armour (SWA) over an extruded PVC bedding, and Type 3 uses a lead sheath barrier under the SWA for severe aromatic solvent environments.
Can BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 be supplied with a Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen (LSZH) bedding and outer sheath?
Yes. Under PAS 5308-2, we supply LSZH-sheathed executions (or full XLPE/LSZH under Part 1 Type 2) when cables enter control buildings or enclosed tunnels.
How should the screen and drain wire of BS 5308 Part 2 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 2 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.

Request a quote

Get an engineering quote for BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2

Your selection and application details are copied into the enquiry form below.

01Selected sizes

Use + Add next to a size or configuration.

02Reel & motion

Add your operating conditions here to include them in your enquiry.

03Message for our engineers

BS 5308 Part 2 Type 2 Armoured Instrumentation Cable

Selected sizes:


Reel & motion:
- Reel type: 
- Drum core diameter (mm): 
- Cable length on drum (m): 
- Travel speed (m/min): 
- Max. acceleration: 
- Cycles per hour: 
- Length and quantity: 
- Ambient temperature: 
- Exposure (outdoor, water, oil, abrasion): 
- Destination country: 
- Equipment and operating conditions:
Send via WhatsApp

BS 5308-2 unarmoured

BS 5308 Part 2 Type 1

Unarmoured BS 5308 Part 2 Type 1 PVC instrumentation cable

View productBS 5308-1 PE SWA

BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2

PE/XLPE-insulated SWA armoured BS 5308 Part 1 Type 2 cable

View productEN 50288-7 PE SWA

RE-2Y(st)Y SWAY

European EN 50288-7 PE/PVC SWA armoured instrumentation cable

View productEN 50288-7 PVC unarmoured

RE-Y(st)Y

European EN 50288-7 PVC/PVC instrumentation cable

View product
DatasheetRequest a quote