Reading the cable codes
German-style codes describe the construction layer by layer: N standard type, Y PVC, B steel tape armour, R round steel wire armour, 2X XLPE. So NYY is a copper cable with PVC insulation and a PVC sheath; NYBY adds steel tape armour; NYRY adds steel wire armour. British-style codes say the same in plain words, for example Cu/XLPE/SWA/PVC: copper conductor, XLPE insulation, steel wire armour, PVC outer sheath.
NYY (unarmoured)
Lighter, more flexible and easier to terminate. Use it where the cable is protected by the route itself: in conduit, on cable tray or ladder inside buildings and plant rooms, and in ducts. It is not designed to resist impact or crushing.
Armoured cable (SWA / NYRY / NYBY)
The steel armour protects against impact, crushing and rodents. Use it for direct burial, outdoor runs, cable trenches, yards and plant areas where vehicles or tools can hit the cable. Single-core armoured cables use aluminium wire armour (AWA), because steel armour around a single AC conductor heats up from induced currents.
The armour can also serve as the circuit's protective conductor if the designer confirms that its cross-section is enough for the fault current; otherwise run a separate earth conductor.
PVC or XLPE insulation?
XLPE insulation runs at a conductor temperature of 90 °C against 70 °C for PVC, so the same size of XLPE cable carries more current. That makes XLPE the usual choice for hot climates like Saudi Arabia and for larger feeders. Check the maker's rating tables for the exact current-carrying capacity of each size.
Glands and accessories
Armoured cable needs glands that clamp and earth the armour: type BW for indoor use and type CW (with an outer seal) outdoors or where water and dust are present. NYY uses simpler compression glands. Order lugs to match the conductor size and material, and heat-shrink or cold-shrink terminations where the cable enters panels outdoors.
What to send us for a quotation
Number of cores and size (for example 4 × 95 mm²), conductor (copper or aluminium), insulation (PVC or XLPE), armour (none, SWA, AWA, steel tape), standard required, length per drum and the preferred maker. We can quote the glands, lugs and terminations on the same offer.
Common questions
Can NYY cable be buried directly in the ground?
It is not designed for it. For direct burial use armoured cable, or lay NYY inside a protective duct as the project specification allows.
Why does single-core armoured cable use aluminium armour?
With alternating current, a steel armour around a single conductor carries induced currents and heats up. Aluminium is non-magnetic and avoids this, so single-core cables use AWA.
Is XLPE cable better than PVC?
XLPE runs at 90 °C instead of 70 °C, so the same size carries more current and copes better with heat. PVC is fine for many indoor final circuits; the right choice depends on the load and installation.
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This guide is general information. Final selection must follow the project design, the applicable standards and the maker's data.