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Could somebody please explain what the electrician means when he says 16mm2 swa wire. What does this mean?

Thanks

16mm/2 steel wired armoured.
It is a large cable probably used fer running a sub main, possibly outside.

Hi Karl.
The size of the conductors within in the cable are 16mm2 CSA (Cross-Sectional Area). The larger the CSA the more current will be allowed to pass through the cable safely. SWA cable can come in number of sizes.

SWA= Steel Wired Armoured, this is what is known as a mechanical protected cable as steel braids run inside the cable between the PVC outer sheath and the cable conductors, preventing damage to the cable. Hench the term mechancical protection
This type of cable when used in a domestic install, would likely to be used in workshop areas like garages or outside cabling to garages, ponds, garden furniture etc...
Google "tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SW16slash2.html"
Regards
KB

Thanks brownie