Armor refers to a protective outer layer made of metal braid or spiral steel tapes, applied to a cable to provide mechanical protection from physical damage.
In commercial and industrial cabling applications, armor serves as a robust defense mechanism for electrical and communication cables in demanding environments. Typically composed of interlocking steel tape or metallic braid, armor is applied over the cable’s outer sheath to safeguard against impacts, crushing, abrasion, and other forms of external stress. This makes armored cables a preferred choice in environments where cables are exposed to machinery, foot traffic, or harsh conditions such as construction zones, manufacturing plants, or underground pathways.
Armor does not function as an electrical shield or conductor, it is purely mechanical in purpose. However, its presence can influence the cable’s flexibility, weight, and installation methods. While the underlying cable construction may include shielding for electrical interference, the armor itself ensures physical durability without interfering with signal transmission.
Also referred to as Armored Cable or Metal-Clad (MC) in certain commercial applications.
Regulated by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and often evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for compliance with safety and performance guidelines in industrial settings.
The concept of cable armoring has existed since the early days of telegraph and submarine cables in the 19th century. Early engineers wrapped metal tape around vulnerable cable assemblies to protect them from rough terrain and environmental hazards. Over time, these methods evolved into standardized armor constructions used in modern infrastructure projects.