Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) and Steel Tape Armoured (STA) power cables are two types of armoured cables widely used in power transmission. With their unique armouring structures, they possess excellent mechanical protection performance and environmental adaptability, suitable for various complex scenarios.​ SWA armoured cables use multiple strands of galvanized steel wires as the armouring layer. The steel wires are usually spirally wound around the cable core. This structure endows the cable with excellent tensile and impact resistance, effectively withstanding longitudinal tension and external impacts during laying and use. The number and diameter of steel wires in the armouring layer vary with the cable specifications to match different mechanical strength requirements. STA armoured cables, on the other hand, adopt steel tape armouring. The steel tape wraps around the cable core through longitudinal wrapping or spiral winding, forming a solid protective layer. It mainly provides radial pressure resistance, effectively resisting external radial forces such as soil pressure and rodent bites.​ In terms of structure, both types of armoured cables consist of conductors, insulation layers, filling layers, inner liners, armouring layers, and outer sheaths. The conductors are mostly high-purity copper or aluminum, ensuring good conductivity. The insulation layers are commonly made of XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), with excellent electrical insulation properties. The filling layers and inner liners are used to fix the cable core and buffer external forces. The outer sheath is usually PVC or PE (polyethylene), which has acid and alkali resistance, corrosion resistance and other characteristics, further protecting the armouring layer and internal structure.​ In terms of performance, the rated voltage of SWA and STA armoured cables ranges from 0.6/1kV to 110kV, meeting the needs of low-voltage and medium-voltage power transmission. Their long-term operating temperature depends on the insulation material. XLPE insulated cables can reach 90℃, PVC insulated cables are 70℃, and both can withstand higher temperatures in case of short circuits (250℃ for XLPE and 160℃ for PVC). In terms of mechanical properties, the tensile strength of SWA cables is significantly higher than that of STA cables, making them more suitable for scenarios requiring large tensile force, such as direct burial crossing rivers and bridges. STA cables have outstanding radial pressure resistance, suitable for underground direct burial environments with high soil pressure.​ In application scenarios, SWA armoured cables are often used in occasions that need to bear tension, such as underground direct burial crossing railways and highways, vertical wiring in high-rise buildings, and connecting lines of mobile equipment in ships and mines. STA armoured cables are widely used in ordinary underground direct burial laying, such as urban distribution networks, power transmission in industrial parks, and main lines in residential communities, which can effectively cope with soil extrusion and external mechanical damage. In addition, both types of cables are suitable for humid, dusty and corrosive environments, such as chemical parks and sewage treatment plants. The combined protection of the armouring layer and outer sheath enables them to operate stably for a long time.​ In terms of installation and maintenance, attention should be paid to the bending radius when laying SWA and STA armoured cables to avoid excessive bending damaging the armouring layer and insulation layer. Due to the characteristics of steel wire armouring, SWA cables are relatively difficult to bend and require special tools; STA cables are slightly more flexible, but they also need to follow installation specifications. After laying, insulation resistance test and withstand voltage test should be carried out to ensure the cable is in good condition. In daily maintenance, it is necessary to regularly check whether the outer sheath is damaged and whether the armouring layer is rusted. For cables exposed to harsh environments, anti-corrosion and anti-erosion measures should be taken to extend their service life.​ In conclusion, SWA and STA armoured power cables play an important role in different power transmission scenarios with their unique armouring structures and performance advantages, providing a reliable guarantee for the safe and stable operation of power systems.