Why is AWA cable often used for single-core armoured cables?

AWA cable is often used for single-core armoured cables because aluminium wire armour is non-magnetic. In single-core AC cable systems, the current creates a magnetic field around the conductor. If magnetic steel armour is used, induced currents may occur in the armour layer, which can cause additional heating and energy loss.
Using aluminium wire armour helps reduce this risk while still providing mechanical protection. This is why single-core armoured power cables commonly use AWA, while multi-core armoured cables more often use SWA.
Technical discussions on single-core cables explain that induced currents can occur in metallic sheaths or armour, and these currents may create losses and heating depending on bonding, earthing, and cable arrangement. For this reason, non-magnetic armour is commonly preferred for single-core AC armoured cable designs.