How to Terminate SWA Cable
- 1). Strip 1 inch of outer insulation from the SWA wire, using the wire cutters. This will expose the steel jacket, with the second layer of insulation beneath.
- 2). Fray the steel insulation carefully. Snip the shielding at the base strand by strand, using the wire cutters. This is far easier than attempting to cut the entire shield at once.
- 3). Strip the second layer of insulation, so that it is 1 inch longer than the steel armor. This exposes the inner individual conductors.
- 4). Strip 3/4 inch of insulation from each inner conductor, using the wire strippers.
- 5). Set the SWA wire's inner conductors parallel with the wires in the junction box. Slide a wire nut over each connection. Screw the nuts on clockwise until hand-tight. Do not overtighten.
- 6). Tighten the strain relief clamp at the junction box's entry point that the SWA cable passes through. Use the Philips or flat-head screwdriver to make this termination.
- 7). Screw the cover plate onto the junction box, using the flat-head screwdriver.
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