Building Utilities Practice Exam

Armored cable is specifically designed with a protective outer layer that often includes steel wires. This construction serves multiple purposes: it provides physical protection against damage from impacts, crushing, and various environmental factors, making it ideal for installations in settings where cables may be exposed to rough conditions. The steel adds strength and durability, ensuring that the cable can withstand mechanical wear and tear while still maintaining the integrity of the electrical conductors inside.

In contrast, while guy wire is used for tensile support in utility poles and towers, it does not serve as a protective wrapping for electrical cables. Submarine cable is specialized for underwater communication and power transmission but does not typically feature steel protective layers in the same manner as armored cable. Flexible conduit, while useful for protecting wiring and allowing for movement, does not have the same level of rugged, protective skin that armored cable offers. Thus, armored cable's design and intended use distinctly align it with the characteristics mentioned in the question.