Electrical wires are the root of modern homes. With a good wire, we are able to enjoy the power of electricity and keep our homes cooled or heated depending upon the environment. So, it is vital to have good wire connections to keep our homes comfortable. There are different types of cables available for different loads.
As for normal use, you need 1.5MM wire. For heavy loads like AC, you might need 2.5mm wire and so on. You can consult with your electrician to find a suitable one for you.
Despite the importance of wires in our home, most people take them for granted. Installing unrecognized, or abnormal brand wires in our homes can bring major issues down the road. These wires don’t hold up well. Wear and tear will take its toll, and issues will arise every now and again. So, it is really important to install wires from recognized and trusted brands in our homes.
Best Cable & Wire Companies
1) Havells
Havells is one of the trusted brands when it comes to electrical equipment. They have been manufacturing and selling a wide range of electrical equipment for more than half a decade. When it comes to cables and wires, Havells is India’s largest manufacturer producing a range of industrial cables such as Multicore Cables, Low Voltage and High Voltage Cables, EHV capable Extra High Voltage Cables, etc.
These wires and cables from Havells are manufactured from eco-friendly norms and are safe, reliable, fire-retardant, fire-resistant, lead-free, and halogen-free. So you can buy wires from Havells with 100 percent confidence. To run electric switches properly, you need the best cables.
Features:
ROHS Compliant – These wires follow the standards, and are ROHS compliant.
Corrosion Resistance – The copper and aluminum wires from the Havells are resistant against corrosion, and are safe from termite or rodent attacks.
Pros
- High insulation resistance
- Comes in different sizes and colors
- High electricity conductivity
Cons
- It is a premium quality product that requires a premium price. The price is a bit high with this one.
2) Polycab
Polycab has gone on to become a popular manufacturer of electrical goods in the Indian market. With many years of experience, the company has been able to come up with quality products. It has not only been a manufacturer of different appliances but also of wires and cables.
The company uses a sophisticated technology process that offers better safety during different situations. It is also very durable and makes sure there will be a non-toxic and safe formulation. Being an experienced electronics manufacturer, it is also come up with heat resistance and flame retardant technology for maximizing safety.
Features
- Low Halogen Insulation — This helps to improve visibility when there are low levels of toxic fumes
- Anti-Rodent Protection – It helps to protect from bites due to rat
Pros
- High heat resistance
- Pure copper wire
- Flame retardant technology
Cons
- The pricing is slightly on the higher side.
3) RADILITE
Another brand that we don’t want to miss out is RADILITE. Even this brand has established itself as a pioneer in manufacturing quality electric cable. The flexible design of the RADILITE copper wire makes it suitable for both domestic and industrial purposes. What makes the brand reliable is at it has a high current capacity along with a high-temperature index.
Even the triple layer of PVC coating helps to enhance durability as well as safety. Not just that, RADILITE also lets you choose from the length and the color of your preference. This makes it perfect for different applications including electrical machinery and electrical fitting. The brand has been successful to come up with oxygen-free copper that provides better oxidation resistance with high conductivity.
Features
- Oxygen-Free Copper — This helps in improving conductivity and resisting oxidation
- Superior Insulation — It can offer better protection from corrosion and rodent attacks
Pros
- High current capacity
- 99.99% pure copper
- Excellent electrical conductivity
Cons
- It is a relatively new product.
4) V-Guard
V-Guard is again one of the oldest and trustable wire companies in India. Founded in the year 1977, they have been manufacturing electrical components for more than 40 years now. They are known for their quality in cables manufacturing. With strong R&D support, V-Guard develops high-quality cables that meet the most challenging applications and bring about improvements.
They produce triple layered PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) insulated Wires with HFT technology. These wires are manufactured in accordance with the ISI standards. So, you can keep your full trust with V-Guard to deliver quality electrical wires which ensures triple protection for your home.
Features
Less heat generation – They are made to produce less heat, so you can save electricity and energy bills.
Anti-rodent and Anti-termite protection – You can safely install this wire with no worries from rodents or termites.
Pros
- Comes in different colors and size
- Insulated cables
- Good length for house works
Cons
- Priced slightly on the higher side
5) RR Kabel
RR Kabel is one of the pioneers in wire design and application technology. With more than 20 years of experience, the wires made by the RR Kabel are guaranteed to safeguard your environments in offices, retail spaces, industrial plants, and residences.
Not only house wires, but RR Kabel also makes a variety of wires such as PVC flame retardant, flame retardant low smoke, and low halogen, etc. They have 18 different certifications for achievements in different categories. So it makes RR Kabel the first company with such achievements.
Features
PVC insulation – This makes the wires highly durable
Lead-free – The wire has no environmental effects as it is completely lead-free. So you can safely install this in your home without any worries.
Pros
- Good conductivity
- Highly durable
Cons
- Doesn’t come in different colors or size
6) Anchor
We will certainly not miss out on Anchor which has been a top Indian brand for electronic goods. Anchor is a brand by Panasonic which is another leader of electronic appliances. Over the years, it has come up with superior quality wires that have made it a popular choice for many homes in India.
One of the best things about Anchor wires is that their wires come with high insulation resistance. You can have many options that enable you to use it for a variety of applications. Not just that, Anchor wires will also offer you better flexibility. Above all, it is safe to use and meets the safety standards of RoHS.
Features
- RoHS Compliant — Meets the standards set by RoHS
- 100% Electrolytic Grade Copper — It can offer better electrical conductivity with high performance
Pros
- High voltage industrial cable
- Molecular firefighters
- Up to 20% bending radius
Cons
- None so far.
Buying Guide for Electrical wires
There are various things to check for when buying an electrical wire, so you have to be careful in choosing the right wire for your needs. To help you with the process of buying, we’ve detailed some things to look out for when buying a wire. So you can choose the perfect wire for your needs.
Type of the wire
The type of wire plays an important role in deciding the wire. So you have to be careful in choosing the right type of materials. There are mainly two materials available such as aluminum and copper. Copper wires have some advantages over aluminum like high flexibility and conductivity. So it is wise to choose copper wire for your home use.
Colour of the wire
You need to choose the appropriate colors of the electric wires according to the insulation type and capability.
Quality
Quality wires are preferred because of their longevity. They tend to cost high because of the premium materials involved with the creation of the wire, but it is advisable to choose this over common wires. Quality wires have high durability so they can last for a long time without any problems.
In the long run, quality wires save you money. They also have less heat generation. They can save money by reducing the energy bill. So quality wires with a high cost should be preferred.
Length and Size of the wire
The length and the size of the wire depend upon the area of the building that the wire should cover. The length and size of the wire should be given importance cause buying a wire with less or more length than the required amount can cost you more.
You will have extra unused wire or less than the required amount of wire if you don’t choose the right amount. Buy the wire with the correct length and size that covers your home to save money.
Other features
The wire should be completely lead-free as lead harms the environment and is considered dangerous for people. So it is important that the wire has no lead in it. Anti-rodent, Anti-termite are necessary for a wire as it protects it from rats and mites. Also, make sure the wire is resistant to water, heat, and high temperature. These may not seem important but in the long run, these features keep your wire without any damages.
Different Types of Wires and Cables
There are many types of cables and wires. The most common is the solid wire that comes with a polyethylene insulation jacket. Generally, in the market, there are two types of wires:
- AC wire
- DC wire
Bear in mind; it is imperative to understand that both AC and DC current has different types of applications. While AC wires are required for transmission, DC is used by all the appliances. In our household, AC transmission needs 230 AV while DC devices work on 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V.
AC wire vs. DC wire
- Insulation: AC wires have no zinc coating while DC wires have a zinc coating
- Tinned cover: AC wires have a single tinned cover while DC wires have a double tinned cover.
- Application: AC wires work on AC operators, while DC wires work on DC appliances or self-power generation.
- Voltage: AC wires have a voltage of 230 AV to 240 AV, while DC wires have a voltage of 20 V to 1100 V.
Other Types of Wires:
There are other common types of wires found in the market as well:
- Coaxial cable: Generally used in radio and TV transmissions, this type of wire is used in devices where no risk of electrical interference can be taken. They are also called network cables.
- Ethernet cables: Widely used in a wired network, these cables are used to connect LAN with devices such as switches, routers, or pc.
- CCTV cables: These cable wires are used in combination with communication and cable wires. Communication wires are used to record images and connect with the data center.
- Submersible cables: Ideally used in direct burial or inside wall casting, they can be used in fresh or saltwater with a submersible.
- Computer cables: These cables are used to connect a computer to its power source. They are also called cords, plugs, or connectors. Variations include DVI, HDMI, or USB cables.
Buying Guide (addition):
- Voltage: One of the things you need to pay attention to while buying a cable is its voltage. Post testing the manufacturer specifies the insulation breakdown voltage. You can get this on the box of the cable. If the specification is higher than the voltage of your system, then go for it.
- Ability to Handle Overheating: Often overlooked, this is an important aspect to keep in mind while buying cables and wires. The wires need to handle electricity safely without getting overheated or heating up their insulation. The amount of heat that is generated can be calculated by the current that is passing through the wire and its resistance.
What are some of the Top Companies?
The top cable companies for buying the best quality electric wire in India are Polycab India, Sterlite Cables, Finolex Cables, Havells India, KEI Industries, RR cables, etc. These are also the best companies for house wirings.
Conclusion
As mentioned in the Introduction, electrical wires are the root of the building. So it is important to choose quality wiring that lasts a long time. We hope our review and buying guide helps you in choosing the perfect wire for your need.
