A Practical Guide by Elcab Engineers, Bangalore
When building or renovating a house, people often focus on flooring, paint colors, the kitchen, or interiors. However, one of the most crucial parts of a home is hidden — the electrical wiring inside the walls.
Electrical wiring is not just about supplying power. It is also about safety. Choosing the wrong wire can lead to overheating, frequent power trips, damage to appliances, and, in severe cases, fire hazards. Today, homes often use heavy appliances like air conditioners, geysers, microwaves, washing machines, and inverters. This makes the quality of wiring more important than ever.
At Elcab Engineers Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, we help homeowners, electricians, and builders select the right electrical materials. This straightforward guide will show you which electrical wire is suitable for house wiring.
Why the Right Electrical Wire is Important
Wiring is installed once but remains inside the walls for decades. If the wire quality is poor or the size is incorrect, problems will gradually arise:
– MCB keeps tripping
– Lights flicker
– Voltage drops
– Wires heat up
– Appliances stop working properly
Good wiring offers peace of mind. It keeps the power supply stable, helps appliances last longer, and, most importantly, keeps your home safe.
Copper Wire or Aluminium Wire? Copper Wires — Best for Homes
Copper wiring is always recommended for residential houses.
Copper conducts electricity efficiently, produces less heat, and holds connections securely. It also lasts for many years without problems. Modern homes require wiring that can safely handle heavy loads, and copper does that reliably.
Aluminium Wires
Aluminium wires are cheaper and are mainly used for outdoor power distribution or large electrical networks. They are not ideal for indoor use because they heat up more, and connections may loosen over time.
For internal house wiring, copper wiring is the safer and correct choice.
Many people only compare prices, but the type of insulation is actually more important than the brand.
FR Wire: Provides basic flame-retardant protection.
FRLS Wire (Recommended): FRLS stands for Flame Retardant Low Smoke. In case of
fire, this wire produces very little smoke, reducing the risk of suffocation
and improving safety inside the house. This is why most electricians recommend
FRLS wiring for homes and apartments.
Fire Survival / HRFR Wires: These are mainly used in high-rise buildings, hospitals, and commercial properties where extra fire protection is needed.
For a normal house or apartment, FRLS copper wire is the safest and most practical option.
Correct Wire Size (Very Important)
Even a good quality wire can be risky if the size is wrong.
Usage | Recommended Size
Lights & Fans | 1.0 – 1.5 sqmm
Regular plug points | 1.5 sqmm
16A sockets | 2.5 sqmm
Geyser | 4 sqmm
Air conditioner | 4 – 6 sqmm
Main power supply | 6 – 10 sqmm
Most overheating and frequent tripping issues in homes happen simply because a smaller wire was used for a heavy appliance.
Which Brands Are Reliable?
Professional electricians usually prefer trusted brands because they ensure consistency in copper purity and insulation quality. Common brands include:
– Polycab
– KEI
– Finolex
– V-Guard
Using genuine branded wires is always safer than choosing unknown low-cost alternatives.
A Few Safety Tips
Before starting house wiring, remember these points:
– Always use ISI-marked wires
– Ensure proper earthing
– Install the correct MCB rating
– Avoid mixing copper and aluminium wiring
– Purchase materials from an authorized electrical supplier
Electrical wiring is not an area where saving a small amount is worth the risk.
Choosing the Right Wire Matters
The best electrical wire for house wiring in India is properly sized FRLS insulated copper wire from a reliable supplier. Good wiring is about more than just electricity — it protects your appliances, your property, and most importantly, your family’s safety.
During construction or renovation, wiring will remain inside the walls for many years. Selecting the right type and size now can prevent future problems like overheating, voltage fluctuations, and frequent power trips.
If you are planning a new home or upgrading your electrical setup, it is wise to discuss your load requirements with experienced professionals before purchasing materials.
Elcab Engineers Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore supplies genuine electrical wires, cables, switches, MCBs, RCCBs, lighting, and complete electrical materials for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. Our team can help you choose suitable products based on your usage, load requirement, and budget.
FAQs
Which wire is safest for home wiring?
FRLS insulated copper wire is considered the safest for residential use.
Why do wires heat up?
Usually due to overload, loose connections, or incorrect wire size.
How long does house wiring last?
Good quality copper wiring can last 20–30 years if installed properly.
Is cheaper wire okay for small houses?
No. The load may be small today, but appliances tend to increase over time, so always use good-quality wiring.
