How to Choose the Right Electric Wire for Your Project?
Introduction
Imagine a building as a human body and electric wires as the nerves of that body. Like our body, just as different kinds of nerves are responsible for transmitting various nerve impulses, electric wires are responsible for transmitting various types of electrical signals with different current ratings.
In any kind of electrical system, the choice of the right wire with the right certifications is important. Be it electric house wires for home electrical systems of residential projects or high-current carrying wires in industrial setups, the understanding of different applications of electrical wiring is vital:
Residential, Commercial, or Industrial
The wiring needs to change throughout each type of project. Based on the environment of use, select light-duty or heavy-duty wires.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
Cable used outdoors must be able to take heat, moisture or UV exposure. The inside wiring can be lighter, but it must still comply with flame-retardant standards.
Load Requirements
The size and insulation type of a wire depends on its electrical load. Using wires that are too small can cause overheating; however, using wires that are too large will add cost and bulk.
Know the Wire Types
Different types of wires represent different features that are vital to the functioning of distinct features. Commonly used variants include single-core, multi-core, rigid, solid, and stranded wires. In this comparison table is a summary of their distinctive features:
| Feature | Single-core | Multi-core | Flexible | Rigid | Solid | Stranded |
| Conductor Count | 1 | Multiple | Multiple strands | Thick/single strand | 1 solid wire | Bundled thin wires |
| Flexibility | Low | High | Very High | Low | Low | High |
| Durability | High (static) | Moderate | Moderate (moving) | High (static) | High (static) | High (moving) |
| Application Type | Fixed wiring | Complex connections | Moving parts/machinery | Infrastructure | Internal wiring | Robotics, panels |
| Cost | Low | Higher | Higher | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
Check Voltage & Current Ratings.
Ampacity is how much current a wire can carry without overheating.
Choose wire gauge (AWG/SWG) that suits load, distance and application environment.
Use case tip.
Thicker ones suit power-intensive equipment, while thinner ones are suitable for low-voltage lighting or control.
Insulation & Sheathing Matters.
Insulation type impacts our flexibility, durability and safety from PVC to XLPE & frls.
Select based on resistance requirements – weatherproofing, flame retardance, or chemical exposure.
Use case tip.
- Use FRLS in indoor commercial settings and XLPE for outdoor or underground installations
Certifications & Compliance.
Look for ISI, BIS, RoHS, and similar marks that ensure safety and performance standards.
Certifications prevent failure, ensure compliance and confirm the safety of the assurance product
Use case tip.
- Always check the paper regardless of whether it is Government or Industry, or export projects.
Match With the Right Colour Codes
The right colours should be matched as per the Indian colour codes - (Phase, Neutral, Earth)
Colour coding ensures clarity during installation and maintenance
Consider the Length & Routing
It is important to estimate wire length correctly.
It is pertinent to plan for bends, joints and conduits.
Cost vs Quality
Balancing budget and performance is important to get the perfect quality within the project budget, which leads to better project efficiency.
Compliant and Trusted brands and sourcing partners ensure the credibility and safety of the wires chosen for project execution.
Need help sourcing the right wire?
Headsup B2B ensures the right fit for your electrical needs – from specs to supply.
