By Quick answer: In typical house wiring, 1.5 sq mm copper wire is used for lights and fans, 2.5 sq mm for ordinary sockets, and 4 sq mm for ACs, geysers and heavy kitchen appliances, with 6 sq mm or more for main lines, all as your electrician designs. Choose FRLS or HFFR insulation for homes, hotels and offices because they limit smoke and fire spread. Wires are sold in 90 metre coils. Get bulk wire and cable quotes.
Why wiring is worth getting right
Electrical wiring is concealed for decades, carries a real fire risk if undersized and is expensive to replace. In Varanasi, where summers bring long hours of AC load and voltage fluctuations, correct wire size and good insulation matter even more. Builders, hotel owners and factories ordering wire for an entire project can get better rates and consistent quality by comparing a few established brands on the same specification.
Wire sizes in plain words
Wire size is the cross-sectional area of the copper conductor in square millimetres (sq mm). Thicker wire carries more current without overheating.
| Size | Typical use in a house* |
|---|---|
| 1.0 sq mm | Some light circuits, control wiring |
| 1.5 sq mm | Lights and fans |
| 2.5 sq mm | 6 A / 16 A sockets, small appliances |
| 4 sq mm | AC, geyser, oven, heavy socket circuits |
| 6 sq mm | Sub-main lines, multiple ACs |
| 10 sq mm and above | Main supply from meter to distribution board |
*Your licensed electrician decides the actual size from the load, length of run and MCB rating. Always follow the design.
FR, FRLS, HFFR and ZHFR: what the letters mean
- FR (Flame Retardant): insulation resists catching fire and slows the spread of flame.
- FRLS (Flame Retardant Low Smoke): also gives off less smoke, important for escape in a fire.
- HFFR / ZHFR (Halogen Free / Zero Halogen Flame Retardant): gives off very little toxic gas and smoke; preferred in hotels, hospitals, schools and offices.
Wires for house wiring are made to IS 694. Look for the ISI mark, the size and the brand printed along the length of the wire.
Brands sold in Varanasi
Electrical dealers in the region stock Polycab, Havells, Finolex, KEI, RR Kabel and Anchor. Compare the same size, insulation type and coil length:
- 100 Coils Polycab Wires and Cables Quotes in Varanasi
- 100 Coils Havells Wires and Cables Quotes in Varanasi
- 100 Coils Finolex Wires and Cables Quotes in Varanasi
- 100 Coils KEI Wires and Cables Quotes in Varanasi
- 100 Coils RR Kabel Wires and Cables Quotes in Varanasi
- 100 Coils Anchor Wires and Cables Quotes in Varanasi
How to spot genuine wire
- Full length: a standard coil is 90 metres; measure one at random.
- Conductor: bright, multi-strand annealed copper, not copper-coated aluminium.
- Printing: brand, size, type and ISI mark along the sheath.
- Weight: a genuine coil of a given size has a consistent weight; compare with the brand's stated figure.
- Invoice: GST bill with brand, size, type and number of coils.
Counterfeit wire is a known problem in many markets, so buy from authorised dealers and keep the bill for warranty.
Planning quantities
A rough figure electricians use for a typical 2 to 3 BHK home is several coils of 1.5 sq mm, a few coils of 2.5 sq mm and one or two of 4 sq mm, plus earth wire and the main cable, but the actual number depends on the layout and number of points. Ask your electrician for a point-wise estimate and add a small margin. Apartment builders order by the floor or the block.
Cables for factories and commercial buildings
Industrial units and commercial buildings need armoured power cables (aluminium or copper, XLPE or PVC insulated), control cables and flexible cables for machinery, chosen by load, voltage and installation. These orders are usually placed against a single-line diagram from the electrical consultant. Units in Ramnagar Industrial Area often order cables together with solar rooftop systems.
Related guides
Wiring goes hand in hand with pipes and plumbing and tiles and sanitaryware. For apartments, see 2 BHK and 3 BHK flats in Varanasi.
Safety devices go with the wire
Good wire works best with the right protection at the distribution board: correctly rated MCBs for each circuit, an RCCB or RCBO to protect against earth leakage and shock, proper earthing with a tested earth pit, and surge protection where lightning and voltage spikes are common. In Varanasi's monsoon, damp walls and old wiring are a frequent cause of shocks, so earthing and RCCB protection are especially important.
Key takeaways
- 1.5 sq mm for lights, 2.5 for sockets, 4 for ACs and geysers, as designed by your electrician.
- Use FRLS or HFFR wire in homes and especially in hotels, hospitals and offices.
- Check the 90 m length, copper, printing and ISI mark; buy from authorised dealers.
How to get quotes through Aerocity Varanasi
Aerocity Varanasi is a free local marketplace and sourcing desk for Varanasi, Chandauli and Purvanchal. To get quotes for wires and cables, open any listing above, press Enquire and tell us your requirement: what you need, the quantity, your location and when you need it. You can also browse the full category page or call or WhatsApp +91-9711593877. We pass your requirement to suitable dealers, owners or service providers and share the responses with you. There is no charge to buyers, and you deal and pay directly with the supplier, so always check the goods, documents and invoice yourself before paying. Sellers and suppliers can post a free listing to reach buyers across the region.
Ask AI about this topic
- "Which wire size for AC in a house, 2.5 or 4 sq mm?"
- "FRLS vs HFFR wire difference"
- "How many coils of wire for a 3 BHK flat?"
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Frequently asked questions
How long is a coil of house wire?
Standard coils are 90 metres.
Which wire is used for an AC?
Usually 4 sq mm copper wire on a dedicated circuit, but your electrician should decide based on the AC load and the length of the run.
What is the difference between FRLS and HFFR?
Both are flame retardant. FRLS gives off less smoke; HFFR is also halogen free, so it releases very little toxic gas in a fire.
Is aluminium wire suitable for house wiring?
Copper is standard for internal house wiring. Aluminium is used mainly for larger power cables and service lines.