How to Decide Which Wire to Use in Your Home
A concise, practical guide to choosing the correct wire sizes (1.0, 1.5, 2.5 sq mm) and safety-rated types (FR, HR, LSH, LF) for homes, apartments, shops and projects across Karnataka — including Hubli, Belgaum, Tumkur and Bangalore.
Common wire sizes and where to use them
Typical copper conductor sizes used in Indian homes are 1.0 sq mm, 1.5 sq mm and 2.5 sq mm. Use 1.0 sq mm for small lighting and fan circuits, 1.5 sq mm for most lighting rings, and 2.5 sq mm for socket/outlet circuits. Heavy appliances require larger conductors — consult a qualified electrician for exact load and run-length calculations.
| Application / Load | Recommended Wire Size | Why This Wire? |
|---|---|---|
| LED lights, fans, small appliances | 1.0 sq mm | Low current load, economical |
| Lighting circuits & general rooms | 1.5 sq mm | Standard size for most household circuits |
| Sockets for TV, computer, mixer, washing machine | 2.5 sq mm | Handles higher current safely |
| Kitchen appliances (oven, microwave), AC units | 4.0 sq mm | Supports heavy loads without heat buildup |
| Geyser, EV charging point, large AC | 6.0 sq mm | High-load appliances for long-term safety |
Key cable properties to prioritise
Look for these properties when selecting cables: FR (Flame Retardant) to slow fire spread; HR (Heat Resistant) for high-temperature tolerance; LSH (Low Smoke Halogen-free) to reduce toxic fumes; and LF (Lead Free) for safer materials. These are especially important in multi-storey buildings and areas with high humidity or heat.
Swipe: Best picks by property type
Individual Houses
Energia+ — HR, FR, LSH, LF. Premium safety and durability.
Energia+
Apartments / Residential
Energia — FR, LF. Reliable and cost-effective for multi-floor buildings.
Energia
Buildings / Projects
Project Pack — 180m, FR + LSH. Fewer joints, faster installs.
Project Pack
Commercial / Industry
Energia+ HR/LSH — for continuous heavy use and heat resilience.
FAQ — quick answers
- What are FR wires?
- FR (Flame Retardant) wires slow down the spread of fire and are recommended for safer installations. External reference: Why FR wire is important.
- Why is FRLSH best for homes?
- FRLSH cables emit less smoke and are halogen-free, reducing toxic gases during a fire and improving evacuation safety.
- What are HR wires?
- HR (Heat Resistant) wires withstand higher temperatures — suitable for heavy-load circuits or warm environments. Learn more: HR wires explained.
- What is standard packing?
- Retail boxes: 90 meters. Project packs: 180 meters to reduce joints on large installs.
- How often should I inspect wiring?
- Have wiring inspected every 5–7 years or sooner if you notice flickering lights, frequent tripping or heat at switchboards.
Recommended ranges & links
- Energia+ — Premium (HR, FR, LSH, LF): View Energia+
- Energia — Residential/Commercial (FR, LF): View Energia
- Project Pack — 180m (FR + LSH): View Project Pack
Note: This guide is for general informational purposes and does not replace professional electrical design. For exact wire sizing and protection device selection consult a certified electrician.
