Wiring is buried in walls and slabs for decades, so it is the one electrical item you cannot easily upgrade later. Buying the right size and quality the first time matters more than saving a little on the coil price.
Types and specifications
| Type | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Single-core PVC insulated wire | One copper conductor (solid or stranded) with PVC insulation | Concealed house wiring in conduit for lights, fans, sockets |
| Flexible wire | Many fine strands, very bendable | Connections to fittings, appliances, DB internal wiring |
| Multi-core PVC sheathed cable | Two or more insulated cores in an outer sheath | Main supply, sub-main to floors, surface runs |
| Armoured cable | Cable with steel wire or tape armour | Underground or exposed runs needing protection |
| Earth wire | Usually green or green/yellow insulated conductor | Earthing of circuits and appliances |
| Aluminium cable | Aluminium conductor | Some service connections and large feeders |
| Coaxial and data cable | Shielded communication cable | TV, internet, CCTV |
Sizes are marked by conductor cross-section (in mm²) or by older strand notation. Your electrician or engineer chooses sizes based on load and length.
Standards
PSQCA lists PVC insulated (non-armoured) cable for electric power and lighting under mandatory certification to PS-IEC-60227 Parts 1 to 7. Coaxial communication cables are also on the list (PS: IEC 61196 parts) (PSQCA list). Ask to see the certification mark on these products.
Quality checks on delivery
- Sealed coils with original labels and printed details.
- Printed marking along the insulation: size, voltage rating and maker's details.
- Length check. Coils should match the stated length; measure one if in doubt.
- Conductor check. Strip a short piece: copper should look bright and uniform, with the correct strand count for the marked size.
- Insulation. Even thickness, no cracks, flexible without splitting.
- Colour coding for phase, neutral and earth as your electrician wants.
- Match the invoice item by item.
How much you need
Wire quantity depends on the electrical drawing, number of points, circuit layout and distance to the DB. There is no reliable per-square-foot rule. Ask your electrician for a material list by size, add a small margin for wastage, and agree on returns for unused sealed coils.
Bulk-buying tips
- Order by size exactly as the electrician lists it, not as a single total.
- Stage deliveries: concealed wiring sizes first; flexible wire and fitting-stage items later.
- Store indoors, away from sun and water, and off the floor.
- Keep invoices and coil labels until the job is tested and complete.
- Pay in stages linked to delivery and inspection.
- Agree returns for sealed unused coils before ordering.
What affects the price
- Copper (or aluminium) market price, which changes often.
- Conductor size and number of strands.
- Insulation type and thickness; armour for armoured cable.
- Certification and quality tier.
- Order volume and payment terms.
- Delivery distance.
Get a dated written quote and ask how long the rate holds.
Common buying mistakes
- Buying one size for everything. Lighting, socket and heavy-appliance circuits need different sizes; a single size is either wasteful or unsafe.
- Skipping the earth wire. Every circuit should have an earth conductor run with it; order it alongside phase and neutral.
- Mixing stock mid-job. Topping up from a different shop can bring different insulation colours or quality. Order enough in one go and return the surplus.
- Leaving coils on site in the open. Sun and rain damage insulation, and loose coils go missing. Lock them away until the electrician needs them.
- Ignoring the main cable. The cable from the meter to the main DB is often forgotten in the list; confirm its size with your electrician and the utility's connection requirements.
FAQs
Solid or stranded wire for house wiring? Both are used. Stranded wire is easier to pull through conduit and bend. Follow your electrician's specification.
Can I use one size for all circuits? No. Heavy loads such as ACs, geysers and kitchen appliances need larger sizes than lighting circuits. Each circuit should be sized by your electrician.
How do I spot fake or undersized wire? Check printed markings, PSQCA mark on PVC cable, the conductor thickness and strand count, and whether the coil length matches. Buy from suppliers who give proper invoices.
Is aluminium wire okay for houses? Copper is common for internal house wiring. Aluminium has specific uses; ask your electrician before substituting.