For an ordinary home, low-smoke zero-halogen wiring is usually strongly recommended rather than strictly mandated — but it is one of the most worthwhile safety upgrades you can choose. Most Indian house wiring must meet IS 694 and be flame-retardant (FR); going a step further to HR-FR-LSH (low smoke, low halogen) adds protection that matters most in the moments of a fire.
The reason is what happens to ordinary PVC in a fire: it gives off dense smoke and corrosive, toxic gas. In the confined space of a home — stairwells, bedrooms, corridors — smoke and toxic fumes, not flames, are the leading cause of harm. Low-smoke, low-halogen wire keeps the air clearer and less toxic, which can be decisive for families with children, elderly members or anyone who needs more time to get out.
HR-FR-LSH wire also adds heat resistance, so it copes better with the higher loads of modern homes (air-conditioners, geysers, kitchens). The trade-off is a modest price premium over basic FR-PVC wire — generally small relative to the safety benefit and the decades a wiring system stays in the wall.
If you are rewiring or building, it is sensible to specify HR-FR-LSH at least for the whole-house circuits, and to discuss the right grade and conductor sizes with a licensed electrician. For the highest fire safety, e-beam cross-linked halogen-free wire goes further still.
APAR options for homes include Anushakti HR-FR-LSH, Shakti FR-LSH, the Green Wire HR-FR-LSH range and the premium Anushakti Fire Protekt wire. See all house wires and cables or contact us for guidance.