Quick answer
Choosing the right cable comes down to matching the cable to the job and the environment. The main factors to work through are:
- Load (current): the appliance or circuit current sets the minimum conductor size and current-carrying capacity you need.
- Voltage: the cable's voltage grade (commonly 1100 V for house wiring) must cover the circuit.
- Construction: single-core or multi-core, and solid or stranded, depending on whether the run is fixed or flexible.
- Conductor metal: copper or aluminium.
- Fire safety: the right grade — FR, FR-LS or HR-FR-LSH — for the space.
- Environment: indoor vs outdoor/underground, heat, moisture or chemicals.
- Standards: compliance with IS 694 and the ISI mark.
Run length, grouping and ambient temperature also affect the result, which is why a licensed electrician should confirm the final selection. Browse APAR's house wires, multicore cables and communication cables, or contact us for guidance.