How wire sizes are written
Pakistani house wire is sold by a strand count and a strand thickness, such as 3/29, 7/29 or 7/44. The first number is the count of strands and the second is their gauge. More and thicker strands carry more current. A bigger conductor is needed for an air conditioner or a geyser than for a light. A licensed electrician should size the wire for the load and the breaker.
Common sizes and uses
As a general guide, lights use the smaller sizes, sockets and fans use the middle sizes and heavy loads such as an air conditioner, a geyser or a kitchen oven use the larger sizes on their own circuit. The wire, the breaker and the load must match. See our circuit breaker guide to match the breaker to the cable.
Brands buyers ask about
Fast Cables is a listed cable maker, and Pakistan Cables publishes a retail price list for its range. Newage and Pioneer are also well known in the market. Each sells wire in coils of standard length. Other makers also sell good wire, and some sellers pass off unmarked wire as a known brand, so check the markings on the coil.
Indicative wire rates
Copper prices move, so wire rates change often. The ranges below show typical coil rates of about 90 yards and are meant for judging a quote, not as a price list.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| 3/29 single-core wire, coil | About PKR 7,000 - 9,500 |
| 7/29 single-core wire, coil | About PKR 12,500 - 17,500 |
| 7/44 single-core wire, coil | About PKR 22,000 - 30,000 |
| Flexible multi-core cable, per metre | About PKR 150 - 600 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Copper, insulation and length
Real copper is bright inside and heavy for its size. Pale or very light wire may be copper-coated aluminium or too thin. Insulation should be smooth, thick and even, and the coil should carry the brand, the size and the length. A coil that feels light for its length may be short.
How to choose between brands
Compare the size, the copper content, the insulation, the length on the coil, the warranty or test claim and the price per metre. A known brand with a clear marking is a safer buy than an unmarked wire at a low price. A small saving on wire costs far more when a wire overheats in the wall.
Buying tips
- Buy from a reliable seller. Avoid unmarked coils.
- Check the length. Compare weight against a known coil.
- Match the size to the load. Ask your electrician for a written plan.
- Use colour codes. Different colours for live, neutral and earth.
- Keep the receipt. It supports a claim if the wire fails.
Wiring and safety
Fixed wiring should be done by a licensed electrician, using the correct wire size, tight terminals and a protected circuit with an RCCB. Plan the points before plaster and tiles, and keep a drawing of the cable routes. See distribution boards for how circuits are grouped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fast Cables, Pakistan Cables, Newage and Pioneer are well known for house wire, and there are other good makers. Whatever the brand, check the size, the copper and the markings on the coil, because unmarked wire is sometimes sold under a known name.
They show the number of copper strands and the gauge of each strand. A larger strand count and a heavier gauge mean a thicker conductor that can carry more current. Choose the size for the load and the breaker, and ask your electrician for the correct sizes.
As a rough guide, a 90 yard coil of 3/29 wire is about PKR 7,000 to 9,500, 7/29 about PKR 12,500 to 17,500 and 7/44 about PKR 22,000 to 30,000, depending on brand and copper prices. Always compare the exact brand and length.
Real copper wire is bright inside, heavy for its size and has smooth, even insulation with clear markings. Light, pale wire may be too thin or not pure copper. Buy from a reliable seller and keep the receipt. Cut a short piece and look at the colour inside.
A known brand with clear markings is safer than unmarked wire. But the size, the copper content, the insulation and correct installation matter as much as the name. A good wire on the wrong size breaker is still a risk.
Send the sizes and the quantities on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the brand, size, length and warranty, so you can compare quotes from different sellers on the same scope.