Electric wires are the backbone of our wiring systems. They carry electric signals to our homes, industries, and offices, effectively ensuring safety, but not all the cables are made of original copper. Today, it is difficult to find original cables in Pakistan’s crowded market. People supply fake cables and wires similar to the original wires. Fake wires are made of poor insulation, cheap materials, and inaccurate tags, which will harm your equipment and increase fire hazards. In this article, we will guide you on how to distinguish between fake and original electric cables to make smart choices.

Understanding Electric Cables

Types of Electric Cables

Electric cables also have different types. Common Types of Electric Cables

Power Cables

Power cables are made of copper or aluminium conductors, high-quality insulators, and protective sheaths. It carries electricity to homes, offices, and industries. 

Data Cables

Data cables connect multiple devices for data transmission, such as Ethernet cables for the Internet and fibre optic cables for high-speed data transfer.

Control Cables

They are used to transfer low-voltage signals to automation systems and machinery. They carry signals to equipment without any interference. 

Coaxial Cables

These cables are used for TV and broadband connections. They are shielded with premium-quality insulation that minimises interference.

Flexible Cables

These cables are used in household wiring. They are easy to bend without cracking in corners, reducing efforts and time.

Materials Used in Electric Cables

• Copper for good conductivity, durability, and efficiency.
• Aluminium for power lines and large-scale installations.
• Mixed/Alloy Materials (copper-clad aluminium) to balance cost and performance.

Standards and Certifications

Purchasing cables for your house wiring? Buy the certified ones to ensure that the cables are tested twice and made of premium-quality materials. These certifications build customer trust. Cables with certifications build trust and provide a smooth electricity flow, protect your appliances, and reduce energy loss. Some national & international certifications are:

• IEU (International Electrotechnical Commission).
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
• British Standards.
• ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation).

National Certifications & Standards

• PSQCA (Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority).

Identifying Fake Electric Cables

Packaging Inspection

The packaging of fake electric cables is cheaper than that of original cables. They have rough wrapping and shaky boxing. 

Physical Characteristics

• Genuine cables are made of pure conductors and insulators; they feel heavy. Fake cables are fragile and light because they are made of cheap metals. 
• Original cables follow standard colour codes, but fake cables have inconsistent shade and wrong colour coding.

Electrical Testing Techniques

The first point is a continuity test. It finds out whether the flow of electricity is smooth or rough.

Another check is the insulation resistance test. This test helps us measure how well the cable can resist the outflow of electricity and ensures safety. Solid insulation has high resistance, and weak insulation shows low resistance. 

These tests can also fail due to a heavy load. Certified manufacturing companies use advanced technologies to meet the IEC, UL, and ISO standards. Therefore, always purchase certified cables for the safety of your equipment or projects.

Best Practices for Purchasing Electric Cables

Best practices for purchasing wires include research and asking the right questions.

Research & Due Diligence

• Importance of Purchasing from Certified Brands: Buying cables from trusted manufacturers with a good market reputation ensures safety and guarantees long-term performance. They reduce the chance of supplying fake cables and build trust.

• Checking Manufacturer Information: An original cable manufacturer is always honest about its products. When a brand will not clarify where its cables are produced or how, it is providing fake products. You should always check batch numbers, certifications, and portfolios. 

Asking the Right Questions

Asking the right questions about the cable is the smartest move a buyer can make. Always ask for:

• Ask about the warranty of cables. If a seller doesn’t clarify, then don’t buy from them.
• Check both international & national certifications. They prove that products are reliable, durable, and give long-lasting performance.
• Return policies give peace of mind and build customer trust.

Conclusion

Fake cables can be convincing and attractive, but they differ in performance. They are not as reliable as the original cables because they are made with cheap materials, which reduces the safety factors. Original wires ensure long-term performance and reliability. The conductors and insulators used in them don’t get overheat easily, reducing fire risks. 

In short, choose the cables wisely because they are your security guards.

FAQs

How to check if a wire is pure copper at home with a magnet?

Copper is not magnetic. If you want to check pure copper at home, you should follow these steps:

• Grab a strong magnet.
• Place the magnet near the wire.
• If the wire is of pure copper, it will not stick to the magnet.
• If the wire sticks to the magnet, then it is not made of pure copper.

Why do fake electrical cables overheat quickly?

Fake cables overheat rapidly because they are made from cheap materials (conductors or insulators), poor manufacturing practices, and they can’t safely carry a large current.

What is the difference between the 1.5 sq mm original and duplicate wire weight?

Pure copper wire has a density of 8.9 grams per cubic centimetre. A 1.5 sq mm copper conductor weighs 7-8 kg per 100 metres, depending on the insulation type. Fake wires have a density of 2.7 g/cm³ and weigh 4-5 kg per 100 metres or even less.

What happens if I use substandard electrical wiring in my house?

Using substandard electrical wiring in your home can cause problems, such as overheating & fire hazards, frequent short circuits, voltage drop & appliance damage, reduced lifespan of electrical systems, and safety risks for residents. 

 How to read markings on electrical cables for authenticity?

Always check the printed markings on the insulation to know the manufacturing brand. Verify standards compliance like IEC, UL, BS, conductor size, insulation type, voltage rating, and certification codes. Original cables will have clear, consistent, and standardised markings, while fake ones often show irregular spacing and missing safety codes.

What are the simple tests to identify fake wires without equipment?

You can spot fake wires by testing their weight, flexibility, and markings. Original copper wires feel heavier and bend smoothly. They have clear, permanent labels, while fake ones are lighter, fragile, and often show blurry or missing prints.

Does the original cable have good insulation thickness?

Absolutely, original cables generally have proper insulation thickness, ensuring safety. Fake cables often use thinner, low-quality insulation, maximising the risk of overheating and fire.