Buying electrical wires and cables online looks easy right. Just type in “buy wires online” or “best price for cables” and hundreds of results pop up. But honestly, it’s not that simple. Wires are not like clothes or a mobile case where you can just return if something goes wrong. Once they are inside your walls, you don’t want any surprises.
At Istika Building Materials, we see a lot of customers who come to us after a bad online purchase. Either they got fake wires, wrong sizes, or ended up paying more without realizing. So, let’s talk about the top 10 mistakes people usually make when buying wires & cables online and how you can avoid them.
1. Ignoring the Wire Size Requirement
This is the biggest mistake. For house wiring, size matters. If you just pick a random 1.5 sqmm or 2.5 sqmm wire without checking load requirements, you will face issues later. For example, lights and fans usually need 1.5 sqmm, while kitchen appliances, geysers, or AC need 2.5 sqmm or 4 sqmm. Always check the exact size before adding to cart.
2. Choosing Unknown or Local Brands Online
Online there are so many brands. Some are cheap, some look attractive. But wiring is not a place to compromise. Always go for trusted brands like Finolex, Polycab, Havells, Goldmedal, RR Kabel. These wires are certified, fire-resistant, and long-lasting. Unknown brands may save you a few rupees but can cost you in safety and future repairs.
3. Not Checking ISI Mark or Certification
One thing to notice is whether the wire has ISI marking. Certified wires follow safety standards. Many online sellers don’t show this detail clearly. Always zoom into the product images or read the description. On Istika, we make sure all wires and cables listed are from trusted brands with proper certification.
4. Believing Only on the Cheapest Price
Price is important, yes. But the cheapest is not always the best. Many times sellers show low-price wires online but later add hidden delivery charges, or the wire quality is too thin. Always compare total cost, brand reputation, and reviews before clicking buy.
5. Confusing Flexible Wires and Cables
Another mistake is not knowing the difference between flexible wires and cables. Flexible wires are used for house wiring, lights, fans, switches. Heavy-duty cables are used for industrial motors, pumps, or main electrical connections. Buying the wrong one online can delay your entire project.
6. Not Checking the Length Per Roll
Some people assume a wire roll is always 90 meters. But online sellers sometimes list 45m, 60m, or even 180m. If you don’t read carefully, you may end up short. Imagine wiring halfway through your home and realizing you need to reorder. Always confirm the roll length.
7. Forgetting About Fire-Resistant Property
This is something homeowners forget. Modern branded wires like Polycab Flame Retardant (FR), Havells HRFR, Finolex Flame Retardant PVC wires are designed to resist fire and reduce smoke. Going with non-fire-resistant wires just to save cost is risky. Safety should be the top priority.
8. Overlooking Seller Reputation
Not all websites selling wires are reliable. Some sell duplicate products or mix branded and non-branded wires. Check seller rating, reviews, and how long they have been in business. On Istika Building Materials, we only sell original wires directly from trusted distributors so customers don’t face this headache.
9. Ordering Without Checking Delivery Location
Sounds silly but it happens often. People order from random websites without checking whether delivery is available in their area. For example, if you are in Hyderabad or Vijayawada, you should buy from suppliers who can deliver fast. Otherwise, you will wait weeks. Istika ensures quick delivery of wires & cables across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and pan India.
10. Not Comparing Different Brands Before Buying
Final mistake is buying in a hurry without comparing. Each brand has its own strength. For example, Finolex wires are known for durability, Polycab for flexibility, Havells for fire-resistance, Goldmedal for innovation. By comparing features and prices online, you can pick the right one for your home or project.
Final Thoughts
Buying electrical wires and cables online is actually very convenient if you avoid these mistakes. Always check wire size, brand, certification, roll length, and seller reputation. Don’t run only after the lowest price. A small step of research can save you from big problems later.
At Istika Building Materials, we bring you the best deals on all leading brands like Finolex, Polycab, Havells, and Goldmedal at trusted prices. Whether you are doing a new house wiring, office renovation, or just need cables for appliances, we’ve got you covered.
So next time you search “buy wires & cables online at best price”, remember these 10 mistakes and shop safe.
