List of aluminium service wires size and capacity india with compnay & price
Aluminium service wires are commonly used in India for electrical distribution, particularly for overhead lines and service connections to homes and businesses, due to their cost-effectiveness and lightweight nature compared to copper.
Here’s a tabulated list combining information on sizes, typical capacities, and some prominent companies in India. Please note that prices are highly variable due to fluctuating raw material costs (aluminium), market demand, specific product features (insulation, armoring), and bulk purchase discounts. Therefore, I can only provide an estimated price range per meter, and it’s always recommended to contact the companies directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Key Considerations for Aluminium Service Wires:
- AAC (All Aluminium Conductor): Made solely of aluminium wires. Good conductivity and corrosion resistance, often used in coastal areas.
- ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced): Features an aluminium outer layer with a steel core for added mechanical strength, ideal for longer spans.
- Insulation: Wires come with various insulation types (PVC, XLPE) for different voltage levels and environmental conditions. Service wires typically use PVC insulation for low voltage (up to 1100V).
- Cores: Available in single-core, 2-core, 3-core, and 4-core configurations depending on the application (single-phase, three-phase, etc.).
- Armored/Unarmored: Armored cables offer additional mechanical protection.
Aluminium Service Wire Sizes and Capacity in India
Note on Capacity:
- Current carrying capacities are approximate and vary based on installation method (in air, buried, conduit), ambient temperature, number of cores, and type of insulation. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and relevant Indian Standards (IS 398, IS 1554, IS 7098) for precise values.
- The values provided are generally for unarmored cables in air. Armored cables or those installed in conduits will have slightly different ratings due to heat dissipation.
Prominent Aluminium Service Wire Companies in India & Estimated Price Range
Disclaimer on Prices: The prices provided are rough estimates based on general market information and online listings from various vendors as of June 2025.
- They are per meter but actual sales often happen in rolls/coils (e.g., 90m, 100m, 300ft).
- Actual prices will depend on:
- Market fluctuations in aluminium and PVC.
- Quantity purchased (bulk discounts).
- Specific cable type (single-core, multi-core, armored, insulation type).
- Dealer/distributor margins.
- Location in India.
- It is highly recommended to contact the manufacturers or their authorized dealers directly for accurate quotations based on your specific requirements.
10mm almunium wire size load
A 10mm aluminum wire (10 sq mm cross-sectional area) can safely carry a load of approximately 57 amps for single-phase applications. This translates to roughly 12.9kW at 240V. The specific load capacity depends on factors like voltage, installation method, and ambient temperature.
2 sq mm copper wire current carrying capacity
A common rule of thumb for copper wire is 6A for mm then 2*16 12A.
20A switch wire size recommedation
For a 20A switch in India, the recommended wire size is 2.5 sq mm (or 14 AWG) for copper wire. This ensures safe and reliable operation of the circuit, even with a 20A breaker. Using 2.5 sq mm wire is common practice for 20A circuits and outlets in Indian homes.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides guidelines for cable size selection, but it’s always recommended to consult with a qualified electrician for specific needs. Generally, 1.5 sq. mm copper wire is used for general-purpose lighting and 2.5 sq. mm for power outlets and higher capacity applications. For heavy-duty applications or circuits with high current requirements, 4 sq. mm and above are recommended.
wire size and amps chart india 230v approx
In India, the sizing and current carrying capacity (ampere rating) of copper wires are governed by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), primarily through standards like IS 694 (for PVC insulated cables up to 1100V) and IS 7098 (for XLPE insulated cables up to 33kV).
Assumptions for the Table:
- Voltage: 230V AC (single-phase)
- Insulation: PVC (70°C conductor temperature) or XLPE (90°C conductor temperature)
- Installation: Clipped direct in air or in conduit (as specified).
- Ambient Temperature: 30°C or 40°C in air (values are approximate and depend on the exact standard and conditions).
Impact of Voltage Fluctuation on Wire Ampacity and System Performance
Voltage fluctuation refers to irregular changes (dips, sags, surges, spikes) in the supply voltage. In India, equipment is designed for 230V (single phase) and 400V (three phase).
1sqmm PVC Coper wire power rating 5A or 10A at 230V India
For a 1 sq mm PVC copper wire in India, the current carrying capacity is typically around 10-14 Amperes (A).
While some sources might mention a higher theoretical capacity, considering safety standards (like BIS – Bureau of Indian Standards) and practical applications, 10A is a very common and safe rating for general lighting circuits in residential applications. Some charts might go up to 12A or even 14A for specific installation methods (e.g., single core, unenclosed, clipped directly to a surface, or on cable trays).
Important Considerations:
- Installation Method: The way the cable is installed (e.g., in conduit, clipped to a surface, bundled with other cables) significantly affects its current-carrying capacity due to heat dissipation. Cables in conduits or bundled together will have lower ratings.
- Ambient Temperature: Higher ambient temperatures reduce the current-carrying capacity.
- Derating Factors: Always apply appropriate derating factors for grouping of cables, ambient temperature, and type of protection as per IS: 3961.
- Voltage Drop: For longer runs, voltage drop needs to be considered, and you might need a larger cable size even if the current rating is sufficient.
- Application: For lighting circuits, 1 sq mm is generally sufficient. For power circuits (e.g., geysers, ACs), larger sizes like 2.5 sq mm or 4 sq mm are typically used.
In summary, while 10A is a common and safe power rating for a 1 sq mm PVC copper wire at 230V in India for general purpose, it can go slightly higher depending on specific installation conditions. It’s generally NOT suitable for 5A applications only, as it has a higher capacity, and it’s also generally NOT recommended for consistent 10A if there are other factors that reduce the effective current carrying capacity.
In India, the standard voltage is 230V for residential electrical systems. So, in the case of our 2000W total load:
Amps = 2600W / 230V = 8.7A
This means the total current draw for these appliances when running together is 8.7 Amps.
alumium vs copper conductivity 2x or 2.5x size wire gauge 10sqmm al vs 6sqmm cu
. Conductivity Ratio: Aluminum vs. Copper
- Copper is a significantly better conductor than aluminum.
- Generally, aluminum has about 61% of the conductivity of copper. This means that if you have a copper wire and an aluminum wire of the same size, the copper wire will be able to carry approximately 1.6 times more current (1 / 0.61 1.64) with the same temperature rise.
- Another way to look at it is that for the same current-carrying capacity, an aluminum conductor needs to be larger in cross-sectional area. Some sources state that aluminum requires 56% more cross-sectional area than copper for the same current carrying capacity. This translates to roughly a 1.5 to 1.6 times larger cross-sectional area for aluminum.
2. Equivalent Sizing: 10 sq mm Aluminum vs. 6 sq mm Copper
Given the conductivity difference, it’s a common practice to use a larger aluminum conductor to achieve the same current carrying capacity as a smaller copper conductor.
- 10 sq mm Aluminum: For a 10 sq mm aluminum cable (armoured, for example), current ratings can vary based on installation, but they are generally in the range of 40-60 Amperes. Some Polycab specifications for 4-core 10 sq mm aluminum armoured cable show a current rating of 57 Amps.
- 6 sq mm Copper: For a 6 sq mm copper wire, current ratings are typically around 38-67 Amperes, depending on the insulation type and installation method. Polycab specifies 38 Amps for a 6 sq mm single-core copper flexible cable (FRLS PVC insulated). Another source for copper conductors states 67 Amps for a 6 sq mm copper cable.
Conclusion on Equivalent Sizing:
Based on typical current carrying capacities:
- A 10 sq mm aluminum wire (e.g., rated around 57A) is often considered roughly equivalent in current-carrying capacity to a 6 sq mm copper wire (e.g., rated around 38-67A, depending on exact type and installation).
- This aligns with the general rule of thumb that aluminum needs to be about 1.5 to 2 times larger in cross-sectional area than copper for similar current handling. In your example, 10 sq mm (Al) is approximately 1.67 times larger than 6 sq mm (Cu), which is consistent with the conductivity difference.
Why the Difference in Practical Use?
While copper is superior in conductivity, aluminum is often chosen for larger cables and overhead transmission lines due to:
- Cost: Aluminum is significantly cheaper than copper.
- Weight: Aluminum is much lighter than copper for the same electrical resistance, making it easier to handle and install, especially for long runs.
However, aluminum wiring requires careful installation, especially at termination points, due to its properties:
- Higher thermal expansion/contraction: This can lead to loosening of connections over time, increasing resistance and heat.
- Creep: Aluminum can slowly deform under sustained pressure, also leading to loose connections.
- Oxidation: Aluminum forms an insulating oxide layer when exposed to air, which can increase resistance at connections.
