How to Read Cable Markings Like a Pro — A Beginner’s Guide (By KEKABLE)

🔹 Introduction: Why Cable Markings Matter

Every electrical cable you see — whether in your home wiring or an industrial setup — carries a story written right on its surface.
These small printed letters and numbers are called cable markings, and they contain everything you need to know about the wire’s capacity, safety, quality, and certification.

But most people never notice them — and that’s where problems begin.
A wrong cable choice can cause voltage drops, overheating, or even fire accidents.

At KEKABLE, we believe understanding cable markings is the first step toward electrical safety. Whether you’re an electrician, engineer, or homeowner, this guide will help you read cable markings like a pro.

🔹 What Are Cable Markings?

Cable markings are codes printed or embossed on the outer insulation of a wire.
They are standardized identifiers that describe key features such as the cable’s voltage rating, insulation type, core count, and certification.

These markings are governed by Indian and international standards like BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), ISI, and IEC.

At KEKABLE, every product line follows these standards to ensure reliability and consistency across all categories — from house wiring cables to industrial and instrumentation wires.

🔹 Key Information You’ll Find on a Cable

When you look closely at a KEKABLE wire, you’ll notice a printed line similar to this:

KEKABLE FR PVC 3C x 2.5 Sq.mm 1100V IS 694:2010

Let’s decode what each part means:

Each marking ensures you’re using the right wire for the right job.

🔹 Decoding Cable Size & Core Count

The marking 3C x 2.5 Sq.mm looks confusing at first — but it’s actually simple:

• 3C = 3 conductors (cores) inside the cable

• 2.5 Sq.mm = each conductor’s cross-sectional area

The higher the “Sq.mm” value, the more current the cable can safely carry.
For example:

• 1.5 Sq.mm → Lighting circuits

• 2.5 Sq.mm → Power sockets

• 4 Sq.mm and above → Heavy appliances or industrial machinery

To explore suitable options for your project, check KEKABLE’s wire categories where all cables are organized by usage and size.

🔹 Understanding Voltage & Temperature Ratings

Every wire is built to handle a specific voltage safely.
You’ll commonly find markings like 650V or 1100V on Indian cables.

• 650V → Suitable for household and light load wiring

• 1100V → Ideal for commercial or industrial setups

You can learn more about voltage standards on Wikipedia’s voltage rating page.

Apart from voltage, temperature tolerance also matters:

• 70°C cables → Standard use

• 90°C cables → High-heat environments

Always match your cable rating to your load and climate — especially in India where summer heat can push systems beyond normal limits.

🔹 Insulation Type Codes (PVC, XLPE, FR, FRLS, HRFR)

Different insulation materials offer different benefits. Here’s a quick guide:

Explore KEKABLE’s insulation-based wire collection to choose the right type for your requirement.

🔹 ISI, BIS, and IEC Standards Explained

Cables in India must comply with certifications that ensure safety and quality.
The most common ones you’ll see printed include:

• IS 694 → For domestic wires (PVC insulated)

• IS 1554 (Part 1) → For industrial power cables

• IS 7098 → For XLPE cables

• BIS Mark / ISI Logo → Confirms government-approved quality

You can verify these codes anytime at the BIS Standards Portal.

KEKABLE strictly follows these certifications so that you never compromise on safety or performance.

🔹 Real-Life Example: Reading a KEKABLE Wire Step-by-Step

Let’s decode this marking:

KEKABLE FR PVC 3C x 2.5 Sq.mm 1100V IS 694:2010

Step 1: Brand: KEKABLE → Authentic manufacturer
Step 2: FR PVC: Flame Retardant insulation
Step 3: 3C: 3-core cable
Step 4: 2.5 Sq.mm: Each core’s size
Step 5: 1100V: Voltage rating
Step 6: IS 694:2010: Indian Standard compliance

Want to see how it looks in reality?
Visit our gallery section for real product images showing these markings clearly.

🔹 Common Mistakes People Make While Reading Cable Markings

Even professionals can misread markings sometimes. Here are the common errors:

1. Confusing core size with total cable size

2. Ignoring insulation type (e.g., using PVC where FRLS is needed)

3. Missing out on ISI/BIS certification marks

4. Assuming thicker wire = higher quality (not always true)

5. Buying cables without checking expiry or batch codes

Check our Buzz & Reviews section to read customer experiences and avoid such mistakes.

🔹 Why Choosing Certified Cables Saves You in the Long Run

Certified cables may look slightly costlier upfront, but they save you in ways you can’t imagine:

• Prevents fire hazards

• Ensures consistent performance

• Reduces energy loss

• Lasts longer under load

At KEKABLE, every product undergoes strict quality checks before it reaches you. If you’re unsure which cable suits your need, connect with our support team for guidance.

🔹 Bonus Tip: How to Spot Fake Markings

Fake or duplicate cables are unfortunately common in the market.
To protect yourself, look for these red flags:

If you suspect a fake electrical product, you can report it on the Consumer Affairs Portal.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does 3C x 1.5 Sq.mm mean?
→ It means the cable has 3 cores, each with a cross-sectional area of 1.5 square millimeters.

Q2: What is IS 694 standard?
→ It’s the BIS standard for PVC insulated single-core and multi-core cables used in domestic wiring.

Q3: How can I verify genuine KEKABLE products?
→ Always buy from authorized dealers or the official website kekable.com and check for clear printed ISI marks.

Q4: What’s the difference between FR and FRLS cables?
→ FR = Flame Retardant; FRLS = Flame Retardant + Low Smoke emission (safer for enclosed spaces).

Q5: Can wrong cable markings affect performance?
→ Yes. Using mismatched cables can cause short circuits, load imbalance, and even damage appliances.

For more helpful articles, visit our Buzz section.

🔹 Conclusion: Read Before You Connect

Cable markings are more than just random codes — they are the DNA of your wire.
By learning to read them, you make smarter, safer, and more efficient electrical decisions.

Whether you’re choosing FRLS house wires, XLPE cables, or control cables, always check for clear markings and BIS certification.

Explore all certified products on KEKABLE’s official categories page or connect with our team for expert guidance.