Key Tips for Selecting High-Quality Electrical Wires and Cables？

Tip 1: Inspect the Insulation Layer
The insulation layer protects the inner conductor from mechanical damage and chemical corrosion, prevents moisture exposure, and avoids electrical shock from conductor contact. It enhances mechanical strength and extends service life. If the insulation is damaged and the inner conductor is exposed, not only does the wire oxidize easily, but accidental contact with the copper conductor poses an electrocution risk. Therefore, always check the insulation thickness when purchasing.

Tip 2: Check the Eccentricity
　　Wire eccentricity primarily concerns insulation and sheathing. For insulation, eccentricity is calculated as the absolute value of the maximum thickness minus the minimum thickness divided by the maximum thickness. Eccentricity reflects manufacturing precision and is a critical indicator in factory quality control. Consistent thickness across the insulation layer with the copper core precisely centered indicates low eccentricity and superior wire quality.

Tip 3: Inspect the Copper Core
Examine the cross-section of the copper core. Premium-grade copper exhibits a bright, lustrous purple-copper hue with a soft sheen. A reddish tint in the yellow core indicates high-quality copper material, whereas a whitish tint in the yellow core signifies inferior copper. A qualified, high-quality copper core wire features a purplish-red, glossy core that feels soft to the touch. Inferior copper cores appear purplish-black, yellowish, or whitish, containing many impurities. They have poor mechanical strength and flexibility, breaking easily with slight force, and often exhibit internal wire breaks.

Tip 4: Weight: Sufficient Material Equals True Quality
For wires of the same specification, high-quality products use superior materials and meet all standards, resulting in stable weight that aligns with theoretical values. For example: – Common 1.5mm² plastic-insulated single-strand copper wire weighs approximately 1.8–1.9kg per 100m. – 2.5mm² wire weighs 3–3.1kg per 100m. while a 4.0mm² wire weighs 4.4–4.6kg per 100m. When purchasing, consumers can randomly select a roll and measure its weight with a scale. If the weight significantly deviates from the standard value—such as being excessively light—it likely indicates substandard materials used in the conductor or insulation, indicating a quality issue.