By IDTeamPolycab is one of India’s most trusted brands in electrical wires and cables, known for its high conductivity, fire resistance, and durability. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial use, Polycab wires ensure safety and efficiency.
However, due to its popularity, fake Polycab wires have flooded the market, leading to potential electrical hazards, short circuits, and even fire accidents. To protect yourself from substandard and counterfeit wires, it is crucial to verify whether the Polycab wire is original or fake.
In this guide, we will discuss how to check the authenticity of Polycab wires using simple but effective methods.
1. Buy from Authorized Dealers or Trusted Stores
The safest way to ensure that you are purchasing an original Polycab wire is to buy from:
✅ Polycab-authorized dealers and distributors
✅ Reputed electrical and hardware stores
✅ Trusted e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Industrybuying, and Moglix (Check for “Polycab Official” as the seller)
❌ Avoid buying Polycab wires from local unauthorized vendors, street markets, or unknown online sellers, as they may sell duplicate or low-quality wires.
2. Check the Polycab Logo and Branding on the Wire
Every original Polycab wire has the brand name, size, and specifications printed at regular intervals along its length.
✅ An original Polycab wire should have:
- Polycab’s brand name printed clearly on the insulation.
- ISI certification mark (Indian Standards Institute) with proper spacing.
- Wire size, voltage rating (1100V or 660V), and flame-retardant (FR, FRLS, HRFR) type mentioned.
❌ Fake Polycab wires may have:
- No branding or irregular spacing between text.
- Blurred or misaligned printing that fades easily when scratched.
- Spelling mistakes like “Polycap” or “Polycob” instead of “Polycab”.
3. Verify the Packaging and Hologram Sticker
Polycab wires come in tamper-proof, high-quality packaging with an authenticity seal.
✅ Check for:
- A hologram sticker on the package that confirms authenticity.
- A batch number, barcode, and manufacturing details on the packaging.
- Polycab branding and original labeling.
❌ Fake wires may come in:
- Cheap plastic packaging with poor-quality printing.
- No hologram or an easily removable sticker.
- Incorrect batch numbers or missing barcodes.
4. Scan the QR Code or Verify the Serial Number
Many original Polycab wire packages now include a QR code for authentication.
How to Verify the QR Code:
- Look for a QR code on the wire packaging.
- Scan the QR code using your smartphone.
- If original, it should redirect to Polycab’s official website or verification page.
✅ Original Polycab wires will show complete product details online.
❌ Fake wires may have a non-functional or incorrect QR code.
5. Perform the Burn Test (Fire Resistance Check)
✅ How to Test:
- Take a small piece of Polycab wire insulation.
- Use a lighter or matchstick to ignite it.
- If the wire is original, it will:
- Not catch fire immediately.
- Self-extinguish after removing the flame.
- Release minimal black smoke.
❌ Fake Polycab wires will:
- Catch fire quickly and keep burning.
- Emit thick black smoke with a strong plastic smell.
Caution: Perform this test carefully in a controlled environment.
6. Conduct the Copper Purity and Conductivity Test
✅ Polycab wires use 99.97% pure electrolytic copper, ensuring high conductivity.
How to Test Copper Purity:
- Scratch the copper conductor with a knife. If it shows a bright reddish-gold color, it is pure copper.
- Check for flexibility – Original copper wires bend easily but do not break.
- Compare the weight – Genuine Polycab wires feel heavier due to pure copper content.
❌ Fake wires may have:
- A dull brownish or yellowish tint, indicating low-quality copper or aluminum coating.
- Brittle wires that break easily when bent.
- Lightweight conductors due to mixed metals.
7. Verify the ISI and BIS Certification Mark
✅ All original Polycab wires come with an ISI mark and BIS certification.
How to Verify:
- Look for the ISI mark on the wire insulation.
- Check for the CM/L number next to the ISI mark.
- Visit the BIS website (www.bis.gov.in) and enter the CM/L number to verify authenticity.
❌ Fake wires may:
- Lack the ISI mark or display a fake number.
- Have incorrect BIS certification details.
8. Check the Wire Thickness and Weight
Original Polycab wires maintain standard weight and thickness according to wire gauge sizes.
✅ How to Check:
- Measure the thickness of the copper strands – It should match the size mentioned on the package (e.g., 1.5mm², 2.5mm²).
- Weigh the wire coil – Fake wires may be lighter due to less copper content.
❌ Fake Polycab wires often have more insulation and less copper, reducing conductivity.
9. Compare the Price – Beware of Heavy Discounts
Original Polycab wires are priced based on quality and copper content.
❌ If a seller is offering Polycab wires at extremely low prices (50-70% off), it is likely fake.
✅ Always compare the price with official Polycab dealers or the company’s website before buying.
10. Ask for a Bill and Warranty Certificate
✅ Original Polycab wires come with an invoice and warranty coverage.
- Always ask for a bill with GST details from the seller.
- Check if the wire has a manufacturer’s warranty.
❌ Fake wires often have no bill, warranty, or return policy.
Final Thoughts
Buying original Polycab wires is essential for safety, durability, and energy efficiency. Fake wires can cause overheating, short circuits, and fire hazards.
Quick Checklist to Identify an Original Polycab Wire:
✔ Buy from authorized dealers or the official website
✔ Check the wire branding, ISI mark, and printing quality
✔ Verify the packaging, barcode, and hologram sticker
✔ Scan the QR code for authentication
✔ Perform the burn test – Original wires should be fire-resistant
✔ Check the copper conductor’s purity and flexibility
✔ Compare the price and avoid unrealistic discounts
✔ Ask for an invoice and warranty details
By following these steps, you can confidently identify and purchase an original Polycab wire, ensuring long-term safety and performance for your electrical needs.