Electric Wire Size Chart in Pakistan: Every Size Explained in mm²

The electrician’s list says 7/29, the product page says 2.5 mm², and the dealer is talking about “teen unteess” and “saat unteess”. Another shop sells the same job in 4 mm² and 6 mm². It is easy to get confused, buy the wrong size, or pay for a thicker wire than the circuit needs.

In Pakistan, wire sizes are sold in two naming systems at the same time: the older inch-based names like 3/29 and 7/29, and the metric sizes in mm². Both describe the same thing: how much copper is inside the wire. Once you understand how they line up, choosing the right size for each circuit becomes simple.

This guide gives you a complete electric wire size chart for Pakistan, explains how to read sizes like 7/29, converts every size to mm², and shows where each one is used in a house.

How to Read Wire Sizes Like 3/29, 7/29 and 7/44

The inch-based wire name has two numbers. The first number is how many copper strands the wire has. The second number is the diameter of each strand in thousandths of an inch.

So 7/29 means 7 strands, each 0.029 inch thick. 3/29 means 3 strands of the same thickness. 7/44 means 7 thicker strands of 0.044 inch each. 1/.044 means a single solid conductor of 0.044 inch.

To turn this into mm², you work out the copper area of one strand and multiply by the number of strands. For example, one strand of 0.029 inch (about 0.74 mm) has an area of roughly 0.43 mm², so seven strands give roughly 3 mm². The bigger the total copper area, the more current the wire can carry safely.

Complete Electric Wire Size Chart for Pakistan

This chart lists the common single core copper wire sizes used in Pakistan, their approximate copper area and their typical use in a house. The mm² values are approximate and given as a general guide.

Wire size	Strands × strand diameter	Approx. copper area	Nearest metric class	Typical use
1/.044″ earthing	1 solid × 0.044″	about 1 mm²	1 mm²	Earth connections, light circuit earth
1 mm²	stranded	1 mm²	1 mm²	Light points
3/.029″	3 × 0.029″	about 1.3 mm²	1.5 mm² class	Lights and fans
2.5 mm²	stranded	2.5 mm²	2.5 mm²	Normal sockets
7/.029″	7 × 0.029″	about 3 mm²	2.5–3 mm² class	Power sockets, 1–1.5 ton AC
7/.036″ (4 mm²)	7 × 0.036″	about 4.5 mm²	4 mm²	2 ton AC, geyser, kitchen line
7/.044″ (6 mm²)	7 × 0.044″	about 7 mm²	6 mm²	Main line, small house; sub-mains
7/.052″	7 × 0.052″	about 9.5 mm²	10 mm²	Main line, medium house
7/.064″ (16 mm²)	7 × 0.064″	about 14.5 mm²	16 mm²	Main line, large house, heavy load

The current a wire can carry also depends on how it is installed (in conduit, inside a wall or in open air), its length and the room temperature, so always confirm with a qualified electrician for your exact load and installation.

Inch Sizes vs mm² Sizes: Which One Should You Buy?

Both systems are sold side by side in Pakistan, and both work if the size matches the load. The important thing is to compare the copper area, not the name.

Inch-based sizes like 7/29 and 7/36 are still the most familiar names for electricians and dealers, especially for house wiring. Metric sizes like 2.5 mm² and 4 mm² match international standards and are often specified by engineers and in project drawings. When a drawing says 2.5 mm² and the dealer offers 7/29, ask your electrician to confirm the equivalent for your circuit. What matters is that the copper area is at least what the circuit needs, whichever name is printed on the coil.

How to Check a Wire’s Size at the Dealer

A label only tells you what the wire is supposed to be. A few simple checks at the dealer help you confirm that the wire matches the chart before you buy.

• Read the printing on the insulation. Good wire shows the brand, size and voltage clearly along its length.
• Count the strands. Strip a small piece of a sample and count: 7/29 should have 7 strands, 3/29 should have 3.
• Compare strand thickness. Undersized wire has visibly thinner strands than a genuine sample of the same size.
• Check the weight. A coil of the same size and length that is much lighter has less copper.
• Confirm the length. A full coil is 90 meters (97 gaz).

A wire gauge or micrometer gives the most accurate strand measurement, and many electricians carry one.

Which Wire Size to Use for Each Circuit in a House

A house is divided into circuits, and each circuit needs the size that matches its load. This is the most common pattern in homes in Pakistan.

Lights and Fans

Light and fan circuits draw little current. 3/29 or 1 mm² wire is enough for these points. If you are unsure between 3/29 and 7/29, read our 3/29 vs 7/29 wire comparison.

Sockets

Socket circuits feed irons, kettles and heaters as well as chargers and TVs, so they need a stronger wire. 7/29 or 2.5 mm² is the standard choice.

AC, Geyser and Kitchen

Heavy appliances need their own lines. 7/29 works for a 1 or 1.5 ton AC on a short run, and 7/36 (4 mm²) is used for a 2 ton AC, an electric geyser or a heavy kitchen line. See our AC wire size guide.

Main Line

The main line from the meter to the distribution board carries the whole house load. 7/44, 7/52 or 7/64 are used depending on the total load and distance. Compare the middle sizes in 7/36 vs 7/44 wire and the heavier sizes in 7/52 vs 7/64 wire.

Benefits of Using the Right Wire Size From the Chart

Using the chart correctly saves money and protects the house at the same time.

• Lower electricity loss. The right size wire does not waste energy as heat.
• No overheating at sockets and switches. Correctly sized wire keeps connections cool.
• Fewer breaker trips. The circuit carries its load without running hot.
• No money wasted on oversizing. You do not pay for copper a light circuit does not need.
• Easier ordering. Clear sizes mean the right coils arrive the first time.

Common Mistakes When Reading Wire Sizes in Pakistan

Most wrong purchases come from confusing names or ignoring the copper inside.

• Assuming 3/29 and 7/29 are close. 7/29 has more than twice the copper of 3/29.
• Comparing names instead of copper area. Always check the mm² equivalent.
• Trusting the label on undersized wire. Some wire is sold under a size name but made with thinner strands. Learn how to check in our guide on how to identify fake or low-quality electric wire in Pakistan.
• Using one size everywhere. Each circuit should get the size that matches its load.
• Ignoring distance. Long runs need a thicker wire because of voltage drop.

Quick Checklist Before You Order Wire

Use this short checklist with your electrician when you place your order.

1. List every circuit and the size it needs from the chart.
2. Confirm inch and mm² equivalents if your drawing and dealer use different systems.
3. Check that every coil is pure copper, true gauge and a full 90 meters (97 gaz).
4. Plan the main line for the total load, including future ACs.
5. Include earthing in the order.

For a full plan by house size, see which wire size to use for house wiring in Pakistan.

Why Electricians and Dealers Across Pakistan Trust Thrive Cables Wire Sizes

Thrive Cables manufactures every size in this chart at its facility in Lahore, from 1/.044 earthing wire and 3/29 to 7/64. Each size is pure copper, true to gauge, insulated with fire-retardant PVC and supplied in full-length 90 meter (97 gaz) coils for homeowners, electricians, contractors and dealers all over Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wire Sizes in Pakistan

These are the questions buyers ask most often about wire sizes.

What does 7/29 mean in wire size?

7/29 means the wire has 7 copper strands, each 0.029 inch thick. Together they give roughly 3 mm² of copper.

Is 3/29 equal to 1.5 mm²?

3/29 has roughly 1.3 mm² of copper, so it sits in the same class as 1.5 mm² for light and fan circuits. For an exact match on a project drawing, confirm with your electrician.

Which is thicker, 7/36 or 7/44?

7/44 is thicker. Its strands are 0.044 inch compared to 0.036 inch, which gives roughly 7 mm² of copper compared to roughly 4.5 mm².

Which wire size is used for house main line in Pakistan?

As a general guide, 7/44 is common for a small house, 7/52 for a medium house and 7/64 for a large house or heavy load. The exact size depends on total load and distance.

What is the price of each wire size in Pakistan?

Wire price changes with the copper price, so it varies from week to week. Current price on request. Contact Thrive Cables for the latest price on every size.

Conclusion

Wire sizes in Pakistan come in two names, but they describe the same thing: the amount of copper inside. Read the inch name as strands × strand diameter, check the mm² equivalent, and choose the size that matches the load on each circuit.

The rule of thumb is simple: 3/29 or 1 mm² for lights, 7/29 or 2.5 mm² for sockets, 7/36 for heavy appliances, and 7/44 to 7/64 for the main line. Then confirm the final list with a qualified electrician for your exact load and installation.