Counterfeit electrical cables are one of the biggest safety hazards in Nigerian homes today. Fake wires look almost identical to genuine ones but lack the copper thickness, insulation quality, and heat resistance needed for safe operation.
Signs of a Fake Wire
- Check the PVC insulation — Genuine cables use high-quality PVC that does not crack when bent sharply. Fake ones crack or feel brittle.
- Look at the copper conductor — Real copper is bright orange-red. Fake cables often use copper-coated aluminium or low-purity copper that appears dull or yellowish.
- Check the NAFDAC/SON stamp — Every legitimate cable sold in Nigeria must carry a Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) mark. No stamp means do not buy it.
- Weigh it in your hand — Genuine cables are heavier because they contain more copper. If a roll feels unusually light, it likely has less copper than stated.
- Test the insulation with fire — Proper cables use fire-retardant PVC. When you hold a lighter briefly near the insulation, it should not catch fire easily.
Why It Matters
Fake wires overheat under load, melt their insulation, and cause electrical fires. In residential buildings, they are responsible for a large proportion of house fires that occur at night when no one is watching.
What to Do
Always buy cables from trusted, registered dealers. At Osaze Light World, every wire we stock comes with manufacturer certification. We also do free cable testing if you bring a sample to our shop.