Home  /  Blog  /  Comparison
Comparison

FR vs FR-LSH vs Finolex Ultra: Which House Wire Should You Choose?

Close-up of house wire insulation being stripped, showing conductor and grade

Finolex house wires come in a few grades, and the names can be confusing. Here's what FR, FR-LSH and Finolex Ultra actually mean — and where each one fits in a home.

FR — Flame Retardant

The standard, most widely used house wire. FR insulation resists catching fire and slows flame spread. It's a solid, value-for-money choice for general home wiring.

FR-LSH — Flame Retardant Low Smoke & Halogen

Everything FR does, plus it releases less smoke and fewer toxic halogen gases if exposed to fire. In a house fire, smoke and gas are often more dangerous than flames — so FR-LSH (Finolex's Flamegard range) is a smart upgrade for bedrooms, children's rooms, and enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas.

Finolex Ultra — E-Beam, Low Smoke Zero Halogen

Finolex's premium wire, using electron-beam (E-Beam) irradiated insulation for superior heat resistance and the lowest smoke and halogen emission. It's the safest choice for premium homes and anyone who wants maximum fire safety.

Which should you choose?

  • Budget-conscious, general wiring → Finolex FR.
  • Better fire safety for living spaces → Finolex FR-LSH.
  • Premium home, maximum safety → Finolex Ultra.

Many builders mix grades — Ultra/FR-LSH for bedrooms and FR for utility areas. We stock every Finolex grade and coil length, always in stock. Share your list and we'll recommend the right mix.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between FR and FRLS wire?
FR is flame retardant, meaning the insulation resists catching fire and slows flame spread. FRLS is flame retardant low smoke, which additionally emits far less smoke and corrosive gas while burning. In a fire, smoke is what disables people before flame does, which is why FRLS matters in enclosed homes.
Is FRLS wire worth the extra cost?
It typically costs around 8 to 12% more per coil, which on a whole house is a modest sum against a meaningful safety difference. It is most worth it in flats, in stairwells and corridors, and anywhere escape routes are enclosed.
Where should FRLS wire be used in a house?
Ideally throughout, and at minimum on circuits running through enclosed spaces, corridors, stairwells and shafts where smoke would accumulate. Many builders use FRLS on the main and common runs and standard FR on peripheral circuits.
What does Finolex Ultra offer over standard ranges?
The premium ranges use higher-specification insulation compounds with better heat resistance and lower smoke emission, and are aimed at installations wanting the highest specification. For most homes, good FR or FRLS from a genuine source covers the requirement well.
Does the grade affect the wire size I need?
No. Grade affects fire behaviour and smoke, not current-carrying capacity, so sizing is determined by load and run length regardless of whether you choose FR or FRLS. Use the wire size calculator to confirm the size, then choose the grade separately.

Ready to order for your home?

Upload your wiring list for an instant quote — 100% original material, free next-day delivery across Bangalore.

Keep Reading

More guides

Building your home? Buy from the best brand distributor.

100% genuine, QR-verified material · free next-day delivery across Bangalore · pay on delivery — and 35 years of trust behind every order. Exact quote on WhatsApp within 60 minutes.