As a technical expert with 45 years of experience in the cable industry, we advocate and encourage global customers to establish long-term cooperation with reputable cable suppliers to jointly ensure the safety and stability of engineering power supply.

Beware of the "yin and yang wire" trap of cables, how to identify the quality and safety of cables

April 16, 2025

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Beware of the "yin and yang wire" trap of cables! Five steps to identify cutting corners and protect electrical safety

Recently, there has been a discussion in the industry about the phenomenon of "copper and aluminum mixed cables", which has aroused the industry's attention to line safety and product consistency issues. Faced with the design risks of inconsistent conductor materials in some products on the market, as a technical expert with 45 years of experience in the cable industry, we advocate and encourage global customers to establish long-term cooperation with reputable suppliers to jointly ensure the safety and stability of engineering electricity. High-quality suppliers not only focus on product safety and strictly implement international and national standards, but also have a complete online quality control and traceability system to ensure that every meter of product meets standard requirements.


Specific testing methods (testing methods are for reference only, please choose an authoritative organization for actual testing)

To help customers understand product quality control standards more intuitively, the following are five common testing methods and indicators to explain the key parameters that can be paid attention to when selecting suppliers:

1. Cross-section testing method (accuracy of about 90%)

Use a utility knife to cut horizontally in the middle section of the cable (not at the end) to observe the color and uniformity of the conductor cross section. Pure copper conductors appear rose red, while aluminum conductors appear silvery white. It is recommended to sample the entire roll of cable (especially the middle section) every 10 meters to ensure the consistency of the conductor material.

2. Weight comparison method (error rate ≤5%)

Take the common 4mm² specification as an example: the standard pure copper cable weighs about 4300kg per kilometer, while the weight of some mixed material cables may be as low as about 3100kg. By comparing the actual weight of the same specification reels, customers can preliminarily determine whether the conductor meets the standard.

Note: The specific values should refer to the relevant international standards and product instructions.

3. Resistance measurement method (professional verification)

Use a micro-ohmmeter to measure the resistance of the conductor at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Theoretically, the resistivity of pure copper is 0.0172Ω·mm²/m, while that of aluminum is 0.0283Ω·mm²/m. If the measured value is more than 15% higher than the theoretical value of pure copper, there may be a mixture of materials. This method provides strong data support for quantitative analysis.

4. Professional spectral detection (forensic evidence)

Take a sample of about 50cm long and send it to a laboratory with CMA certification, and use a metal spectrometer for elemental composition analysis. Accurate composition results can be obtained within 30 minutes. This detection method is widely used in judicial and authoritative detection as an international standard detection method.

5. Procurement defense strategy

A. Give priority to suppliers who can provide a "continuity test report" for the entire roll of cable;

B. Clearly stipulate the "material consistency of the entire conductor section" clause in the quality agreement between the two parties;

C. Choose product packaging with traceable anti-counterfeiting chips and full-process quality inspection records.


Shenxing Cable's Global Quality Assurance Measures

Shenxing Cable Group has always been committed to providing high-quality and high-safety products to global customers. The following are our main quality control measures for your reference:

1. High-precision online testing equipment

We have introduced a high-precision spectrometer made in Germany, and conduct online testing every 200 meters to ensure that the conductor material of the entire roll of cable is completely consistent and meets the requirements of international system certification such as ISO/IEC 63000.

2. Full-process traceability system

Each roll of product is equipped with a unique traceability code. Global customers can scan the code to view the product's quality inspection records from raw material procurement, production testing, packaging and transportation in real time to ensure that information is open and transparent.

3. Perfect quality responsibility commitment

Shenxing Cable promises to provide timely after-sales service and solutions for subsequent safety hazards caused by product quality problems, while continuously improving the process to ensure that the product always meets international high standards and escorts customer projects.


Jointly maintain industry quality and create a safe future for electricity use

We understand the current market situation that is price-sensitive, but power safety cannot be compromised. When you encounter "special cables" that are 15% lower than the market price, please be vigilant. Choosing a regular brand that has passed the ISO/IEC 63000 full system certification is not only responsible for the quality of the project, but also a fundamental guarantee for life and property.

Cables are the "lifeline" of buildings, and their quality directly affects the safety of thousands of households. We call on colleagues in the industry to jointly resist cutting corners, and we also urge our customers to open their eyes. Shen Xingren always remembers: every meter of cable is our continuation of the quality of "Made in China".


Global technical service Hotline/Whatsapp: +86 151-2718-1092

We provide product descriptions and technical support online 24 hours a day, and look forward to establishing a long-term, win-win partnership with you.

Beware of the "yin and yang wire" trap of cables, how to identify the quality and safety of cables

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