Building or Renovating? How to Buy Electrical Materials Yourself and Save

Why Buy Electrical Materials Yourself?

• You know what is inside your walls. Wiring and conduits are hidden after plastering. Buying them yourself means you know the brand and grade.
• You avoid hidden margins. At a no-commission shop like Bharathi Electricals, everyone pays the same fair price.
• You get the bills and warranties. Proof of purchase stays with you, which makes future service claims easy.
• You make better choices. You can pick energy-efficient fans, safer wires and stylish switches based on your own priorities.

Step 1: Get a Written Plan From Your Electrician

Before you shop, sit with your electrician and walk through each room. Decide:

• How many light points, fan points and sockets each room needs
• Where heavy appliances will go (AC, geyser, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, induction cooktop)
• Whether you want two-way switches (for example, a staircase light controlled from top and bottom)
• Where the main distribution board (DB) will sit

Ask for a written material list with quantities and sizes. This is the single most useful document for your shopping trip.

Step 2: Understand the Main Categories

Wires

Houses typically use different wire sizes for different circuits. As a general guide used in many Indian homes:

Your electrician will confirm the exact sizes based on your load and wiring lengths. Choose FR or FRLS grade wires from a reputed brand with the ISI mark.

Conduits and Boxes

PVC conduit pipes carry the wires inside walls. You will also need modular boxes (metal or PVC) for each switch plate location, bends, junction boxes and accessories.

Switches and Sockets

Modular switch systems have three parts: the box in the wall, the plate on the front, and the modules (switches, sockets, regulators) inside. Count modules carefully per location.

Protection Devices

• MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) protect each circuit from overload and short circuits.
• RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) protects people from electric shock due to leakage.
• Distribution board houses all MCBs and the RCCB.

Fans, Lights and Appliances

Ceiling fans, exhaust fans, LED lights, geysers and any room heaters. These are visible, so choose based on looks, energy efficiency and budget.

Step 3: Room-by-Room Checklist

Use this as a starting point and adjust to your home.

Living Room

• Ceiling fan (BLDC recommended for energy savings) and fan regulator or remote
• LED panel lights or downlights for general lighting
• Decorative or cove lights (optional)
• Sockets for TV, set-top box, Wi-Fi router, and charging
• 16A power socket if you plan an AC
• Two-way switch if the room has two entrances

Bedrooms

• Ceiling fan and regulator
• Main light plus a softer bedside or reading light
• Sockets on both sides of the bed for phones and lamps
• 16A socket for AC
• Switch near the bed for the fan and main light (very convenient)

Kitchen

• Bright LED lighting over the counter
• Exhaust fan
• Multiple 16A sockets for refrigerator, microwave, mixer, induction and water purifier
• Instant water heater point (optional)
• Chimney point at the right height

Bathrooms

• Storage geyser (15 to 25 litres for most families)
• Exhaust fan
• Light with a moisture-resistant fitting
• Switches outside or away from water spray

Utility and Balcony

• Socket for washing machine (16A recommended)
• Light for the balcony or utility area
• Weatherproof socket if outdoors

Common Areas and Outside

• Staircase lights with two-way switches
• Gate light and doorbell
• Socket for CCTV or inverter if needed

Main Distribution Board

• RCCB (commonly 30 mA for home protection)
• MCBs for each circuit: lights, sockets, AC, geyser, kitchen
• Distribution board with enough spare slots for future expansion

Step 4: Smart Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

1. Never compromise on wires and MCBs. These protect your family. Spend on quality here.
2. Save on decorative items instead. Fancy lights can be added later; safe wiring cannot be easily replaced.
3. Choose BLDC fans. They cost more upfront but use much less power, saving money every month.
4. Buy everything from one trusted shop. One bill, one place for exchanges, and clear pricing.
5. Keep a 5 to 10 percent buffer. Small items like boxes, screws and extra wire often run short. Ask the shop about returns for unused, sealed items.
6. Plan for the future. Add extra sockets now; adding them later means breaking walls.

Step 5: Shopping Day Tips

• Bring the written material list and a rough floor plan
• Bring your electrician if possible, or keep them on call
• Ask for a detailed bill with brand, model and quantity
• Check every box for ISI marks and seals
• Store all bills and warranty cards in one folder

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

• Too few sockets. Modern homes need far more charging and appliance points than older ones.
• Undersized wire for AC and geyser circuits. This can cause heating and tripping.
• No RCCB. An RCCB adds an important layer of shock protection.
• Switches inside bathrooms near water. Keep them in safe, dry locations.
• Forgetting the inverter wiring. Decide early which points should run on the inverter.

Get Your Material List Priced at Bharathi Electricals

Bring or WhatsApp your list to Bharathi Electricals, VMKG Complex, Gundopanth Street, Chickpet (a short walk from Chickpete Metro Station). We will go through it with you, suggest improvements and give you a clear quote.

One fair price for everyone, no commission added. Genuine Havells products, serving Bengaluru homeowners since 2005.