Why cable quality should matter more than price

Ahmed Ashfaqur Rahman, Director of RR Imperial Electricals Limited. Sketch: TBS

In Bangladesh, I often notice that many buyers still focus primarily on the price per metre when purchasing cables. And while I understand the instinct to save money—especially in a cost-sensitive market like ours—I wish more people would look beyond the price tag and consider what they're really getting.

Cables aren't just wires; they're the silent backbone of our homes, offices, factories, and infrastructure. So I always urge customers: before you make a purchase, ask the right questions. Does the cable meet international safety and quality standards? Is it certified by reputed agencies? What's the purity level of the copper inside? Is the PVC insulation virgin-grade or recycled? Does the manufacturer offer quality control (QC) documentation?

At RR Kabel, we've built our reputation around these questions. We proudly carry global certifications like UL and VDE, and ensure full compliance with all safety protocols. Let me put it simply: cables made from impure or mixed copper may seem like a bargain at first, but in reality, they cost you more. Poor conductivity means higher electricity bills. Worse, these cables pose major safety risks—short circuits, overheating, even fire hazards.

So no, you're not saving money in the long run. You're taking a risk—financially and physically. That's why I always say: don't just look at the price per metre. Look at the whole picture.

Quiet innovation in an overlooked industry

People often don't associate cable manufacturing with innovation. After all, it's just copper and PVC, right? But let me tell you—true innovation lies in how we refine those basics.

At RR Kabel, R&D is a constant, ongoing effort. We only use 99.99% pure copper for better conductivity and longer life. The PVC we use is virgin-grade, which improves insulation and durability. But materials are just the starting point.

We're also innovating based on application-specific needs. One area I'm particularly proud of is our range of advanced safety cables. We've introduced Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables, Halogen-Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) cables, and Fire-Survival cables. These are not just technical enhancements—they are designed to save lives, especially in high-risk environments like hospitals, malls, and metro systems.

Our R&D is helping raise the overall standard of the local cable market. And it's deeply rewarding to see safer, better-engineered products being adopted more widely in Bangladesh.

Quality over grey market shortcuts

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room—Chinese imports and grey-market products. These continue to dominate certain market segments in Bangladesh, and for a simple reason: price.

But here's what many don't see—those cheaper cables are often made with recycled or mixed copper and poor insulation. The result? Weak conductivity, high energy loss, frequent breakdowns, and increased risk of electrical fires. It's not just bad for business; it's a public safety issue.

We've chosen to compete differently. Instead of cutting corners, we've focused on delivering value. That means offering globally certified, high-performance, and most importantly, safe cables at competitive prices. We don't just want to sell a product—we want to build long-term trust.

Of course, we can't solve this issue alone. I strongly believe that tackling the grey market requires a collective push—from government regulators to media, from industry leaders to end users. We all need to value safety, transparency, and ethical manufacturing over short-term gains.

At the end of the day, a good cable should do more than conduct electricity—it should protect lives, equipment, and investments. And that's what we're committed to delivering.