cliff65Z Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 First time with LOR equipment and have lots to learn.I am trying to get everything ready for Christmas. The thing I am most hung up on right now is the type of extentions cords to use and where best to get them. I have been looking at making them myself with 16/2 low voltage wire.If any good ideas for me on the best and least cost please respond.Thanks, cliff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Dodge Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Look into zip wire and connectors from christmaslightshow.com. They make it easy to make a extension cord anyway you want. I suggest using SPT-2 only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wbottomley Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 And why SPT 2 only? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Dodge Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Only because of the thicker coating, seems like it would last longer under the uv rays. I still use spt-1 but only under my overhangs. Just a personal preferance...thats all I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wbottomley Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Brandon Dodge wrote:Only because of the thicker coating, seems like it would last longer under the uv rays. I still use spt-1 but only under my overhangs. Just a personal preferance...thats all I guess.Your guess is... Click hereI use spt 1/3 and never have had a problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Dodge Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I didn't mean to step on your toes.... I am kinda new with using the zip wire and have been told from others to use the thicker cable when placing wire in the open like that to prevent cracking of the cord ...thats all. It was a suggestion to the question posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wbottomley Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 LOL. Someone or people feed you the wrong information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Dodge Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Then answer the orginal question that the person asking. Sounds like you can provide some good advise and have more experiance with the type of wire to use. The original poster is wanting to use landscape light wire and I think it is more expensive and wouldnt be the right kind to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wbottomley Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Landscaping wire is a no, no. It's rated for low voltage. Some use it, but I don't recommend it at all.Do some searching on the net to find some decent bargains on spt wire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff65Z Posted October 16, 2011 Author Share Posted October 16, 2011 wbottomley, why do you say low voltage wire is a no no? I have about 1000' of 16/2 and was going to use it, but will need more I think. I have been looking at the spt wire 1 and 2, which is only 18guage. It is a little cheaper than what I bought at Home Depo, which is good.Thank you for the info, wish I had gotten on here before I bought that low voltage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest wbottomley Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 cliff65Z wrote:wbottomley, why do you say low voltage wire is a no no? I have about 1000' of 16/2 and was going to use it, but will need more I think. I have been looking at the spt wire 1 and 2, which is only 18guage. It is a little cheaper than what I bought at Home Depo, which is good.Thank you for the info, wish I had gotten on here before I bought that low voltage.Because it's for low voltage, not 125VAC. Read the voltage rating on it.Talk about setting yourself up for electrocution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBullard Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I have over 5000 ft of SPT1 18AWG been using since 2007. No problemsI agree, landscape wiring is normally only rated for 50 volts. Most SPT1 is rated for at least 300 volts (sometimes 600 volts) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff65Z Posted October 16, 2011 Author Share Posted October 16, 2011 This that I have is rated for 150 volts. I am useing LED lights so they do not pull much, one string per outlet. Think it will work? Or should I not try it? But, I do plan on getting some of the SPT1 with connectors now that I know what to look for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBullard Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I wouldn't. LEDs do not use much CURRENT, but the VOLTAGE is the same.Normal 125 vac refers to the average. What you need to be concerned with is the peak voltage, which (if I remember correctly) is closer to 167 volts.Low voltage wire is for low voltage, in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff65Z Posted October 16, 2011 Author Share Posted October 16, 2011 Hey JBullard, I see you have been doing it for a while, I will trust your opinion.Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark h2o Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Ya, Will and John are right, only use products rated for it's intended purpose. I hate to see corners cut because people had 'stuff' sitting around. (insurance co's don't like that either in the event something did go wrong)SPT is easy to use, and the plug ends are a nice fit and a quick install.It's also a lot less visible laying on the ground and lets you make all the custom length cords you need for a professional look.BTW, if you think you need 1000', buy 2000'. trust me on this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jldavis1969 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 if you are looking for a cheap alternative try the following sites:http://www.americord.com/bulk-wire/18-guagewire/18-2-awg-wire.htmlhttp://www.skycraftsurplus.com/lampcord.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBullard Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 The SPT1/3 cord carried by Creative Displays (where I buy mine) is XTW rated which means it is approved for outdoor and sunlight.If you telephone them this week, telephone 800-733-9617 the price is 1000 feet for $150. green or white wire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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