Darrell Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 Has anyone else had problems using vampire plugs and SPT2 wire from different vendors? I've been making cords for this year's display and starting using some SPT2 wire that I had left from last year with new plugs that I got from a different vendor this year. Out of the first 8 cords, 6 failed and only got 2 of those to work after trying to reset the plugs. When I use the SPT2 wire from this year on the same order from the new plugs, I've gotten 4 good cords on the first try. Both the old and new stuff are definitely SPT2 and not a mix of SPT1 & 2. If I cann't get the new plugs to work with the older wire, then I'll need to order more supplies to make up what I need this year. However, now I'm wondering if I always need to order both wire and plugs from the same vendor at the same time. Anyone have this issue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmoore60 Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 Almost sounds like your plugs with the high failure rate are for SPT-1 cord. The primary difference between SPT-1 and SPT-2 is the thickness of the insulation. Might check the length of the vampire on an "older" plug versus a "new" plug.Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrell Posted October 27, 2011 Author Share Posted October 27, 2011 I've checked and ALL the plugs and the wire from last year's buy and this year order have SPT-2 stamped on them. The new SPT2 wire seems just a hair larger (width & thickness) than the wire I got last year but both of them are stamped with SPT2 on them. The order from last year was from Action Lighting. The order from this year was from Novelty Lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizmomkr Posted October 28, 2011 Share Posted October 28, 2011 For whatever its worth I have had vampire plugs from 2 vendors, Novelty and CLS ( I think) Mixed with wire from lowes, a local theatre supply store, and skycraft.1 out of 15 cords Maybe have a loose / bad end, but was always able to reseat the cord into the vampire part, and fix it.My chances of failure are cut in half though because i only use the female plug. all my controllers have screw terminals.I have noticed the batch of cable I got from skycraft last year was verry rubbery / flexible, and had a "sticky" coating. The cbale moved around a bit while sliding the plug on, and was just slightly harder to seat.All the other SPT I have bought has been a much less flexible coating, and seems to seat better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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