DiyLightAnimation
Fun => The Porch => Topic started by: NavyGator on December 14, 2011,
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I saw this spool of wire at Home Depot and was wondering if it would be okay to use to make homemade extension cords for hooking lights to controllers. It is rated at 150V and the price is right. What do you guys think about using it?
Rich
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I used this 18-2 wire. It was perfect for the vampire plugs we got. It's a little cheaper too. $41/250 ft. I'm on my 2nd spool.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ12l1/R-202206453/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Steve
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I used this 18-2 wire. It was perfect for the vampire plugs we got. It's a little cheaper too. $41/250 ft. I'm on my 2nd spool.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ12l1/R-202206453/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Steve
Are you using that with SPT-1 or SPT-2 plugs?
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To think, I payed over $100.00 front per 500' rolls. I need to do my homework. Thanks for the post. What about the vampire plugs? I bought mine at aachristmas for 100 count for $100.00 as well.
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To think, I payed over $100.00 front per 500' rolls. I need to do my homework. Thanks for the post. What about the vampire plugs? I bought mine at aachristmas for 100 count for $100.00 as well.
There are a handful of different styles of vampire plugs. $1/plug seems on the high side. I believe I paid $0.37/plug not counting shipping. However, I routinely see them for $0.70/plug on many other sides.
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O well, I guess I overpaid. can you send a link for the suppliers you use for the vampire plugs?
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Vampire plugs
SPT1 female
39 cents each (must buy 50)
http://www.allthingschristmasandmore.com/Electrical-Receptacle-female-green-slide-on-SPT-1-_p_3771.html
SPT1 male
37 cents each (must buy 50)
http://www.allthingschristmasandmore.com/Electrical-Plug-male-green-slide-on-SPT-1-_p_3774.html
SPT2 female
39 cents each (must buy 50)
http://www.allthingschristmasandmore.com/Electrical-Receptacle-female-green-slide-on-SPT-2-_p_3772.html
SPT2 male
must be out of stock currently
SPT1 cord
250ft $35.10
http://www.lowes.com/pd_244440-295-55798144_0__?productId=3425386&Ntt=spt&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dspt&facetInfo=
SPT2 cord
250ft / $60.00
http://www.lowes.com/pd_244454-295-55681844_0__?productId=3425390&Ntt=spt&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dspt&facetInfo=
500ft / $88.64
http://www.allthingschristmasandmore.com/Wire-zipcord-18-gauge-green-SPT-2-500-feet-spool_p_4076.html
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the wire in the original post is rated to 150 volts. i believe that means it has thinner insulation. i can't remember off hand, but i think most cable that carries 120volts (US) is rated for 600volts meaning it has a thicker insulation. i think the wire in the original post could carry the electricity in a temporary situation (on paper) but it might be easier to break through the insulation especially for an animal.
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the wire in the original post is rated to 150 volts. i believe that means it has thinner insulation. i can't remember off hand, but i think most cable that carries 120volts (US) is rated for 600volts meaning it has a thicker insulation. i think the wire in the original post could carry the electricity in a temporary situation (on paper) but it might be easier to break through the insulation especially for an animal.
Yeah, most of the 120v cabling does indeed use insulation rated for 600v.
Landscaping wire mentioned in the original post is intended for low voltage landscape lighting or Aether II's :)
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It is not the thickness of the insulation but the type used. Landscape wire insulation tends to be thicker than house or lamp wire insulation but it is also UV resistant and much more flexable. That may be a problem with these vampire plugs becase the thickness of the insulation may prevent them from closing properly.
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but still, i'm not sure i'd run 120volts through a cable only rated for 25% more voltage.
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Paranoia will destroy ya... I would be more concerned with the insulation being to thick for the plugs then I would be with the voltage rating, especially if it is rated at 25% ABOVE the expected voltage. One must remember that this is a short term temporary setup for outside lights with little to no human contact, not a permanent indoor connection with a much higher risk of injury.
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I used this 18-2 wire. It was perfect for the vampire plugs we got. It's a little cheaper too. $41/250 ft. I'm on my 2nd spool.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ12l1/R-202206453/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Steve
Are you using that with SPT-1 or SPT-2 plugs?
SPT-2
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Paranoia will destroy ya... I would be more concerned with the insulation being to thick for the plugs then I would be with the voltage rating, especially if it is rated at 25% ABOVE the expected voltage. One must remember that this is a short term temporary setup for outside lights with little to no human contact, not a permanent indoor connection with a much higher risk of injury.
I have to agree with you. Besides, if we look at the wires on our lights they are much smaller diameter than any of the SPT wire most of us use and the insulation is thinner also. I was thinking for the price it is a possibility for use.
Rich
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Paranoia will destroy ya... I would be more concerned with the insulation being to thick for the plugs then I would be with the voltage rating, especially if it is rated at 25% ABOVE the expected voltage. One must remember that this is a short term temporary setup for outside lights with little to no human contact, not a permanent indoor connection with a much higher risk of injury.
I have to agree with you. Besides, if we look at the wires on our lights they are much smaller diameter than any of the SPT wire most of us use and the insulation is thinner also. I was thinking for the price it is a possibility for use.
Rich
Its only on for a couple hours a day and only for a month once a year. I think we are all good.
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there is a thread on pc about this and that the wire needs to be rated at 300v has to do with the potental energy being 240 on a 120 cord I do not have the link today but will post it on Sunday