Professional-Grade Wires and Plugs

for Custom Lighting Solutions

Welcome to our comprehensive collection of high-quality wires and plugs, designed to empower both professional installers and passionate DIY enthusiasts. These essential components form the foundation of any exceptional lighting display, offering the versatility and durability needed to bring your creative visions to life. From bulk spools of SPT-1 and SPT-2 wire to weather-resistant Gilbert plugs and convenient end caps, our range caters to all your custom lighting needs. Whether you're crafting intricate holiday displays, enhancing landscape lighting, or tackling large-scale commercial projects, our professional-grade wires and plugs ensure reliable performance and seamless integration. Explore our selection and discover the perfect electrical components to elevate your lighting installations, combining safety, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal in every project.

SPT 1 Wire & Plugs

250' Zip Cord (SPT-1)

Enhance your lighting installations with our versatile 250' Spool of Lamp Cord SPT-1 Extension Wire (Zip Cord), perfect for both professional and DIY decorators. This 18-gauge, 2-conductor wire, rated for 8 amps or 960 watts, allows you to easily create custom extension cords, add jumper wires, or extend C9 and C7 stringers for rooflines and holiday displays. Its durable design suits both indoor and outdoor applications, offering reliable performance for small to large-scale projects. Available in Green, White, Brown, and Black, this easy-to-work-with zip cord provides the flexibility and durability needed for creating custom lighting solutions in any setting.

500' Green Zip Cord (SPT-1)

Our 500' Spool of Green Lamp Cord SPT-1 Extension Wire (Zip Cord) offers versatile solutions for custom lighting setups. This 18-gauge, 2-conductor wire, rated at 8 Amps or 960 Watts, is perfect for creating personalized extension cords, adding jumper wires to rooflines, or extending C9 and C7 stringers. Compatible with our SPT-1 male and female plugs (sold separately), this durable wire is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you're a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast, this 500' spool provides ample length for various lighting projects, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in your custom lighting designs.

1000' Green Zip Cord (SPT-1)

Our 1000' Spool of Green Lamp Cord SPT-1 Extension Wire (Zip Cord) is a high-quality, 18-gauge, 2-conductor wire is perfect for creating custom extension cords, adding jumper wires to rooflines, or extending C9 and C7 stringers. Rated for 8 amps or 960 watts, it offers reliable performance for both residential and commercial projects. The green color blends seamlessly with outdoor foliage and durable design suits both indoor and outdoor use. Ideal for professional installers and DIY enthusiasts alike, this generous 1000' spool provides ample wire for customization, ensuring you have the right length for any project.

Male Gilbert Plugs SPT-1

Enhance your custom Christmas lighting projects with our SPT-1 Gilbert Male Zip Plugs, available in green, white, brown, and black. These high-quality, weather-resistant plugs are specifically designed for use with SPT-1 zip cord, making them ideal for creating custom light strings and extension cords. Featuring a 2-prong polarized design for safety and stability, these plugs are constructed from heavy-duty plastic to withstand harsh winter conditions. Unlike standard options, our male zip plugs resist bending or breaking in cold weather, ensuring straight and reliable prongs throughout the season. Perfect for both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts, these durable plugs are essential for creating long-lasting, custom Christmas light displays that perform flawlessly in any environment.

Female Gilbert Plugs SPT-1

(with Knockout Tab)

Elevate your custom Christmas lighting projects with our Female Gilbert SPT-1 Zip Plugs featuring a knockout tab, available in green, white, brown, and black. Specifically designed for SPT-1 zip cord, these durable plugs are ideal for creating reliable custom light strings and extension cords. The 2-prong polarized design ensures secure connections, while the heavy-duty plastic construction withstands harsh outdoor conditions. Unlike standard options, these plugs resist bending in cold weather, making them perfect for winter installations. Whether you're connecting light strands end-to-end or crafting custom extensions, these resilient female zip plugs offer superior performance for both professional and DIY Christmas lighting setups.

Gilbert ONE Plugs SPT-1

(with Knockout Tab)

Simplify your Christmas light installation with The One Plug, which connects two wires directly—no separate male and female plugs needed. This innovative design saves time, making your setup faster and more efficient. Built with durable plastic and sturdy prongs, it's designed to last throughout the season, ensuring reliability for any lighting project. Perfect for anyone looking to streamline their holiday light displays with ease and dependability.

SPT 2 Wires & Plugs

250' Zip Cord (SPT-2)

This versatile 18-gauge, 2-conductor wire is engineered for both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts, offering the durability and flexibility needed for creating custom extension cords, adding jumper wires to rooflines, or extending C9 and C7 stringers. Rated for 8 amps or 960 watts, this robust SPT-2 wire ensures powerful and safe connections for all your lighting needs. Its weather-resistant properties make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to bring your creative holiday lighting visions to life in any setting. Whether you're working on a small residential project or a large-scale commercial installation, our SPT-2 Extension Wire provides the reliability and performance required to create stunning, long-lasting Christmas light displays. Available in green, white, brown & black.

Male Plugs (SPT-2)

Elevate your custom lighting projects with our superior Male zip plugs, engineered for exceptional performance in even the harshest conditions. Unlike standard options, these plugs boast prongs that resist bending in cold weather, ensuring reliable connections throughout the winter season. Perfectly suited for creating custom Christmas light strings or tailored extension cords, these plugs attach effortlessly to the end of zip cord electrical wire. The green SPT-2 male zip plugs are specifically designed to complement green SPT-2 zip cord, offering a seamless and professional appearance. Featuring a 2-prong polarized design for safety and stability, these plugs are constructed from heavy-duty plastic to withstand the rigors of both indoor and outdoor use. Available in green and black.

Female Plugs

(with Knockout Tab (SPT-2)

Enhance your custom lighting projects with our premium Female Gilbert SPT-2 zip plugs, designed for superior performance in all weather conditions. Unlike standard options, these plugs feature prongs that maintain their integrity even in frigid temperatures, ensuring reliable connections throughout the winter season. Perfect for creating custom Christmas light stringers or bespoke extension cords, these versatile plugs attach effortlessly to zip cord wire, allowing you to connect strands end-to-end with ease. The white SPT-2 female zip plugs are specifically tailored to complement white SPT-2 zip cord electrical wire, providing a seamless and professional appearance. Equipped with a 2-prong polarized design for safety and stability, these plugs are constructed from heavy-duty plastic..

Male & Female Plugs

10 Pack (SPT-2)

Elevate your custom lighting projects with our top-of-the-line Male & Female zip plugs, engineered for unparalleled performance in all weather conditions. Unlike standard options, these plugs feature prongs that resist bending even in frigid temperatures, ensuring reliable connections throughout the winter season. Perfect for crafting custom Christmas light stringers or bespoke extension cords, these versatile plugs attach seamlessly to zip cord wire, allowing for easy end-to-end strand connections. The black SPT-2 Male & Female zip plugs are specifically designed to complement black SPT-2 zip cord electrical wire, offering a sleek and professional appearance. Featuring a 2-prong polarized design for enhanced safety and stability, these plugs are constructed from heavy-duty plastic, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Gilbert One Plug SPT

The One Plug makes Christmas light installation a breeze by directly connecting two wires, eliminating the need for separate male and female plugs. Its efficient design saves time and speeds up your setup. Crafted from durable plastic with sturdy prongs, it's built to last all season, making it a dependable choice for any lighting project. Ideal for anyone wanting to simplify their holiday light displays with ease and confidence. Available in Green, White, Brown and Black

Misc

Wire Termination Cap

Enhance the safety and appearance of your lighting projects with our high-quality wire end caps, available in convenient bags of 10. These essential accessories are designed to protect the exposed ends of your wiring, preventing potential hazards and providing a clean, professional finish to your installations. Crafted from high-grade, durable materials, these end caps ensure long-lasting protection against moisture, dust, and accidental contact. Their user-friendly design allows for quick and easy application, making them ideal for both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you're working on holiday lighting, landscape illumination, or any other wiring project, these end caps offer a simple yet effective solution for securing and safeguarding your wire ends, ensuring both safety and aesthetics in your electrical setups.

Gilbert One Plug

The One Plug makes Christmas light installation a breeze by directly connecting two wires, eliminating the need for separate male and female plugs. Its efficient design saves time and speeds up your setup. Crafted from durable plastic with sturdy prongs, it's built to last all season, making it a dependable choice for any lighting project. Ideal for anyone wanting to simplify their holiday light displays with ease and confidence. Available in Green, White, Brown and Black

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between SPT-1 and SPT-2 wire?

SPT-1 wire is thinner and more flexible, ideal for lighter-duty applications and tighter spaces. SPT-2 wire has thicker insulation, making it more durable and better suited for heavier-duty outdoor use and longer runs. Both are available for custom lighting projects, but SPT-2 is generally recommended for extensive outdoor installations.

Can I use these wires and plugs for both indoor and outdoor lighting projects?

Yes, our wires and plugs are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. They're constructed with weather-resistant materials to withstand various environmental conditions. However, always ensure proper installation and follow safety guidelines for outdoor electrical setups.

How do I choose the right color of wire and plugs for my project?

Choose wire and plug colors that match or complement your installation surface. Green wires blend well with foliage, white is great for light-colored surfaces, and black offers a sleek look against dark backgrounds. Matching colors also helps create a more professional, seamless appearance in your lighting display.

What's the advantage of using Gilbert plugs over standard plugs?

Gilbert plugs are known for their superior durability and cold weather performance. Unlike standard plugs, Gilbert plugs resist bending and breaking in low temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor winter installations. They also provide a more secure connection, reducing the risk of disconnection or electrical issues.

How many lights can I safely connect using your SPT-2 wire?

Our SPT-2 wire is typically rated for 8 amps or 960 watts. The number of lights you can safely connect depends on the wattage of your bulbs. For example, using 5-watt bulbs, you could connect up to 192 lights. Always check the wattage of your specific bulbs and never exceed the wire's rated capacity to ensure safety.

Discover Expert Tips on Our Blog

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Stay Safe on Steep Roofs: Essential Equipment and Footwear

September 25, 202410 min read

As professional Christmas light installers, our work brings joy and beauty to homes during the holiday season. However, it's crucial to remember that our job involves significant risks, particularly when working at heights. This comprehensive guide will explore essential safety practices, tools, and strategies to ensure you and your team stay safe while delivering exceptional service.

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The Importance of Safety in Christmas Light Installation

Safety should always be your top priority in the Christmas light installation business. No matter how much money you make or how efficient you become, all of that means nothing if you or a team member gets injured on the job. Falls from roofs can result in severe injuries or worse, and they can happen in the blink of an eye.

Remember, you're not just responsible for your own safety, but also for the safety of your team members. By implementing and consistently following proper safety protocols, you protect your health, your business, and your employees.

Common Hazards in Christmas Light Installation

Before we dive into safety practices, let's review some common hazards you might encounter:

1. Slippery surfaces: Roofs can be slick due to morning frost, rain, or moss growth.

2. Steep pitches: The steepness of a roof can make it challenging to maintain balance.

3. Weather changes: Conditions can change rapidly, making a previously safe situation dangerous.

4. Electrical hazards: Working with electrical equipment outdoors always carries risks.

5. Ladder accidents: Improper ladder use is a common cause of injuries.

6. Fatigue: Long hours during the busy season can lead to decreased alertness.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Having the right safety equipment is crucial. Here are some must-have items:

Safety Harness

A properly fitted safety harness is your most important piece of safety equipment. It should be worn whenever you're working at heights. Make sure to inspect your harness before each use and replace it if you notice any wear or damage.

Roof Anchors

Roof anchors provide a secure point to attach your safety harness. The Ridge Pro is a popular option, but remember that it's only OSHA approved as an anchor when properly bolted to the roof.

Proper Footwear

Good footwear is essential for maintaining grip on various roof surfaces. Consider these options:

1. Cougar Paws: Designed specifically for roof work, these shoes provide excellent traction.

2. Fila Memory Foam Work Shoes: Some installers find these provide even better grip than Cougar Paws.

3. Hey Dude shoes: Another option worth testing for roof work.

Ladder Stabilizers

Ladder stabilizers help prevent your ladder from slipping or falling. They're especially important when working on uneven ground or approaching gutters.

Specialized Tools for Safe Installation

Several specialized tools can help make your work safer and more efficient:

The Goat

The Goat is a popular tool that hooks over the roof peak, providing a stable point to hold onto while working. While not OSHA approved as a safety device on its own, it can significantly improve your stability and confidence on the roof.

Pitch Hoppers

Pitch Hoppers are another useful tool for working on steep roofs. They provide a stable platform to kneel or stand on. Remember, when using a Pitch Hopper, either have all your weight on it or none at all. Putting only part of your weight on it can cause it to slip.

Rope Systems

For very high or challenging roofs, a rope system can provide an extra layer of safety. This involves running a rope over the peak of the house and securing it to a sturdy anchor point (like a large tree) on the opposite side. However, only use this method if you're trained in proper knot tying and rope safety techniques.

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Safe Work Practices

Having the right equipment is only part of the equation. Safe work practices are equally important:

Assess the Roof Before Starting

Before you start any job, take the time to carefully assess the roof. Look for:

1. Signs of wear or damage on shingles

2. The pitch of the roof

3. Potential slip hazards like moss or frost

4. Stable areas for placing your ladder

Plan Your Movements

Don't start working until you have a clear plan. Know where you'll move, where you'll place your tools, and how you'll access different areas of the roof. Having a plan reduces the likelihood of making risky moves on the fly.

Use the Right Ladder Technique

When using a ladder:

1. Ensure it's on stable, level ground

2. Maintain three points of contact at all times

3. Don't overreach - move the ladder instead

4. Use ladder stabilizers for extra security

Always Use Fall Protection

Even if you feel comfortable on a roof, always use proper fall protection. This typically means wearing a safety harness attached to a secure anchor point.

Be Weather Aware

Check the weather forecast before starting work and be prepared to reschedule if conditions are unsafe. Be especially cautious of:

1. Rain or snow, which can make surfaces slippery

2. High winds, which can affect your balance and make ladder use dangerous

3. Extreme temperatures, which can affect your physical performance

Take Regular Breaks

Fatigue can significantly increase your risk of accidents. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and don't push yourself beyond your limits, especially during busy periods.

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Training Your Team

If you have a team, proper training is crucial:

1. Provide comprehensive safety training before allowing anyone to work on roofs

2. Regularly review and update safety procedures

3. Encourage team members to speak up about safety concerns

4. Lead by example - always follow safety procedures yourself

Consider creating a safety checklist that team members must complete before starting each job. This can help ensure that no important safety steps are missed.

Emergency Preparedness

Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. Be prepared:

1. Always have a fully stocked first aid kit easily accessible

2. Ensure all team members know basic first aid

3. Have an emergency plan for what to do if someone falls

4. Keep emergency contact numbers readily available

Remember, if someone falls while wearing a harness, they need to be rescued quickly to avoid suspension trauma. Have a plan for how you would safely get someone down in this situation.

Leveraging Technology for Safety

Modern technology can help enhance your safety practices:

Safety Apps

Consider using safety-focused apps that can help you track and manage safety procedures. Some apps can even send automatic alerts if a worker falls or remains motionless for too long.

Weather Apps

Use reliable weather apps to stay informed about changing conditions that could affect your work safety.

Project Management Software

While not directly safety-related, good project management software can help you avoid overbooking, which can lead to rushed work and increased risk.

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The Business Case for Safety

Prioritizing safety isn't just about avoiding accidents - it's good business:

1. It reduces the risk of costly injuries and workers' compensation claims

2. It can lower your insurance premiums

3. It enhances your reputation as a professional, responsible business

4. It improves employee morale and retention

Remember, one serious accident can potentially bankrupt your business. The time and money invested in safety measures are always well spent.

Continuous Improvement in Safety

Safety isn't a one-time achievement - it's an ongoing process:

1. Regularly review and update your safety procedures

2. Stay informed about new safety equipment and best practices

3. Encourage feedback from your team about safety concerns

4. Conduct "near miss" analyses to learn from close calls

Consider joining professional associations related to holiday lighting or exterior services. These can be great sources of up-to-date safety information.

In the Christmas light installation business, safety should always be your top priority. By using the right equipment, following safe work practices, properly training your team, and staying prepared for emergencies, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with our work.

Remember, no job is worth risking your health or life. If a situation feels unsafe, it probably is. Don't be afraid to turn down jobs that you can't complete safely, and never cut corners on safety to save time or money.

By prioritizing safety, you protect yourself, your team, and your business. You also demonstrate professionalism and care to your clients, which can lead to better reviews, more referrals, and long-term success in the Christmas light installation industry.

Stay safe out there, and may your holiday season be merry, bright, and incident-free!

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1. Q: What is the most important piece of safety equipment for Christmas light installation?

A: The most important piece of safety equipment is a properly fitted safety harness. It should be worn whenever working at heights and inspected before each use. Replace it immediately if you notice any wear or damage.

2. Q: Are tools like The Goat and Pitch Hoppers OSHA-approved safety devices?

A: No, tools like The Goat and Pitch Hoppers are not OSHA-approved safety devices on their own. While they can significantly improve stability and confidence on the roof, they should be used in conjunction with proper fall protection equipment like a safety harness and anchor point.

3. Q: What type of footwear is best for roof work during Christmas light installation?

A: Good options for roof work include Cougar Paws (designed specifically for roof work), Fila Memory Foam Work Shoes (which some installers find provide even better grip), and Hey Dude shoes. The key is to choose footwear that provides excellent traction on various roof surfaces.

4. Q: How often should I inspect my safety equipment?

A: You should inspect all your safety equipment, including harnesses, ropes, and anchors, before each use. Look for signs of wear, damage, or degradation. If you notice any issues, replace the equipment immediately.

5. Q: What should I do if the weather changes suddenly while I'm on a job?

A: If weather conditions change suddenly and become unsafe (e.g., rain, high winds, or extreme temperatures), it's best to stop work immediately and safely descend from the roof. Safety should always be prioritized over completing a job.

6. Q: How can I ensure my team follows proper safety procedures?

A: To ensure your team follows proper safety procedures: provide comprehensive safety training before allowing anyone to work on roofs, regularly review and update safety procedures, encourage team members to speak up about safety concerns, and lead by example by always following safety procedures yourself. Consider implementing a safety checklist that must be completed before each job.

7. Q: What should be included in an emergency plan for Christmas light installation?

A: An emergency plan should include steps for what to do if someone falls, how to rescue someone suspended in a harness, the location of the nearest hospital, emergency contact numbers, and the location of first aid supplies. All team members should be familiar with this plan.

8. Q: Is it necessary to use fall protection on every roof, even low-pitched ones?

A: Yes, it's recommended to use fall protection on every roof, regardless of the pitch. Even on low-pitched roofs, unexpected factors like weather conditions or a misstep can lead to falls. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to safety.

9. Q: How can technology help improve safety in Christmas light installation?

A: Technology can enhance safety through safety-focused apps that help track and manage safety procedures, reliable weather apps to stay informed about changing conditions, and project management software to avoid overbooking which can lead to rushed work and increased risk.

10. Q: What are the business benefits of prioritizing safety in Christmas light installation?

A: Prioritizing safety can reduce the risk of costly injuries and workers' compensation claims, potentially lower insurance premiums, enhance your reputation as a professional and responsible business, and improve employee morale and retention. Additionally, it can prevent a serious accident from potentially bankrupting your business.

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Jason Geiman

Jason Geiman parlayed his early passion for festive lighting into a thriving Christmas décor installation company which he founded and grew for over 4 years before selling the business in 2018. Now, he draws from his experience scaling a holiday lighting venture to help other Christmas lighting companies maximize their success. Jason feels compelled to share shortcuts he learned running his decoration operation. Jason has made it his mission to enable both residential and commercial clients to execute jaw-dropping lighting displays more easily. He loves experimenting with the latest high-tech LED bulb innovations to incorporate into his instructional programs and resources for those running their own Christmas lighting businesses. After selling his original company, he reinvented himself - driven as ever to spread seasonal magic, but now by helping others grow their holiday lighting ventures successfully. Follow Jason for regular tips on taking your Christmas lights business to the next level!

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