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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Illuminating Insights: Navigating the Pros and Cons of Year-Round Christmas Lights

April 13, 20247 min read

Christmas lights have a magical way of transforming any space into a wonderland of warmth and cheer. It's no surprise that many people are tempted to keep their twinkling lights up long after the holiday season has passed. While the idea of basking in the glow of Christmas lights year-round may seem appealing, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks and regulations surrounding this practice. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of leaving Christmas lights up year-round and offer some alternative lighting options to keep your property looking beautiful and inviting throughout the year.

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Temporary Installation Regulations

Before we dive into the pros and cons of year-round Christmas lights, let's first discuss the concept of temporary installations. In most jurisdictions, Christmas lights are considered temporary installations, meaning they are only permitted to remain in place for a limited time. The exact duration may vary depending on local regulations, but it is common for temporary installations to be allowed for a maximum of 90 days.

These regulations are put in place for several reasons. First and foremost, safety is a top priority. Temporary installations, such as Christmas lights, may not be designed to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements, which can lead to potential hazards like electrical shorts or fires. Additionally, leaving lights up for extended periods can cause them to deteriorate more quickly, increasing the risk of malfunction.

Aesthetic considerations also play a role in temporary installation regulations. While Christmas lights can be enchanting during the holiday season, they may lose their charm and appear out of place when left up year-round. Furthermore, excessive or prolonged use of lights can contribute to light pollution, which can negatively impact the environment and the community's overall ambiance.

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Potential Drawbacks of Leaving Christmas Lights Up Year-Round

Violating local regulations is one of the most significant drawbacks of leaving Christmas lights up year-round. Failing to adhere to the prescribed time limits for temporary installations can result in fines, penalties, and even legal consequences. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with your local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before installing Christmas lights or other temporary lighting displays.

In addition to legal ramifications, leaving Christmas lights up year-round can lead to a decreased lifespan for your lights. Constant exposure to the elements, such as sun, rain, wind, and snow, can cause lights to fade, crack, or malfunction more quickly than if they were only used seasonally. This means you may find yourself replacing your lights more frequently, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Higher energy costs are another potential drawback of year-round Christmas lights. Keeping lights on for extended periods can significantly increase your electricity bill, particularly if you have a large display or use energy-intensive lights. This not only puts a strain on your wallet but also contributes to unnecessary energy consumption, which can have negative environmental impacts.

Lastly, the aesthetic appeal of Christmas lights may diminish when they are left up year-round. The novelty and magic of twinkling lights are often tied to the holiday season, and when they become a constant presence, they may lose their special charm. Additionally, leaving lights up year-round can create a cluttered or tacky appearance, detracting from the overall curb appeal of your property.

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Alternatives to Year-Round Christmas Lights

If you love the idea of illuminating your space but want to avoid the drawbacks of year-round Christmas lights, there are several alternatives worth considering. One option is to create seasonal light displays for other holidays throughout the year. For example, you could put up spooky lights for Halloween, pastel-colored lights for Easter, or patriotic lights for the Fourth of July. By rotating your light displays, you can keep your property looking festive and inviting without violating temporary installation regulations or overwhelming your space.

Another alternative is to invest in permanent landscape lighting. Unlike temporary Christmas lights, professional landscape lighting is designed to withstand the elements and provide year-round illumination. Strategically placed landscape lights can highlight your property's best features, enhance curb appeal, and even increase property value. Plus, with the help of a professional lighting designer, you can create a custom lighting plan that suits your specific needs and preferences.

Temporary light displays for special occasions are another great option. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, wedding, graduation, or another milestone event, temporary lights can add a festive touch without the commitment of a year-round display. You can work with a professional lighting company to design and install a temporary display that perfectly suits your event's theme and atmosphere.

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While the idea of leaving Christmas lights up year-round may seem enchanting, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks and regulations surrounding this practice. Temporary installation regulations, decreased lifespan of lights, higher energy costs, and diminished aesthetic appeal are all factors to keep in mind before committing to a year-round display.

However, this doesn't mean you have to forgo the beauty and ambiance of illumination altogether. By exploring alternatives like seasonal light displays, permanent landscape lighting, and temporary installations for special occasions, you can keep your property looking stunning and inviting throughout the year while adhering to local regulations and avoiding the pitfalls of year-round Christmas lights.

Remember, the key to successful and sustainable lighting is finding the right balance between aesthetics, practicality, and compliance. By considering the pros and cons of year-round Christmas lights and exploring alternative options, you can create a lighting plan that brings joy and beauty to your space for years to come.

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1. Q: Are Christmas lights considered temporary installations?

A: Yes, in most jurisdictions, Christmas lights are considered temporary installations and are only permitted to remain in place for a limited time, typically up to 90 days.

2. Q: Why are there regulations on temporary light installations?

A: Regulations on temporary light installations are in place for safety reasons, to prevent the deterioration of lights due to prolonged exposure to the elements, and to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the community.

3. Q: What are the potential consequences of leaving Christmas lights up year-round?

A: Leaving Christmas lights up year-round can result in fines, penalties, and legal consequences for violating local temporary installation regulations. It can also lead to increased energy costs and a decreased lifespan for the lights.

4. Q: Can leaving Christmas lights up year-round affect their appearance?

A: Yes, leaving Christmas lights up year-round can cause them to lose their special charm and novelty associated with the holiday season. It may also create a cluttered or tacky appearance, detracting from the property's overall curb appeal.

5. Q: What are some alternatives to year-round Christmas lights?

A: Some alternatives to year-round Christmas lights include creating seasonal light displays for other holidays, investing in permanent landscape lighting, and setting up temporary light displays for special occasions.

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6. Q: How can permanent landscape lighting enhance a property?

A: Permanent landscape lighting can highlight a property's best features, enhance curb appeal, and increase property value. It is designed to withstand the elements and provide year-round illumination.

7. Q: Can temporary light displays be used for events other than Christmas?

A: Yes, temporary light displays can be used to add a festive touch to various events such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other milestone celebrations.

8. Q: What should be considered before committing to a year-round Christmas light display?

A: Before committing to a year-round Christmas light display, consider the potential drawbacks, such as violating local regulations, increased energy costs, decreased lifespan of the lights, and the potential for diminished aesthetic appeal.

9. Q: How can a professional lighting company help with landscape lighting?

A: A professional lighting company can help design and install a custom landscape lighting plan that suits your specific needs and preferences while adhering to local regulations. They can also provide guidance on the best lighting options for your property.

10. Q: What is the key to successful and sustainable lighting for a property?

A: The key to successful and sustainable lighting is finding the right balance between aesthetics, practicality, and compliance with local regulations. This can be achieved by exploring alternative lighting options and consulting with professional lighting designers.

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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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