vintage bulbs
Lamp Wire - Cord Sets
Introduction to lamp wire & cords
Our Vintage Style Cloth Covered lamp wire and pendant cords come in different thickness colors and styles.
The twisted fabric-covered cords are available with 2 or 3 conductors, 18 or 20 AWG (gauge), and a variety of colors. This style of lamp wire is mostly used for portable lamps, pendants, and small appliances. It is a new reproduction of the antique turn of the century twisted-pair lamp cords.
Parallel lamp wires are the flat cords. Available in a variety of colors with a cloth cover or without. They are also known as SPT-1 and SPT-2 cords which are 18 AWG 2 conductors cords. The term SPT refers to the thickness of the insulation surrounding the copper wire. SPT-1 has the thinner insulation of .030" and the SPT-2 has the thicker insulation of 0.45". Order by the foot or 100 ft. spool. This flat SPT cords are also available in the plug-in cord set version where the cord comes with a plug, a plug and on/off or dimmer switch already attached.
The cloth-covered SVT cords and non-cloth covered SVT cords are the round lamp and pendant cords which are also sometimes referred to as pulley cords. Available in a 2 conductors SVT/2 and SVT/3 which is a 3 conductor cord. This cord is usually used with pendant lights, floor lamps, portable lamps, and household appliances. Choose from a variety of cord colors in both the cloth-covered and plastic round pendant wires. The non-cloth covered pendant cords are available in clear, black, white or brown.
Most of our cords are available for purchase by the foot, or spools of 100 ft. or 250 ft. Save big when you buy a spool of a cord.
Cloth-covered extension cords and vintage style plug-in cord sets are also featured in this collection. Here you will find the twisted wire, SPT-1, SPT-2, SVT/2 and 3 which are all available in different lengths and colors. Some with on/off switch, or in-line switch already installed for your convenience.
What is AWG?
It is a standardized system to measure the diameter of a round wire. Most pendant lamps use 18 AWG cords.
For your reference:
- 18 AWG cords should be used with 1200 watts or less.
- When using SVT cords to hang lamps the maximum weight should be 5 lbs. or less.
Pendant lamp wire is typically made of a durable, flexible material, such as PVC or rubber, that can withstand the weight of the pendant light and any movement or stress that may be placed on the wire. The wire is also coated in a protective layer to prevent it from fraying or breaking over time.
When installing a pendant light, the wire is typically attached to the ceiling by a hook or other mounting hardware. The wire is then looped through the pendant light's canopy, which is the decorative piece that covers the electrical connection and is secured with a wire nut or other fastener.
One of the main benefits of using pendant light cord is that it allows for easy installation and adjustment of the pendant light. The wire can be easily threaded through the canopy and adjusted to the desired length, allowing you to position the light exactly where you want it.
Another advantage of pendant lamp wire is its flexibility. The wire can be bent and shaped to fit around obstacles or to follow the contours of the ceiling, making it ideal for use in a variety of spaces. This flexibility also allows for easy removal or replacement of the pendant light, if needed.
Overall, pendant light cord is essential to any pendant light installation. It provides the support and flexibility needed to hang the light securely and adjust its position as desired. Whether you are installing a new pendant light or replacing the wiring on an existing one, the pendant lamp wire is an important consideration.