When looking for the perfect wire for your holiday light decor can be a bit of a chore, knowing that you have a lot of options to choose from that’s flooding the market. However, there are two common wires that we often see in electrical shelves, SPT-1 and SPT-2.

Now the real challenge begins when it comes to which wire you should opt for. Should you go for the SPT-1 or SPT-2? Who knows? After hours of surfing the web for answers, your search ends here. Today, we are going to talk about the difference between an SPT-1 and SPT-2 wire and see which among the two is best suited for you.

The Insulation Size Says It All

Every wire has an insulation covering to keep the coppers inside safe and away from harm’s way, and both of these SPT wires are not an exception. By the looks of it, you will probably know which one is an SPT-1 and an SPT-2 just by its insulation itself.

The SPT-1 has an insulation thickness of 0.3 inches, whereas the SPT-2 has a pretty sizable 0.45 inches. This means the SPT-2 has better protection compared to the SPT-1, especially when it comes to harsh weather, which we are going to tackle about later.

Amperage Matters

However, there’s this common misconception about the thicker the insulation, the more amperage it can carry. If you stumble upon a website that states this claim, then they probably got it wrong. Keep in mind that the insulation size has nothing to do with the amperage of a wire.

The truth is, the amperage will depend on how many coppers are fitted inside the wire and its length. The longer the wire, the fewer amps it can carry, especially when it is longer than 150 feet. So if you want more amps, better opt for an SPT wire that is shorter 150 feet. And if you want way more than that such as 10 amps, opt for an SPT wire that is 1-50 feet in length.

Always remember that never make an amperage decision based on its insulation thickness. Instead, look at its length and pick which one is suited best for your light decoration needs.

Weather Trouble

Since both SPT-1 and SPT-2 are protected with insulation, they are capable of being used for both indoors and outdoors. But when it comes to outdoor use, you are better off with the SPT-2 wire for that matter. Why? Because of its thicker insulation.

The sun’s UV rays can make the insulation of the wire brittle and break over time. And this is why the SPT-2 wire is ideal for outdoor light decorations. If you set up both SPT-1 and SPT-2 wires for outdoor use, you will notice that the SPT-2 can survive longer compared to its younger sibling.

If you’re planning to put up a lot of Christmas lights outside your home that will be exposed for the rest of the month in different weather conditions, get the SPT-2 wire. Keep in mind that an SPT-2 wire is costlier compared to its SPT-1 brother. But if you have the cash to invest for it, then you’re good to go.

SPT-1 wires are ideal for indoor light decors. Just ensure that you don’t expose it in direct sunlight, such as near doors or windows. Although it won’t actually brittle and break in just a snap. But it’s better to be cautious than sorry.

The best part? SPT-1 wires are more affordable, making it a favorite among the masses. You can still use it for outdoor use such as parties, weddings, and the like as long as it isn’t exposed to direct sunlight for longer periods of time.

So Which One Should You Pick?

There’s no clear answer to that question because it all depends on the person’s preference and budget. If you are on a tight budget, go for the SPT-1. Not only it is useful only for Christmas, but also for other special celebrations as well where lights are needed to create an atmosphere to the place.

If you want to let your home shine like diamonds throughout the whole Christmas season or any other occasion, the SPT-2 is the one you should opt for. With its thicker insulation, you can let this wire be bathed under the heat of the sun as long as you like. Just make sure to get your wallets ready!

But it’s not just the sun that you should consider here. But also other weather conditions such as harsh winds or heavy snowfall. During a cold and windy climate such as extreme snowstorms, the insulation of the wire can crack and break over time. And this applies to both SPT-1 and SPT-2 wires.

The bottom line? You should really not stress yourself in picking which wire goes for this and that. As long as the budget allows, what weather conditions can it survive, and by being mindful about your home’s safety, both SPT-1 and SPT-2 has their own purpose that caters to everyone’s needs.

Where Can I Buy SPT-1 or SPT-2 Wires?

There’s no better place to shop none other than HLO Lighting. Both SPT-1 and SPT-2 wires are available here on our site and come in great quality. And while you’re at it, you can have a look at our vast catalog of electrical products for all your holiday decor needs.

Whether you are looking for Christmas lights, patio lights, clips, outlets, accessories, and etc., HLO Lighting has it all. Our products here at HLO Lighting are tested for quality and durability. We ensure that whatever product you order from us is in excellent condition with the top-notch quality you get for the price.

So what are you waiting for? Order your SPT wires and other light decor or accessories here at HLO Lighting. Do keep in mind that shipping time may vary depending on where you live, but we are working hard as a team to get your products delivered on time.