4 Steps for Safely Adding Plugs and Sockets to Bulk Wire

What Is A Bulk Wire?

The term “bulk wire” broadly refers to a large quantity of electrical cable, typically sold in rolls or pools. But in this context, it denotes a wire comprising two parallel strands commonly used to create custom extension cords for holiday light strings.

One of the strands in a bulk wire is smooth, while the other is ribbed. The smooth strand contains the Hot wire, whereas the ribbed one houses the Neutral.

There are two types of bulk wires: SPT-1 and SPT-2. Both cables are nearly identical, with the only distinction being the amount of insulation used.

SPT-1 wire has an insulation thickness of 0.03 inches. It’s the most commonly used bulk cable for holiday light decorations.

Comparatively, the SPT-2 wire has an insulation thickness of 0.045 inches, making it more suitable for use in harsh weather. It’s particularly ideal for lower temperatures.

Besides holiday lighting, SPT-1 and SPT-2 cables can power lighter-duty appliances like radios, clocks, and fans.

How to Add Plugs and Sockets to Bulk Wires

1. Gather the Essentials

To add plugs and sockets to a bulk wire, you’ll require the additional sockets and plugs.

Ensure you pick a light bulk extension socket with plug rated for the same current handling abilities as the bulk wire.

Besides, you’ll need proper securing mechanisms. Back caps are highly recommended.

Don’t forget to buy the bulk wire if you don’t already have one. The electrical cord can be any length, depending on your intended application and the number of additional sockets you plan to attach.

2. Insist On Compatible Plugs and Sockets

Plugs come in many shapes and sizes. And so do sockets.

However, picking the wrong attachments can present dangerous compatibility issues.

Look for plugs and sockets rated for the same SPT as your bulk wire. For instance, SPT-1 bulk wires must be equally matched with SPT-1 plugs and sockets.

One best practice when looking for bulk wire plugs is to insist on NEMA plugs. More importantly, analyze a NEMA plug chart to determine whether a plug or socket is compatible with your bulk wire.

3. Install Light Sockets

While you may choose to start with the plugs, installing the light sockets first is best. It gives you the flexibility to determine where along the bulk wire to incorporate the sockets and at what interval.

Light sockets come with a socket piece and a back cap for securing each connection. They’re also equipped with two teeth.

One tooth connects to a metal tab built onto the socket’s side, whereas the other attaches to a tab toward the bottom of the socket.

To install a light socket;

1. Spread your bulk wire in the groove.

2. Pick and mark the desired installation spots on the wire.

3. Connect the socket’s tooth, attached to a metal tab, to the ribbed neutral wire in the bulk wire.

4. Apply considerable pressure until the two components are firmly attached.

5. Repeat the process, depending on the number of light sockets you want to install.

6. When done, gently press the back caps for each socket down using pliers.

4. Installing Plugs

Electrical plugs may be classified as male or female.

Male plugs are identifiable by their pronged tips. Depending on whether they're grounded, they may be two- or three-pronged.

Two-pronged plugs have no grounding wire, making them a high risk for electrical shocks. To enhance your bulk cable’s safety, consider installing a three-prong male plug. These plugs have an additional prong that leads to a grounding wire, which guards against electric shocks caused by current fluctuations.

Female plugs have no tipped parts. Instead, they function as receptacles into which you connect the male plugs. It’s essential to ensure that both the male and female plugs are compatible.

Installing Male Plugs

1. Split your bulk wire about ¾“ down the middle.

2. Spread the wire to align its ribbed side with the neutral prong of your male plug.

3. Align the other tip of the bulk wire with the hot prong in the male plug.

NOTE: A male plug’s Neutral is typically more expensive than Hot.

4. Insert each tip of the bulk wire into the corresponding prongs and twist using pliers.

5. Secure the connection by sliding the back cap on.

Installing Female Plugs

1. Determine where you wish to install the plug.

This could be anywhere along the bulk wire.

2. Spread your bulk wire, ensuring its ribbed side corresponds with the neutral prong in the female plug.

3. Align the other component of the bulk wire with the hot prong in your female plug.

NOTE: As with their male counterparts, the individual prongs in female plugs are identifiable by their thickness.

4. Gently push each tip of the bulk wire into the corresponding prongs and twist the attachments.

5. Complete the procedure by sliding the back cap.

Wrap Up

Incorporating additional plugs and sockets into a bulk wire can increase the cable’s functionality, enabling you to create a spectacular holiday display. However, remember that bulk extension cords should strictly be used for lighter-duty applications.

Before plugging anything into the additional sockets, ensure you understand the wire’s current handling capacity. Exceeding that limit might cause the cables to melt and blow up, ruining your holiday season.

Other extension cord safety tips to observe while using a bulk wire include organizing the cords properly, unplugging the cables when not in use, and inspecting them regularly for damage.