Christmas Light Wire Guide
SPT1 vs SPT2 Wire: What Professional Installers Should Know
SPT1 and SPT2 wire are both used for Christmas light installations, but many professional installers prefer SPT1 because it is easier to work with, easier to plug, and has a proven track record in residential and commercial holiday lighting projects.
Our Recommendation: Use SPT1 Wire
At We Sell Christmas Lights, we recommend SPT1 wire for most professional Christmas light installations. SPT1 is the wire many installers standardize on because it is easier to handle in the field, easier to use with vampire plugs, and works well for custom-cut roofline lighting, commercial displays, and residential holiday lighting projects.
What Is SPT1 Wire?
SPT1 wire is a common Christmas light wire used by professional holiday lighting installers to build custom light lines. It has thinner insulation than SPT2, which makes it easier to work with when installing plugs, cutting wire to length, and creating clean roofline displays. For many installers, SPT1 is the standard choice for both residential and commercial holiday lighting.
What Is SPT2 Wire?
SPT2 wire has thicker insulation than SPT1 wire. Some installers choose SPT2 because they prefer the added insulation thickness, but thicker insulation does not automatically make it the better choice for Christmas light installations. In many cases, SPT1 performs exactly as needed while being easier to install and easier to service.
SPT1 vs SPT2 Wire Comparison
| Feature | SPT1 Wire | SPT2 Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Thinner insulation | Thicker insulation |
| Ease of Use | Easier to handle and plug | Stiffer and harder to plug |
| Professional Installer Preference | Recommended for most installs | Used by some installers |
| Common Use | Custom-cut residential and commercial light lines | Alternative wire option |
| Plug Compatibility | Use SPT1 plugs | Use SPT2 plugs |
Does SPT2 Perform Better in Cold Weather?
Some installers claim SPT2 wire performs better in colder environments because it has thicker insulation. In our experience, that is not a reason to choose SPT2 over SPT1 for most Christmas light installations. SPT1 wire is widely used by professional installers in a variety of climates and continues to be the preferred choice for many companies that install holiday lighting season after season.
SPT1 and SPT2 Plug Compatibility
SPT1 and SPT2 plugs are not interchangeable. Because SPT2 wire has thicker insulation, it requires plugs designed specifically for SPT2 wire. If you are using SPT1 wire, use SPT1 plugs. If you are using SPT2 wire, use SPT2 plugs. Matching the correct plug to the correct wire helps create a proper connection when building custom Christmas light lines.
Why Many Professional Installers Choose SPT1
Easier to Work With
SPT1 wire is easier to handle, cut, route, and manage on job sites.
Easier Plug Installation
SPT1 wire is easier to use with vampire plugs when building custom light lines.
Installer Standard
Many professional Christmas light companies train crews to use SPT1 as their standard wire.
Works for Most Projects
SPT1 works well for residential rooflines, commercial projects, and custom-cut holiday light lines.