16-2 cable 500' $38.00

[osgoor]

Was in my local Lowes this afternoon and was checking out their pricing on cable. When I said I wanted 16-2 or 18-2 he pointed to two remaining rolls of 16-2 Landscape cable. 500' for $38.00 each. It looks exactly like regular lamp/zip cable and is black, rated for outdoors.

Here is the Lowes SKU: 245306

Also, they have some of the Chrismas lights out. I bought 6 boxes of 100 count multi-colored mini's for $2.49 each.

Good luck

[eswets]

most landscape light cable is not rated for line voltage. Check the max voltage rating on cable before using. I think the wire I use use for landscape lights are only rated for 50v. Check before using.

[osgoor]

After I read your comment, I went to the Carol web site and looked up the specs on the product. According to their data sheet, the cable is rated to 150v. I have attached a screen shot with the product # and voltage circled. Please let me know if this will not work.



most landscape light cable is not rated for line voltage. Check the max voltage rating on cable before using. I think the wire I use use for landscape lights are only rated for 50v. Check before using.

[eswets]

If it is rated for 150v you should be ok according to the specs. Most of the wire is rated by there insulation and the landscape cable has a thick rubber for direct burial. But it is not intended for the use for what you want to use it for, so it may not be UL listed for that purpose. It will work for what you want, but is it the right or best choice? Any one an expert on wire insulation to chime in?

[oldcqr]

There is NO WAY I would run line voltage through that low voltage cable.

Normal line voltage cable (like a regular extension cord) has insulation rated to at least 300V, and I have seen even higher (600V).

That stuff is designed to run 12V, not 120V.

[51fordf2]

But, it would be GREAT for 24 VDC Floods and Strips!!

I'll have to check my local Lowe's...

Thanks for the heads up.

[Macrosill]

According to the chart attached above the cable is UL rated for 150v 19a. The rating is the rating regardless of what anyone thinks it should or should not be used for.

Standard non-metallic sheathed cable is rated for 600v but I would not use it for such. These ratings have to do with the amount of voltage that the insulation can insulate before electricity starts flowing through it.

[oldcqr]

According to the chart attached above the cable is UL rated for 150v 19a. The rating is the rating regardless of what anyone thinks it should or should not be used for.


I think that's a bit dismissive. While it may be rated for 150V, running 110V thru it doesn't leave much of a margin for error. A small nick or other small flaw, even one that does not extend to the conductors, would further reduce the insulation rating - to the point where a wire that looks perfectly fine could become deadly.

I'll say it again... There is no way *I* would run LINE voltage thru that cable. It's commonly called LOW voltage cable for a reason.

[deplanche]

The 6' extension chords from Home Depot that you can get for under $1, that many of us use (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhu/R-100672781/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053), are only rated for 125V per the spec. section of the webpage. So not using a 150V rated cord for 110V does seem a bit over cautious. However, when dealing with electricity, don't ever do anything you aren't confortable with.

[osgoor]

All,

I appreciate all the feedback. One of the great things about this forum is the diverse backgrounds of all the participants. I/we get the most from the forums and each other when we respect those backgrounds and the opinions that accompany them. I hope we never lose sight of that.

Thanks!

[oldcqr]

The 6' extension chords from Home Depot that you can get for under $1, that many of us use (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhu/R-100672781/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053), are only rated for 125V per the spec. section of the webpage. So not using a 150V rated cord for 110V does seem a bit over cautious. However, when dealing with electricity, don't ever do anything you aren't confortable with.

I believe what you are referring to is the specification for the entire cord - not just the insulation. That rating would be the lowest voltage considering all conditions - perhaps due to the conductors or plug/socket.

The insulation however is going to be rated at least to 300V (especially since it's probably UL rated).