14, 16 & 18 Gauge Wire:
What's the Difference?

All three cord gauges can be excellent choices for outdoor string lighting. The difference comes down to cord construction, installation style, electrical capacity and price.

Medium Base String Light Cord Comparison

This guide compares the 14-, 16- and 18-gauge wire options available in our Medium Base (E26) string light cords.

For most LED installations, 18 gauge is our best-value choice. See how the three compare and choose what's right for your space.

18 GAUGE

COMMERCIAL VALUE
Best for: Most LED patio, party & event installations

WHY CHOOSE 18 GAUGE (18G)?

✓ SJTW insulated 2-wire construction

✓ IP65 rating / UL 588 standard

✓ Top mounting loop for both socket styles

✓ 24" socket spacing

✓ Up to 25W per socket

✓ Maximum run: 960W

✓ Available in 48 ft. and 330 ft. lengths

✓ Lowest-cost, commercial option

PARTYLIGHTS PICK:

If you're using today's low-wattage LED bulbs and don't need the additional electrical capacity of 14 gauge, start here.

16 GAUGE

CLASSIC COMMERCIAL
Best for: Lightweight needs or protected installations

WHY CHOOSE 16 GAUGE (16G)?

✓ SPT flat 2-wire construction

✓ ETL certified wire

✓ Suspended socket style has top mounting loop; inline style has no mounting loop

✓ 24" socket spacing

✓ 15W per socket recommended (do not exceed 25W)

✓ Maximum run: 960W (48 & 100 ft.) & 1200W (330 ft.)

✓ Available in 48 ft., 100 ft., and 330 ft. lengths

✓ Lowest-cost, commercial option

CHOOSE 16G WHEN:

You specifically prefer the lightweight, flat-wire construction or the lights are being mounted under a structure.

14 GAUGE

HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL
Best for: Higher-capacity & demanding installations

WHY CHOOSE 14 GAUGE (14G)?

✓ SJTW insulated 2-wire construction

✓ cTUVus Listed (48 ft.) / RoHS compliant / IP64 Rating

✓ Suspended socket style has top mounting loop; inline style has mounting "flaps" on each side of socket

✓ 24" socket spacing

✓ Up to 25W per socket

✓ Maximum run: 1200W (48 ft.), 1250W (100 ft.), & 1800W (330 ft.)

✓ Available in 48 ft., 100 ft., and 330 ft. lengths

✓ Lowest-cost, commercial option

CHOOSE 14G WHEN:

Maximum electrical capacity, robust mounting, or a heavier-duty installation is the priority.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FEATURE	18 GAUGE	16 GAUGE	14 GAUGE
CORD CONSTRUCTION	SJTW 2-wire (round)	SPT 2-wire (flat)	SJTW 2-wire (round)
OUTDOOR RATING	IP65	—	IP64
CERTIFICATIONS	UL 588 standard	ETL-certified wire	cTUVus Listed (48 ft.) / RoHS compliant
MOUNTING	Inline socket - top loop Suspended socket - top loop	Inline socket - no loop Suspended socket - top loop	Inline socket - side flaps; no top loop Suspended socket - top loop
SOCKET SPACING	24" spacing	24" spacing	24" spacing
MAX WATTAGE PER SOCKET	25W	15W recommended (do not exceed 25W)	25W
MAXIMUM RUN	960W	960W (48 ft. & 100 ft.) 1200W (330 ft.)	1200W (48 ft.) 1250W (100 ft.) 1800W (330 ft.)
AVAILABLE LENGTHS	48 ft. & 330 ft. Custom length	48 ft., 100 ft. & 330 ft. Custom length	48 ft., 100 ft. & 330 ft. Custom length
CONNECTION	48 ft. - End-to end (male & female plugs) 330 ft. - Raw ends (no plugs) Custom length - Raw ends (no plugs)	48 ft. - End-to end (male & female plugs) 100 ft. - Single-end (male plug only) 330 ft. - Raw ends (no plugs) Custom length - Raw ends (no plugs)	48 ft. - End-to end (male & female plugs) 100 ft. - Single-end (male plug only) 330 ft. - Raw ends (no plugs) Custom length - Raw ends (no plugs)