How to Wire Your Home with Zip Cord

What is Zip Cord?

Zip cord is an electrical wire with two or more stranded conductor wires insulated and bundled together in a flexible plastic jacket. It is commonly used for lighting, low voltage wiring, and extension cords in homes.

Some key features of zip cord:

• Stranded copper conductors - The wires inside are made up of many small strands of copper wire which makes the cord flexible. Solid wire would be too stiff.

• PVC insulation - Each internal conductor is coated in colored PVC plastic insulation to prevent wires from touching and shorting.

• Parallel cords - Most zip cords have two parallel insulated wires to carry current in opposite directions. Some have more wires for multiple circuits.

• Ampacity ratings - Zip cords come in different wire gauges suited for light, medium or heavy amp loads. Common sizes are 18AWG and 16AWG.

• Jacket colors - The outer PVC jacket is often white or black for regular cord. Yellow jackets indicate outdoor/sunlight-resistant cord.

Is Zip Cord OK for Home Wiring?

Zip cord is permitted by electrical code for some basic home wiring purposes such as:

• Connecting portable lamps and fixtures. The cord is flexible and easy to install on lamp harps.

• Low voltage wiring like doorbells, thermostats, alarm systems below 50V.

• Extension cords for temporary power to outlets.

However, code does not allow zip cord for permanent household wall wiring over 50V. Reasons include:

• No ground wire - Zip cord has only hot and neutral wires, no separate ground. Grounding protects from shocks.

• Fire hazard - The thin PVC plastic insulation can melt during overloads. Romex wire has thicker heat-resistant insulation.

• Not designed for being nailed/stapled - The flexibility of zip cord makes it prone to damage. Romex has a sturdy sheath.

So zip cord is fine for lighting fixtures, low voltage, and extending power outlets temporarily. But choose sturdier Romex cable for permanent household wiring.

How to Use Zip Cord Properly

If using zip cord, follow these guidelines for safety:

• Never use for permanent wall wiring over 50V. Stick to lighting or low voltage.

• Check the ampacity rating and do not exceed. Use a heavier gauge cord if necessary.

• One cord per outlet - Do not daisy chain multiple cords off one outlet. Overload risk.

• No pinch points - Do not run cord through walls, under doors/carpets where it can get damaged unseen.

• Use safety caps - Cap off unused ends of cut zip cords so bare wires are not exposed.

• Outdoor rating for exterior uses subject to weather and sunlight. Look for a "WA" or "W" on the jacket.

• Avoid modifying - Do not cut off the ground pin to fit a 2-prong outlet. Replace outlet instead for safety.

Wiring a Lamp or Fixture with Zip Cord

Here are the steps to wire a basic lamp or light fixture using zip cord:

Supplies Needed

• Zip cord - 6-12 feet, rated for at least max wattage of your light

• Wire stripper

• Voltmeter to test wires

• Wire nuts to connect wires

• Electrical tape

• Light bulb for testing

Directions

1. Cut zip cord to needed length from plug to lamp. Leave some extra.

2. Strip 3/4" insulation off ends using wire stripper. Do not nick wires.

3. Use voltmeter to identify hot vs. neutral wires. Hot usually black.

4. Connect hot wire to brass screw shell of lamp socket. Tighten securely.

5. Connect neutral white wire to silver screw on socket. Tighten.

6. Wrap connections with electrical tape for insulation.

7. Install light bulb, turn on power, and test light.

8. May need to trim and re-strip ends to proper 1/2" length once fitted.

That covers the basics of using flexible zip cord to safely wire lighting fixtures in the home. Be sure to follow electrical codes, use caution, and consult an electrician for any complex or high voltage wiring.