How can I figure out what wire to use for a swag chandelier?

Katie
by Katie

so a friend gave me a small chandelier and i need to know if I can use speaker wire to do the main wire that goes down to the the six lights. Did that make sense? Maybe some day I can complete 1 project. You all give me lots of great answers. Thank you so much!! icon


  15 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jun 19, 2020

    Hi Katie, you will need to buy real electrical wire - speaker wire isn't "thick" enough to safely take an electrical load like that. To be safe I would go buy 12/2 and use that. For sure then you will be totally safe. You can remove the wires from the sheath to use them.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 19, 2020

    If you are going to use for lighting, you will need regular wiring for lamps rather than speaker wire. Make sure you get the kind that is made for wiring lamps instead of the bulky wiring for walls. I advise you do a lot of research on how to wire a lamp videos.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Jun 19, 2020

    I don’t think speaker wire has enough current for a lighting fixture. You’ll need lighting grade wire.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 19, 2020

    Speaker wire isn't made for lighting. Just go to lowes and spend a few dollars for some wire used for lighting.

  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 19, 2020

    Hi Katie. No, don't use speaker wire. The gauge is too small on speaker wire and it could possibly burn up. You will need either 12 or 14 gauge. Look on the wires already in the chandelier . There should be writing on them. The writing is telling you what gauge you should use. You will want to match that gauge. Good luck Katie. I'm hoping all is well with you.

  • William William on Jun 19, 2020

    Speaker wire is not made for use as electrical wire. Lowes, Home Depot, and Menards sell electric lamp wire by the foot.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jun 20, 2020

    Hello. I would suggest going to a local home improvement center and purchasing the correct lamp electric wiring supplies.

  • No, you need proper electrical wire it is easy to get at most hardware stores.


  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 20, 2020

    Hello Katie,

    The gauge is about the same as for wire coat hangers, hope that helps.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jun 20, 2020

    You mean to structurally hang it, or to physically provide electricity to it?

    They are two different things.

  • Annie Annie on Jun 20, 2020

    Do not use speaker wire. It is not rated for 120 volts. Local hardware stores should have "decorative" wire for lamps etc.

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Jun 22, 2020

    If you are replacing the lighting wire, speaker wire is different. You will need lighting wire.

  • No, speaker wire isn't rated for that. We buy the kits online that have the proper wire included. You can also buy it by the foot at the hardware store.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jun 25, 2020

    you can buy the wire for cheap at any hardware or big box store- speaker wire will not work and could cause a fire

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Dec 05, 2020

    You need a wire with adequate current carrying capacity. The stores sell lamp cord in various colors. That should work. I might recommend replacing all bulbs with LED bulbs for even more safety margin and lower operational costs.