What kind of wire do I need for a ceiling lamp? Is silver OK to use?

Question

We have a simple 2 bulb lamp that we bought at a second hand store. It hangs from the ceiling but the wire was cut off so it needs to be extended. The remaining wire is in perfect shape with clear insulation and copper wire. I was given a new roll of wire of the same gauge to use for the extention but I noticed this wire is silver color not copper. Would it be OK to use this wire to connect to the copper wire in the lamp (which is run through a very small U-shaped tube and I don't know if I can successfully snake through new wiring)? I don't know if this is speaker wire or not since I know there is silver electrical wire, but that is the first thing I thought of when I saw it. Could there be a danger of fire if I use this wire?

Answer 1

If it is the same gauge as what is presently in the fixture you should be fine.  Go ahead and use it.

Answer 2

Should be fine, it is probably nikkel chrome wire or something similar. most cables is fine if it is intended for electrical installations.

Answer 3

depends on the gauge of the wire, if its 14 or 12 yes you can use it, other wise i would buy new wire,

Answer 4

Make sure the wire is NOT silver or aluminum. Silver is a very good conductor, however both metals will build up an oxide coating where the different metals touch. Oxide is not a good conductor, and heat will build up at the splice. Heat contained in a small space like a junction box is a very bad thing, indeed.

Tinned copper is great to use, and it looks like silver or aluminum to the inexperienced eye.

To be safe, buy some 18 gage copper lamp cord. It's available in any hardware or "big box" store.