Mike G.

My local ACE hardware store has spools-o-plenty of wire that is sold by the foot. Other than insulation type, wire is wire. The wire found at the hardware store will probably be THHN or THWN which is the Cadillac of wire insulation.

Below is a link to a site with good basic wire info. Good luck.

http://www.crowbarelectricalparts.com/Specifications.htm

Stuart