Time to set up those beautiful outdoor lights! Or maybe the cord on your new weed wacker isn’t quite long enough to reach that patch of tall grass around the other side of the house. An outdoor extension cord will give you peace of mind knowing that the electricity flowing through that cord right next to your home is safely contained in a cord made specifically to be outside.
There are many types of outdoor extension cords available, with several differences. Read the informative buying guide below to learn more about these unique power cords, and how to determine the right outdoor extension cord for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are outdoor extension cords different from indoor extension cords?
The primary difference between extension cords made for outside and inside use is the amount of insulation around the wires. This makes the cord thicker. Extension cords have official ratings that are letter designations. If you see a “W” in the description of an extension cord, it means that the cord is rated for outdoor use, and can withstand precipitation and sunlight. In contrast, indoor extension cords have wires coated in less durable types of plastic that will break down with exposure to the elements.
What can I use an outdoor extension cord for?
Common uses for outdoor extension cords include powering outdoor patio lights, holiday lights, electric drills, and powered lawn tools like weed wackers and hedge trimmers. More heavy duty uses of outdoor extension cords include powering saws, pressure washers, shop vacs, air compressors, and electric chain saws. There is no limit to the variety of appliances, lights, and tools that you can power with a safe and reliable outdoor extension cord.
What does the gauge of an extension cord indicate?
It’s important to know the gauge, or thickness, of wire contained under the plastic casing of an extension cord, because some things require more power than others. The gauge of an extension cord indicates the thickness of the wires inside. However, the numerical value of wire gauge is inverse to its capacity for electricity. In other words, light duty cords have a higher gauge number, like 16, and professional or heavy duty cords have a lower gauge number, like 10 or 12. For example, a common household lamp only needs a cord with thin 16 or 18-gauge wires, but a circular saw requires a thicker, 12-gauge wire. With wire gauge, the lower the number, the thicker the wires, and the more power it can carry.
Buying Guide
Electricity is a serious thing, and we know not to take it lightly. After all, your safety depends on using the proper equipment that’s well-suited to your purpose. Before choosing an outdoor extension cord, consider these important points:
- Gauge/Duty: The gauge number and whether an extension cord is light, medium or heavy duty matters in relation to the task you use it for. Keep in mind that gauge number is counterintuitive: the higher the gauge, the thinner the wires, not the other way around. If you’re powering an electric chainsaw, for example, you’ll want to look for a lower gauge, heavy duty extension cord. If you’re powering outdoor lights or a shop light, then a higher gauge, light duty cord will be sufficient, such as 16-gauge. In the middle are medium gauge extension cords with 14-gauge wires. Medium gauge extension cords are a fine choice for power drills, lawn mowers, and table saws.
It’s also important to note that some sellers list their extension cords as “heavy duty,” but this may only apply to the casing surrounding the wires. For example, a manufacturer might list a 16-gauge extension cord as “heavy duty” because it has robust insulation around thinner 16-gauge wires. A true heavy duty extension cord that’s designed to supply the maximum amount of amps is listed as 12 or 10 gauge.
- Length: Is longer always better? This is a personal decision. Outdoor extension cords are available from short lengths of 6 feet or less all the way up to cords that stretch over 100 feet. If you buy an extension cord that’s longer than you really need, though, it’s heavier, takes up more space, and costs more. It also might get tangled unnecessarily. The best idea is to measure or estimate the minimum length you need, and go the next step up in size so that your extension cord has some wiggle room to lay flat or be tucked behind objects and prevent tripping.
- Prongs: Many outdoor extension cords have a third prong at the plug for grounding, which makes the cord safer by reducing the risk of sparks or fire. However, some simple, light duty uses such as powering lights may not require the third prong. The durability of the prongs themselves is another feature that’s enhanced in high quality outdoor extension cords. Thin prongs can bend, but many outdoor extension cords have thick, reinforced prongs at the plug so that your extension cord’s plug will remain intact even with rough handling.
Once you know the type of outdoor extension cord that you need, finding the right one can be difficult. In order to save you some time in your decision-making process, we’ve taken a look around at what’s on the market. Here are our top picks for outdoor extension cords:
UltraPro 15-ft Extension Cord
Best Overall
Double Insulated & Durable
This hardy extension cord from UltraPro comes in a popular 15-foot length, and also a variety of other lengths as well.
This extension cord from UltraPro is rugged enough to withstand a blizzard and keep your holiday lights twinkling, or to safely keep outdoor power flowing in the worst rainstorm. It’s grounded with 3 prongs, and is rated for 125VAC/13A/1625 watts, and meets the highest industry standards.
Pros:
- Grounded 3-wire, 16 gauge 3-prong cord
- Durable casing with double insulation
- Comes in choice of colors
- Available in lengths of up to 100 feet
Cons:
- Cord is somewhat stiff
Woods 982452 50-ft SJTOW Extension Cord
Best for Farms
Long Oil Resistant Cord
This 50-foot cord from Woods is resistant to moisture, dust, dirt, chemicals, oil and sunlight, so it’ll keep your outdoor equipment running for the long haul.
This 50-foot extension cord made by Woods is flexible and reliable in any weather. It’s a great option for the agricultural equipment of a working farm with its durable 14-gauge wiring. This cord is rated for 15 amps, 125 volts, and 1875 watts.
Pros:
- Oil resistant cord ideal for agriculture and power tools
- Powers farm and ranch tools
- Stays flexible in all temperatures
- Medium duty 14-gauge with reinforced 3-prong blades
Cons:
- End may be too big for some sockets
GoGreen Power GG-13725 25-ft Extension Cord
Most Visible
Light Shows When Power Is On
Summary
You won’t have to guess when the power is on with this sturdy 25-foot extension cord from GoGreen. The cord’s end lights up to show that electricity is coming through. This extension cord is 16-gauge, contractor grade, and is rated for a max of 13 amp/125V, 1625 watts.
Pros:
- Durable outdoor 16-gauge cord with a lighted end
- Easy-to-see orange color
- Abrasion and moisture resistant
- Perfect for weed wackers, household power tools, outdoor lighting, and more
Cons:
- May not hold up long term with heavy duty use
Yard Master 9940010 Outdoor 120-ft Extension Cord
Longest 2-Prong
Mega 120-Foot Light Duty Cord
Power your lights way out on a distant tree or use your electric weed wacker out in the end of the yard with this long 2-prong extension cord.
This very long 120-foot extension cord from Yard Master is perfect for powering outdoor lights, electric grills, and other light duty applications. With a bright lime green color, this cord will be visible in your lawn, but will blend in nicely with the landscape. This extension cord is rated for light duty with a 10A rating for 125V, 16/2 gauge.
Pros:
- Weatherproof 16-gauge 2-prong extension cord
- Reinforced blades on male end
- Won’t degrade with sun exposure
- Resists abrasion and moisture
Cons:
- Lacks 3rd grounding prong
Clear Power 100-ft 16/3 SJTW Outdoor Extension Cord
Best for Extremes
Works in Temps -40 to 140 Farhenheit
You’ll have no worries powering your outdoor appliances and lights with this well-made 3-prong orange extension cord.
This long extension cord from Clear Power is 16 gauge and carries up to 10 amps, 125 volts, and 1250 watts. Its 3 prongs have durable nickel coated brass blades that resist corrosion, and this durable extension cord can tolerate extreme temperatures of down to -40 F and up to 140 degrees F.
Pros:
- Grounded 3-prong plugs and 16 gauge wire
- Tested to meet US and Canadian standards
- Available in different lengths
- Choice of colors
Cons:
- Cord is somewhat stiff
