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 Extension
Safest
Has a double-insulated and grounded design
This extension cord has a one-piece molded plug construction that provides extra durability. It features durable PVC insulation and a strong jacket that make this heavy-duty cord sturdy enough to last a lifetime.
Pros:
- Available in different lengths
- Comes with three power outlets for multiple uses
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a completely water-resistant design
Amazon Basics Outdoor Extension Cord
Best Protection
Vinyl covering protects against sunlight, water and abrasion
This extension cord has a 16-gauge, three-prong grounded design that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It also has an all-copper wire construction that makes it highly durable.
Pros:
- Has a length of 50 feet
- Can be used for heavy-duty work
Cons:
- Bending may crack the vinyl over time
Coleman Outdoor Extension Cord
Best Visibility
Comes in bright orange
The durable vinyl cover on this all-purpose cord makes it weather-resistant and perfect for outdoor use. It can withstand moisture, abrasion and exposure to sunlight.
Pros:
- Comes with strong reinforced blades
- Has a length of 50 feet
Cons:
- Plug point may feel slightly loose
DEWENWILS Extension Cord
Best For Outdoor Lighting
Green jacket blends perfectly into outdoor environments
This cord is built with all-copper wire, reinforced blades and double jacketed cords for added safety and durability. With an AC 125V/13A/1625W rating, it is also safe for outdoor use in different weather conditions to beautifully light up gardens, patios and other outdoor areas.
Pros:
- Features a pigtail triple tap to accommodate bulky plugs
- Operational in -40°F to 140°F temperatures
Cons:
- May be too short for bigger yards
GE UltraPro Extension Cord
Best Reach
Has a length of 100 feet
This double-insulated, grounded cord is perfect for heavy-duty jobs in your backyard. The orange vinyl jacket protects against moisture, dust and dirt and is easily visible for added safety.
Pros:
- UL-listed for extra peace of mind
- Features a grounded three-prong outlet
Cons:
- Comes with only a single output
