Best Overall
Iron Forge Tools 100-Foot Outdoor Extension Cord
Runner-up
US Wire and Cable 50-Foot Lighted Extension Cord
Best Bang for the Buck
GE 6-Foot 3-Outlet Polarized Extension Cord
We may earn revenue from the product available on this varlet and enter in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
A length of insulated wire with a hype at one end and a socket at the other , an extension corduroy comes in handy to associate an contrivance , a mogul putz , or another electric machine to a power source beyond the reach of the item ’s own cord . Yet helpful as they are , extension cords can be life-threatening .
concord to theElectrical Safety Foundation International , about 3,300 domicile fires are started annually by prolongation cords , killing or injuring hundreds of multitude each year . These fires occur because of overheat wires , which happens when too much electric current passes through wires that are inadequate for the job .
To help keep consumer secure , this guide showcases extension corduroy that we selected and tested base on specific shopping and performance criteria . We also offer several factor shopper will need to consider before buying a new extension cord for their indoor or outdoor electric needs .
How We Tested the Best Extension Cords
We spend 2 days ( 12 hours total ) testing each of the extension cords listed to cater authorized recommendations base on electrical performance , ease of habit , and durability .
We started by valuate the voltage of each extension electric cord with a multimeter to ensure that they all birth adequate baron without excessive voltage drop . With the multimeter set to test AC voltage , we probe the wall outlet to get our service line ( 121.2 volts ) . We then plugged each reference corduroy into that release and dig into the cords ’ socket , measure out the electromotive force at the dot of delivery . For multisocket extension cord , we try out each socket . All of our recommendation delivered at least 118 V .
To examine for repose of exercise , we plugged in the cords and used them to power as many tool and appliance as they were project for . We remark exceptional features , like lighted end and multiple outlets . We also note limitation , like excess or abruptness of distance , bulkiness , or limit plug compatibility . This information guide our decisions for use recommendations .
For any outdoor or indoor / outdoor extension cord , we tested durability by laying the corduroys across a concrete driveway and driving a pickup truck over them 10 time , inspect the corduroy jackets afterward for signs of scratch . To test for moth-eaten - weather operation , we placed the hand-build cords in a deep freezer at -5 degree Fahrenheit for 24 hours , then immediately attempted to uncoil them , rating each one accord to its inhuman - temperature flexibility .
Helpful Terminology
Further down , we ’ve adumbrate what to reckon before buying prolongation cords ( see “ Jacket Strength ” ) , but the following definitions are good to sleep together before reading recapitulation of our Top Picks . These letters are used to define the strength , material , and function of extension electric cord jacket , and they are often print directly on the product :
Our Top Picks
Our top pickaxe were chosen based on electric performance , ease of use , and enduringness . Here ’s a look at how each one execute , and why we consider them to be some of the unspoiled wing cords on the market .
This all - purpose university extension cord from Iron Forge Tools , design for both indoor and outdoor use , features a flexible , yellow vinyl group cap that ’s urine - insubordinate and protects against wet , corrasion , and sun . The 12 - gauge wire has a power military rating of 15 ampere , 125 V , and 1,875 watts , and the cord is Underwriters Laboratories ( UL ) list for safety .
The 100 - pes annex cord propose a light socket illuminated by LED medulla oblongata that helpfully indicate when the king is on . The plug boasts reinforced blades to prevent deflexion or break . This extension corduroy can handle most medium- to heavy - obligation applications , from run a lawn lawn mower to powering Christmas lights . substance abuser can pick out the best distance for the job from among extra sizes , from 3 to 200 metrical foot .
In our trial , the Iron Forge Tools lighted extension cord offer up the best combination of public presentation and price for general indoor and out-of-door habit . This single - outlet SJTW - delegate electric cord delivered good operational performance , well power our portable board saw . The burnished chickenhearted cord and lighted sockets improved visibleness in the employment domain , adding a helpful safety element . The cap held up well to detrition by car tires on the driveway , but the corduroy does stiffen up quite a bit in freeze experimental condition . For the damage , it would be difficult to find a better 12/3 lengthiness corduroy .
Get the Iron Forge Tools telephone extension cord atAmazonorIron Forge Tools .
This bright white-livered 50 - foot reference cord ( 25 - foot and 100 - foot versions are also useable ) stands out in dark weather condition outside and among pecker in a service department or workshop to serve prevent tripping and other accidents . It include an SJTW vinyl out jacket that wo n’t split or crock up in colder temperature as scummy as -35 degrees Fahrenheit . The 12 - gage wire features 15 ampere , 125 V , and 1,875 James Watt of power , as well as a light female plug that indicates when the cord is in habit .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
The US Wire and Cable lighted wing corduroy performed nearly identically to our Best Overall pick , with the only divergence being the short 50 - foot duration . Measured voltage drop was slightly reduced because of the shorter cord length , but for virtual purposes , this electric cord simply worked well . It powered our portable table saw without publication , and the three - hole male plug is compatible with any twilled galvanizing hand tool . After a night in the deep freezer , this cord had stiffened likewise to our Best Overall pick , but the price is somewhat higher on a per - foot basis . This choice would be a good selection for DIYers with less space to cover .
Get the US Wire and Cable 50 - foot extension cord atAmazonorTools 4 Flooring .
No little fingerbreadth or slim objects will get baffle inside any of the receptacle of this three - outlet indoor annex electric cord from GE . It vaunt twist - to - come together safety outlet cover that help prevent injuries . The 16 - gauge cable also boasts king rating of 13 amp , 125 volts , and 1,625 watts and is UL indorse .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
exploiter can summate three electrical outlet up to 6 feet from the nigh male plug with this inexpensive extension electric cord , and the two - prong plug characteristic filter out relief to reduce fraying . The cord is ideal for home bureau , workshops , or service department . In addition to the 6 - foot duration , choose from white , brown , and black in 9- , 12- , and 15 - human foot lengths .
We tested the GE polarize extension electric cord in several indoor scenarios . We loaded all three socket with stopper from lamps , chargers , a mucilage gun , and strings of holiday light . Everything function as expect , without causing the extension cord to heat up up . We especially appreciated the rotary - socket ringlet that allowed us to close down off unused sockets when only one or two were needed . This relatively short filename extension cord provided adequate reach without increasing clutter or creating a trip chance . It shit an ideal choice for part , household , and craft where two - prong plugs are common .
Get the GE extension cord atAmazon , The Home Depot , orTarget .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Standard Indoor
Firmerst Low-Profile Flat Plug Extension Cord
Firmerst ’s 1 - foot extension electric cord has a 14 AWG gauge rating and a mightiness capability of 15 adenylic acid , 125 volts , and 1,875 watts . The cord is UL certified and temperature - insubordinate up to 167 degree Fahrenheit . Plus , the savourless plug aim is well suited for the tight spaces between mercantile establishment and piece of furniture , bookshelf , and desk .
The chummy wires are encased in heavy - duty plastic that is tough but pliant . The wires can handle more amperage and wattage — with less chance of overheating compared to similar products with thinner 16 or 18 AWG telegram . Available in white or black in a commodious three - pack .
The Firmerst low - profile extension cord we test was just 12 - inches long , a shortsighted duration nonsuch for use as an adapter , where the low - profile plug may improve the functionality of a little blank space . It reduced plug profiles from a stock depth of about 3 inches to .75 inch , and worked with three - prong jade . Because the corduroy is so short and made of thick 14 gauge wire , it even worked well with high amperage tools like our portable mesa see . This extension electric cord could be helpful for organise the house , garage , or workshop .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Firmerst elongation corduroy atAmazon .
Best Smart
GHome Smart Power Strip
The GHome Smart Power Strip offers three 3 - prong electrical socket and three USB port all in one rush - protect unit of measurement . The power strip feature a 4 - groundwork power corduroy , onboard on / off switch , and Wi - Fi connectivity for outback restraint via a liberal mobile app or phonation statement through Amazon Alexa or Google Home . It has a power rating of 120 volt , 10 amps , 1,200 watts . The full USB output current is 3.1 amps .
With Wi - Fi connectivity , each of the socket outlets is individually controllable from anywhere . Name the outlets according to their function , use the app or voice control to ferment them on or off individually , or lay individualised agenda so they work on and off mechanically .
We used the GHome smart big businessman strip to institutionalise two phones and a ticker on the USB port while powering three small lamps with the outlets . Basic operation without Wi - Fi worked just o.k. . Next , we downloaded the mobile app and connected to our Alexa . Setting up the smart features pick out about 20 minutes . Using them required a strong Wi - Fi connection at all times . navigate the app was a fairly intuitive process , and everything worked well along the direction . Shoppers who are looking for more connectivity and convenience will delight this bright big businessman airstrip .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the GHome Smart extension cord atAmazon .
Best for Safety
Yellow Jacket 2737 12/3 Locking Extension Cord
The Yellow Jacket locking 12/3 extension corduroy is great power rated for 15 amps , 125 volt , and 1,875 Isaac Watts . It includes multiple feature that improve work - site safety . The weather condition - repellent bright yellow PVC cap improves visibility to deoxidise a tripping luck . The cord is SJTW designate for knockout use in sturdy environments . It is treat with a special chemical compound to remain conciliatory , even in cold atmospheric condition .
The specially design locking nag check that tools remain plugged in , meaning less time mess around with the cord and more productive sentence . intemperate - duty strain fill-in build into the plug connexion reduce habiliment and deplume and extend cord liveliness . This cord meets OSHA specification for good use on commercial projects .
In our tests , the Yellow Jacket lock extension cord delivered undischarged functioning . We used it to power a portable tabular array saw for 4 hours with no fuss . In parliamentary procedure to text the locking connective , we attached a twilled electric folio blower . The connexion defend securely through the project . This cord also turned in the best stale temperature performance , as it remain importantly more flexible than any of the other “ all - time of year ” outdoor extension corduroy we test . In our opinion , the Yellow Jacket could have been an alternate pick for Best Overall if not for the elevated , but justifiable , price point .
Image: Amazon.com
Get the Yellow Jacket annex cord atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best for Style
Slimline Flat Plug Conductor Extension Cord
The Slimline flavorless plug extension electric cord offers multiple solution for indoor tycoon ask without disrupting the room ’s aesthetic . The space - saving purpose makes it easy to access electric outlet behind article of furniture and render electricity where want . It comes in a salmagundi of colors to better blend with the way ’s aesthetic . The cord has a power rating of 120 volts , 13 AMP , and 1,560 James Watt .
This low - profile indoor extension phone cord place flat against the rampart and only rises .5 inch above the wall surface . The angled plug design does not block the 2nd socket in the outlet . This multioutlet filename extension cord offers three ground two - prong outlets with plait - to - close base hit covers for any vent not in use . It is usable in blanched , beige , or grim and in lengths of 3 , 7 , 8 , or 13 foot .
We tested the Slimline flat plug prolongation corduroy with train of incandescent holiday lights . After 8 hours , everything was still lit and the extension corduroy had not become heated . The flat plug , which measured precisely the same heaviness as our baseboard trim , allow for us to access a wall retail store behind a bookshelf and supercede the shelf against the wall . Had we need one , a second hype would have easy fit into the second socket on the wall outlet , thanks to the offset design of the plug . With its thin visibility and available color options , this cord clear a saucy choice that solve with any style .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Slimline elongation cord atAmazon , The Home Depot , orToolup .
Best for Generators
Champion Power Equipment Generator Extension Cord
This 25 - foot extension electric cord from Champion Power Equipment boast 30 AMP , 125 volts , and 3,750 James Watt of power . It extends a individual 30 - amp locking outlet 25 feet aside from the author and provides three 15 - amp issue at a safe distance from the generator exhaust .
The service - ground level annex corduroy is abrasion- and weather condition - resistant and comes with dust covers to keep the outlet clear and clear when not in use . It is also cold- and heat - resistant with a 10 - caliber telegram that remains whippy in utmost temperatures .
The Champion Power Equipment Generator Extension Cord proved to be a very utile adapter in our psychometric test . By converting the 30 adenylic acid generator way out into three additional three - prong 15 amp outlets , it boosted available outlet from four to seven , increasing fuel efficiency . The cord maintain good tractability after 24 time of day in the bass freezer , and the cap showed no signs of scrape after driving over it a half dozen time . Those who rely on source power to operate two- and three - prong household electrical tools and widget would do well to consider this corduroy .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Champion Power Equipment reference cord atAmazon , The Home Depot , orTractor Supply Co.
Best for Outdoors
UltraPro 25-Foot Extension Cord, 3-Outlet Power Strip
This UL - listed elongation corduroy from UltraPro include three power electric outlet and a innkeeper of feature article to meet power - extend needs for outdoor spaces . It has a power capacity of 13 ampere , 125 volts , and 1,625 James Watt that ’s particularly suitable for lighting . The corduroy features forge plugs and is double insulated for enhanced durability , longevity , and safety .
This 25 - foot extension cord is also usable in a two - camp . user can select between extra lengths from 9 to 100 feet and five colors — some dark for well-heeled concealment and some bright for high visibility and safe .
The UltraPro extension cord hold up quite well in our drive abrasion trial and stay put flexible after 24 time of day in the deep freezer . We really liked the hang - loop-the-loop characteristic , which made it easy to set up electrical access in commodious elevated locations without adding strain on the jade and socket connections . This cord would be a great choice for setting up holiday lights or break away impermanent power for company lights and music .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the UltraPro extension electric cord atAmazonorJasco Products(two - multitude ) .
Best All-Weather
US Wire and Cable 100-Foot SJTW General Purpose Cord
This versatile 100 - ft out-of-door propagation electric cord from US Wire and Cable features an insulating cap made of 100 percent thermoplastic rubber . The real compound stands up to extreme temperature between 221 degree Fahrenheit and -94 degrees Fahrenheit . The crown is oil - resistant and more durable in abrasive environments compare to stock PVC .
This 12 - gauge extension cord has a 15 - adenosine monophosphate power capacitance designed for medium- to heavy - duty outdoor employment , include power tool , snow blowers , and generators . The brilliant orange color pairs with the ignite cud ends for safe and profile in dark conditions .
The US Wire and Cable SJTW propagation electric cord performed exceptionally well in all phases of testing . It passed our driveway abrasion trial almost totally whole . It tighten up only somewhat in the deep deep-freeze tryout . And the tenacious 12/3 electric cord delivered adequate electric current to power our portable table saw for several hours . Beyond the tough , flexile , shining orange crownwork , it did n’t offer many extras — just a rock - satisfying performing artist and a enceinte pick for most twelvemonth - round outdoor power pauperization .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the US Wire And Cable 100 - fundament extension cord atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Extension Cord
Various factor go into pick out the good extension cord for a given space and situation : safety and intended use , bore and power ratings , cord duration and potential , jacket crown strength , and plug and socket type . Shoppers may also want to consider extra features , such as aesthetic appeal and dismount plug final stage .
Intended Use
outside and world-wide - use cords can be used indoors , but an indoor extension corduroy should never be used out of doors .
Environmental condition , usage frequency , and the appliance types the electric cord will support are also of import consideration .
Many reliable reference cords also have a certified base hit military rank from an sovereign testing federal agency , likeUnderwriters Laboratories(UL),Intertek(ETL ) , or theCanadian Standards Association(CSA ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Gauge Rating
telegram gage is the thickness or diameter of an extension corduroy ’s internal wire . This thickness is valuate by an American Wire Gauge ( AWG ) phone number : the smaller the phone number ( 000 to 40 ) , the thicker the wire . For most home and out-of-door use , look for a caliber rating between 10 and 18 AWG .
A corduroy ’s AWG number , or gauge rating , can typically be found on its out jacket crown — the stratum of thermoplastic that circumvent and protect the electric wire . Gauge rating is usually geminate with the issue of conducting wires inside the corduroy . For example , a 16/3 cord means a 16 - calibre conducting wire with three telegram inside the corduroy .
Power Rating
In addition to the standard of measurement rating , there will often be three numbers associate with an reference cord ’s power capacity that indicate amps , volt , and watts . When looking for the best extension cord , shopper should take note of these economic value , which are crucial for telephone extension cord base hit : A cord can overheat and catch flame when an appliance is plug into a cord with a relatively deficient top executive rating .
Cord Length and Voltage Drop
While some extension cords may be long than 100 foot , those between 1 human foot and 100 feet are the most helpful and popular for task in and around the home . Cord length also affects how much emf is lost due to electric resistance over distance . The longer the extension electric cord , the not bad the electric potential mislay , which is a attribute called “ emf cliff . ”
To fend off voltage drop , the shortest wing cord potential should be used for a given undertaking . Longer cord have less content ( great voltage drop ) than shorter cords with the same gauge rating . For deterrent example , a 16 - gauge extension corduroy less than 50 ft long can power an appliance up to 1,625 watt . By comparison , a 16 - calibre cord longer than 50 feet will have less wattage and only exponent a 1,250 - W appliance .
Jacket Strength
Wire is an excellent conductor that needs insulation to function properly . The coating around wires is referred to as a jacket .
Plastic or woven nylon is used to cover indoor extension cords . grueling - obligation plastics , galosh , and vinyl often coat the electric telegram in outside extension cords , protect them from environmental vulnerability , electric leakage , and overheating .
The strength , textile , and purpose of the cord crown are delegate by the following letters , which are often printed on the jacket crown itself :
Plug and Socket Type
An extension cord plug may have two or three prong . The third prong means the cord is “ grounded , ” providing an extra track for electrical currents and contributing to overall refuge .
The ground pin ( third prong ) is an essential safe characteristic of heavier - duty extension cord , and exploiter should never dispatch or bypass it in any path . Grounded ( three - pronged ) extension cord should be used with larger contrivance .
The socket is the part of the extension corduroy into which users plug appliance . This cartoon strip may contain multiple sockets ( for two- or three - prong plugs ) to power up multiple appliances , put up user do n’t go over the wattage ( king rating ) on the cord ’s label .
mention that users can insert a two - pronged plug into a three - slot socket , but never the reverse . Also , an extension corduroy with three - pronged sockets should always be used with contrivance that have three - bifurcate plug ends .
Additional Features
Several standout feature can give to an extension cord ’s utility and safe , and may include :
Having more than one extension cord orsurge protectorcan await untempting . Luckily , a multifariousness of cord colors and lace fabric selection are available to match existing decor . Brightly colour out-of-door extension cords can helpprevent trippingand other stroke .
Safety Tips for Using Extension Cords
Here are a few essentialsafety tipsto follow wheneverextension cordsare used :
An overladen extension cord is hot to the pinch and may blow a fuse . Damaged extension cord typically pass off a burning smell when they ’re plugged in , often leaving black burning marks near the power outlet , on the chew , or on the appliance . If an interior wire is visible or the plug is break or scratch , the extension service cord should be replaced .
FAQs
This guide calculate to accost any questions and concerns shopper may have about buying the best extension cords for indoor and outdoor use . Sometimes , many shoppers have additional questions regarding rubber and other specifics . Here are answers to some of the most oftentimes asked questions shopper have about file name extension cord .
Q. What is the safest extension cord?
The safest extension cords have a evaluation from UL , ETL , or CSA and are right tally to their intended use .
Q. What are the best outdoor extension cords?
Some of the best outdoor extension cord are made byUltraPro , Iron Forge Tools , andYellow Jacket .
Q. Which is better, a 12- or 16-gauge extension cord?
It depends on the intend use . A 12 - gauge wire is consider a heavy - duty extension electric cord , while a 16 - calibre wire is a easy - duty one .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we conceive this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
