“You have to match the gauge with the amperage (AMPS) and distance you need,” says Dan Belanger, a Master Electrician and owner of 4 Wire Electrical. “If you use a cord that’s too small, it can melt or not provide the right voltage to your equipment.” When in doubt, Belanger says you can play it safe with a 12-gauge extension cord. Quality is another crucial factor to consider. “The better the cord, the [stronger] it is, which can lead to a prolonged lifespan,” says Dan Mock, Vice President of Operations at Mister Sparky, an electrical company that offers services across the United States. “Quality cords also tend to be safer, so you’ll want to spend a bit more in order to make the best decision,” he adds, noting that products should have a UL rating, which ensures the product was tested and meets minimum safety requirements. With that in mind, we set out to find the best high-quality extension cords, factoring power and gauge ratings, cord length, and plug type into our research. Our top pick, the LifeSupplyUSA Outdoor & Indoor Heavy Duty Power Extension Cord, is a 12-gauge cord that’s versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use. It features a durable outer coating that protects it from oil, grease, and moisture. Here are the best extension cords. Additionally, it comes in a few different colors—black, green, orange, and yellow—so you can choose one that either looks good with your indoor decor or is high contrast for outdoor use. The end of the extension cord also conveniently illuminates with a red LED light, which allows you to see at a distance if the cord is fully plugged in. With that said, this extension cord doesn’t withstand extreme weather conditions, and it isn’t very flexible. If you’re looking for a flexible outdoor extension cord that is also versatile, we recommend our heavy-duty pick, the Southwire Outdoor Heavy-Duty Generator Extension Cord with Power Light Plug. Price at time of publish: $19 While it’s a solid budget-friendly option for indoor use, this extension cord should not be used outdoors or with energy-intensive major appliances or power tools. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly cord for basic charging needs around the house, it’s worth consideration. Price at time of publish: $10 This extension cord also features a lighted plug, which makes it more visible at night while also indicating that power is running through it. In addition to its outdoor use, the SJTW-type cord is versatile enough for indoor use—though the yellow color of the PVC jacket might not blend into your interior decor. Price at time of publish: $30 With its bright blue color and lighted ends, the heavy-duty extension cord is ideal for outdoor job sites, as it remains highly visible while being able to withstand most electrical needs. However, it would be a fantastic choice for backyard needs, as well, especially in regions with extreme heat or cold. Price at time of publish: $114 In addition to being a convenient combo, the surge protector also features a space-saving design, a whopping 12 outlets, and safety covers that slide over the outlets. It even comes with clips to keep your cords organized. Price at time of publish: $32 Designed for indoor use, this pick features a 10-foot cord with a chic braided cover and three outlets, as well as surge protection as an added safety measure. It also boasts a flat plug, which is great for keeping things flush with the wall when plugging an extension cord in behind furniture. In addition to its functionality, the extension cord is designed to blend into your home decor, not take away from it like many options so easily do. The cord was thoughtfully designed to meet both aesthetic and electrical needs, making it a fantastic choice for a home office, living room, or bedroom. Just keep in mind that this is best used inside your home, not outdoors. Price at time of publish: $15 We wish this extension cord came in at least one shorter size for small spaces, and it’s on the pricey side for a relatively short extension cord. However, the extension cord does come with three outlets and a chic leather cord wrap, and it’s covered in braided nylon to elevate the style. One feature that makes this extension cord even more unique is the fact that it can be mounted to the wall on a sleek hook, or hung from a metal stand (sold separately) for desktop use if needed. Price at time of publish: $138 The biggest downside is the cord length. While the 5-foot length makes it a good choice for desktop and office use, it might not be sufficient for larger rooms or spaces with minimal wall outlets. Also, the cord is wrapped in braided fabric which could get dirty over time, especially if it’s handled frequently throughout the day. With that said, this is an overall great pick for someone looking for a multi-functional extension cord with USB plugs, as well as someone concerned about the aesthetic of the cord, as its sleek white and gray design can blend easily into any space. Price at time of publish: $15
E: These types of extension cords are made with thermoplastic elastomer rubber (TPE), which makes it oil-resistant. “This cord is best suited for construction site use, where oil exposure and high temperatures are common,” says Mock.J: Considered the most standard extension cord, J cords have 300-volt insulation. Mock says they work best for light outdoor needs, such as leaf blowers.O: The “O” in O cords stands for oil and specifies that they are oil-resistant. “This cord is best for garage use, where engine oil and other chemicals may be present,” says Mock.P: “Having a parallel wire construction, P cords are best for indoor use and household jobs like powering fans and cleaning tools,” Mock explains.S: This extension cord is considered the most basic and made for standard and general use around the house (think: plugging your phone charger in).T: This cord is easy to remember, as the “T” stands for “thermoplastic” and can withstand colder temperatures. “They are great for minor outdoor jobs or garage usage during chillier months,” says Mock.W: If you’re looking for a powerful outdoor extension cord, this type is best. “With heavy-duty insulation, these cords are designed for outdoor use and are best for medium to high voltage jobs in the elements,” Mock explains.FT2: “This sequence signifies that the cord is flame retardant,” says Mock, noting that these types of extension cords are better for construction jobs where potential fire hazards are apparent.HPN: This type of extension cord is built to handle high temperatures, making them more compatible with high-temperature appliances.SRDT: SRDT extension cords are heavy-duty and best for appliances with high amperage.
Power and Gauge Ratings
An important thing to consider when shopping for extension cords is the power and gauge rating. “Extension cords all have an American Wire Gauge (AWG) rating that is determined by wire thickness and used to measure electrical wire in order to determine best use and power capacity,” Mock explains. This rating is considered a sliding scale, since the lower the AWG rating is, the thicker the cord will be. “This is important to check, especially when using a cord for heavy-duty power jobs, as using a cord with a higher AWG can lead to malfunctions and overheating,” Mock adds.
Length and Plug Type
Next, you’ll want to consider the length and plug type, as this will tell you how far the cord will extend and whether or not it is compatible with your outlet. “With three-prong plug types, there is an additional pin [called a grounding or earthing pin] which acts as an added layer of safety for plugs,” says Mock. “If there is some sort of faulty wire, surge, or other issue, this pin will help prevent any issue such as electrocution, fire, damage, or more,” he adds. Because of the safety component, Mock says these types of plugs are more common nowadays.
Safety
When dealing with electricity, safety is of utmost importance. In addition to choosing the right extension cord for your job, you’ll also want to check that the cord was vetted for safety. “The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) helps to test and regulate electrical cords through a series of heat, hazard, moisture, and damage tests that determine whether a cord is safe for commercial or residential use,” Mock explains. He recommends looking for the Underwriters Laboratory label (UL) on an extension cord, as this organization tests all types of electrical products and components for safety.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Contributing writer Jessie Quinn is a lifestyle writer for The Spruce, covering everything from the best gifts to give to the best bedding. When researching the best extension cords, Jessie used her background in journalism to research dozens of options and narrow down her list to include the top picks. She looked at everything from the quality of construction to power and gauge ratings to plug type to determine what makes an extension cord the best. According to Mock, it’s safe to plug simple items such as a lamp into an extension cord. “For items you care a bit more about—such as computers and TVs—I recommend plugging these into a surge protector,” he notes, adding that the protector will help these devices from overloading. When it comes time to replace, Mock says that most extension cords are recyclable, so be sure to check with your area recycling program when disposing of old cords. Jessie also reached out to top experts Dan Belanger, a Master Electrician and owner of 4 Wire Electrical, and Dan Mock, Vice President of Operations at Mister Sparky, an electrical company that offers services across the United States, to learn more about what to look for in extension cords and important safety precautions to take.
