If you have a brand new electric chainsaw, leaf blower, or other yard equipment, you are going to need a good quality extension cord. These cords help extend the range of such power tools, allowing them to operate away from a power outlet.
Outdoor electric cords are also very useful during Christmas or Halloween, or any occasion when you have to light up your yard/lawns. They are also indispensable for outdoor patios and decks.
Outdoor Extension Cords Buying Guide + Tips
When it comes to extension cords, the market is well and truly overcrowded. Many of us end up picking a random extension cord, without giving due consideration to its specifications and suitability for the task at hand. This is a big no no since we are dealing with electricity.
It is all about picking horses for courses; there are different kinds of extension cords out there, each designed for a particular kind of job. Here are the main things to take into consideration while picking an extension cord for outdoor use:
1. Indoor Vs. Outdoor
Never use an indoor cord for outdoor use, especially on a regular or long-term basis. Outdoor cords are rated “W,” and have more durable insulation and jackets. Indoor extension cords are rated “S” and will not last long in the temperature variations and moisture/water exposure outdoors.
2. Length
Always try to keep the length of the cord to a minimum. For instance, if you have a 20-foot long backyard, look for a 20-25 foot long extension cord. The longer the cord, the lesser its capacity to carry the electric charge. So if you buy a 50-foot cable for a task that needs just a 25-foot cord, you are wasting your cash as well as energy efficiency.
3. Gauge
Gauge denotes the thickness of the wire used inside the extension cord. According to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, the gauge numbers start from 10 and may go all the way up to 20. The simple formula is: the smaller the gauge number, the thicker the wire used inside the cord. Thicker wire (lower gauge) ensures better flow of electricity. 10 and 12-gauge cords are ideal if you have heavy duty power tools. For devices rated at higher amps, use these thicker gauge cords.
4. Balance Cord Length, Gauge and Device Rating
It is very important to match the extension cord gauge with the power rating of the appliance you plan to plug into it. And you also need to keep an eye on the length of the cord. A 50 foot long 14 gauge cord will transfer less charge (amps) than a 25 foot long cord of the same thickness. For instance, if you have a 15 amp rated chainsaw, a 14 gauge medium duty cord will do the job for a distance of 25 feet. But for 50 or even 100 feet, a safer option for the same chainsaw would be a thicker 12 gauge cord. Check the manufacturer guide for the correct amp requirements of your device.
Important Safety Tips:
Don’t link multiple extension cords to extend the range of your power tool. Use a single cord of the correct length for maximum safety.
Check the product to ensure that it has been adequately tested and rated by a recognized safety testing lab, (for example, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) here in the US, or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) north of the border in Canada.
Outdoor extension cords are durable, but unplug and store them away indoors when not in use to extend their service life.
If the cord is damaged in any way (cut insulation, frayed wires, or flattened bits), do not try to use it. Buy a replacement instead.
While you can use an outdoor extension cord indoors, never do the opposite. Indoor cables are not designed to withstand the external environment.
Top 10 Outdoor Extension Cord Comparison Table and Reviews
| Product | Image | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Coleman Cable 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord 100 ft |  | Resist moisture, abrasion and exposure to sunlight Wire is 16-Gauge with 3 conductors. 10 amp, 1250 watt | $$$ |
| 2. AmazonBasics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord, 50 Ft, Orange |  | 16-gauge, 3-wire outdoor extension cord; all-copper wire Length: 50 feet 3-prong grounded plug for added safety | $ |
| 3. Iron Forge Cables 10ft Outdoor Extension Cord With Power Block, 16/3 |  | Slip resistant design, water resistant and flame retardant. Vinyl covering 10 foot, 13 amp, 125 volt, 1625 watt 3 prong grounded plug for added safety | $ |
| 4. Woods 25 ft Outdoor Extension Cord With Power Block, Green |  | 25-Foot green colored cord blends into exterior landscaping 13A rating at 125V, 16/3-gauge, SJTW(rated weatherproof) | $$ |
| 5. Iron Forge Cables 15 ft Outdoor Extension Cord, 16/3, Heavy Duty Black |  | 3 wire extension cord, 15 foot, 13 amp, 125V, 1625 watt Indoor and Office use Lifetime Warranty | $$ |
| 6. Master Electrician 20 ft Landscape Outdoor Extension Cord, 16/3 Vinyl Green |  | Green vinyl jacket, resists oil, grease, moisture, and abrasion Heavy-duty molded on plug ends with strain relief 3-conductor, 16-gauge wire, 13-amp rating | $$ |
| 7. TerraBloom 25 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord, With Lighted Triple Tap Outlets |  | 25 Foot 14 Gauge (AWG) Heavy Duty Extension Cord Flexibility in Below Freezing Cold Temperatures (-35F to 125F Degrees) Rated up to 1875 Watts, 15 Amps and Can Handle Heavy Duty Appliances | $$$ |
| 8. Otimo 50 ft Outdoor Heavy Duty Extension Cord, 3 Prong Orange |  | 50 ft appliance extension cord Water-resistant and flame-resistant material Rating: 13A, 125V, 1625W | $$ |
| 9. MasterPlug Heavy Duty Extension Cord Reel, 4 outlets, 40 ft |  | 40-foot cord easily winds around a rugged spool Features four surge-protected outlets (120V / 10amp each) 3 year warranty | $$$ |
| 10. Prime Wire & Cable 35 ft Patio and Deck Extension Cord, 16/3, Beige |  | Nickel-Coated Brass Blades Resist Corrosion Water Resistant and Flame Retardant | $$ |
1. Coleman Cable 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord 100 ft
Coleman is one of the most popular names in the business, and their extension cords are available various lengths, and in packs with single and multiple pieces. The 100 feet long cord is rated at 16 gauges, and suitable for 10 amp devices.
Highlights:
- Tough vinyl coating for extra durability in sunlight and wet conditions
- It has three conductors, power rating of 1250 watts
- The cord is reinforced with blades that resist bending and breaking
- Molded plugs offer extra insulation
- Orange color for extra visibility
- Also available in 25 and 50 feet variants
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
2. AmazonBasics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord, 50 Ft, Orange
Marketed and sold under Amazon’s store brand, this outdoor extension cord offers simplicity in design and functionality. The 50 feet cord has a 16 gauge wire, which is best suited for devices that need 13 amps or under. The three wire cord has a power rating of 1250 watts
Highlights:
- Uses tough and durable vinyl coating
- The cord has a high-visibility orange shade for improved safety
- Three prongs on the plug provides grounding
- Flexible materials for improved mobility
- Also available in a 100-foot long variant
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
3. Iron Forge Cables 10ft Outdoor Extension Cord With Power Block, 16/3
When all you need is to extend the range of your heavy duty power tool by a few feet or so, this 10-foot long cable from Iron Forge is a good choice. With such a short length and a 16 gauge wire, this cord is rated as heavy-duty. The power figures are at 13 amps, and 1625 watt, thanks to that short length.
Highlights:
- Certified by ETL/CETL
- Comes with a lifetime replacement warranty
- The cord has three outlets in one, useful if you want to plug multiple devices
- Green color blends in with the landscape, on lawns
- Good choice for Halloween decorations and Christmas lights
- Has a protective vinyl coating for outdoor use
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
4. Woods 25 ft Outdoor Extension Cord With Power Block, Green
For landscape decorations and lighting, you need a cord that blends into the greenery. This Woods cord maybe the perfect choice with its dark green hue. The three outlets provide power to charge multiple devices/light systems. Woods is a trademark brand of the popular Coleman Cable Inc. It comes in the most popular 16 gauge and has a 13 amp rating.
Highlights:
- Tough vinyl coating for superior durability
- Reinforced with blades to prevent breaking or bending
- Certified by UL/CUL/ETL as well as the OSHA
- Heavy duty cord ideal for power hungry devices/lighting systems
- Power block has three outlets
- Dark green color blends into the grass/greenery
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
5. Iron Forge Cables 15 ft Outdoor Extension Cord, 16/3, Heavy Duty Black
This is a dual purpose extension cord from Iron Forge. It can be used both at home and in office, indoors as well as outdoors. The 15-foot long cable provides excellent reach and comes in a discreet black color. It can be used to power a single device rated at 13 amps, and 1625 watts.
Highlights:
- Certified by ETL/CETL
- Comes with lifetime replacement warranty
- Available in 10, 25, 50 and 100 feet variants as well
- Heavy duty vinyl coating for both indoor and outdoor use
- Three wire cord provided superior safety and grounding
- Cord is well insulated against fire and moisture
- Subdued black color, ideal for home and office use
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
6. Master Electrician 20 ft Landscape Outdoor Extension Cord, 16/3 Vinyl Green
This is another great option if you want to bring power to your outdoor lighting without messing up the landscaping in your front yard. Green color ensures that it blends into the background. It is rated for outdoor use and has a 16 gauge, three conductor wire inside. You may use this cord for any system or device rated at 13 amps.
Highlights:
- UL certified and OSHA compliant product
- The plug is durable, with heavy duty molding
- Medium duty cord ideal for 13 amp devices
- Vinyl coating is durable and perfect for outdoor use
- Green color makes it perfect for landscaped spaces.
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
7. TerraBloom 25 Ft Outdoor Extension Cord, With Lighted Triple Tap Outlets
If you want to balance length, gauge and amp rating of the extension cord based on your requirements, TerraBloom may be an excellent choice. They have cords in multiple lengths and gauge combinations, from two feet to 100 feet in length, and in 12 and 14 gauge wire configurations. The heavy duty cables are ideal for outdoor use with garden power tools and other appliances. At 25 feet, the 14 gauge has a 15 amp rating.
Highlights:
- Flexible thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) jackets
- TPE offers superior performance in extreme weather and moisture conditions
- Three outlets, all with LED power indicator lights
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, even in winters
- Comes with lifetime warranty
- UL certified and OSHA compliant product
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
8. Otimo 50 ft Outdoor Heavy Duty Extension Cord, 3 Prong Orange
Otimo has several options among their outdoor extension cords in the 16 gauge category. You can choose from three different lengths, 25, 50 and 100 feet, as well as four different color options depending on your preferences/requirements. The yellow, orange and red offer good visibility, while green is ideal for landscaping. The 50 foot cord is rated at 13 amps, and 1625 watts.
Highlights:
- ETL certified product
- Ultra flexible yet durable coating, ideal for use with garden power tools
- 3 conductor wire with grounded plug for extra safety
- The cord is both water and flame resistant
- Available in multiple color options
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
9. MasterPlug Heavy Duty Extension Cord Reel, 4 outlets, 40 ft
A reel system is a great choice, if the cord has to be moved around the yard. This Masterplug cord is an ideal companion for power tools like chainsaws and leaf blowers. The reel system keeps the cord tangle free. The 14 gauge wire is rated at 10 amps across 40 feet.
Highlights:
- Reel system for easy use and storage
- Features 4 outlets.
- Ideal for use in yards and for light-duty industrial work
- Reel system is made from heavy-duty steel
- Comes with 3 year warranty
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
10. Prime Wire & Cable 35 ft Patio and Deck Extension Cord, 16/3, Beige
When you need a discreet looking cord to blend into your patio or deck, this cord from Prime Wire and Cable may be a good choice. It comes in a beige/tan coating and is quite long at 35 ft. The product is available in packs of 1 and two cords. The wire is 16 gauge and rated at around 13 amps at 35 feet.
Highlights:
- Has durable coating that is water, flame and abrasion resistant
- Beige color is ideal for blending into patios and pool decks
- Has corrosion resistant brass blades
- The cord is also ultra flexible
CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON
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