Best Outdoor Extension Cord for Your Backyard

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Choosing the most dependable outdoor extension cord is no easy feat. If you don’t know what to look for while buying one, the plethora of options available in the market can be overwhelming. Worse, there’s a chance that the one you get is unsafe and cannot withstand the weather outdoors.

Knowing the fundamentals of extension cords is critical to avoiding these risks. Below you’ll know how these cords work so you can choose one that is safe to use. And to help you further, we listed down some of the most incredible outdoor extension cords to satisfy your needs.

Why Use an Outdoor Extension Cord

An outdoor extension cord is essential for any outdoor activity that requires electricity. Compared to indoor extension ones, these cords are specially designed to withstand the challenging weather outdoors. For instance, an outdoor extension cord has thick insulation that protects it from rain, snow, and UV rays.

Aside from their durability, outdoor extension cords also come in various lengths. You can choose one as short as 15 feet or as lengthy as 200 feet. This range allows you to utilize them even if the power outlets you’ll be connecting them to are too far away.

Due to these solid designs and construction, you can use outdoor extension cords for many purposes. You may use them to easily set up outdoor lighting and to clean yards, for example. They are also handy for outdoor cooking and gatherings. Don’t forget that outdoor extension cords are also applicable and safe for indoor use anytime.

Things to Consider Before Getting an Outdoor Extension Cord

As with any piece of furniture and products that you’re planning to get, there are also things to consider before buying an outdoor extension cord. Here are a few examples:

Insulation

It is easy to differentiate the outdoor extension cord from indoor ones with their insulation. Compared to the latter, an outdoor extension cord has a thick jacket that serves as its protection.

You’ll need to determine the type of jacket they have to completely understand how sturdy for outdoor use an extension cord is. This can be seen on the letter printed on the jacket itself, which conveys their equivalent designations, such as:

• S, which means that the cord is for general indoor use
• W, which means that the cord is weather and water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use
• J, which indicates that the cord has insulation of standard 300 Volt
• P, which signifies that the cord has a parallel wire construction that is usually suited for air conditioning and water heaters
• T, which indicates that the cord has vinyl thermoplastic insulation
• E, which means that the cord is made from thermoplastic elastomer rubber (TPE)
• O, which means that the cord is oil resistant

Of all these indicators, the ones with the letters W, T, and E, are the ones that are most suitable for outdoor use. For instance, the cord with a W indicator can endure wet and dry conditions outdoors. The same goes for cords with the letters T and E. Both cords have thermoplastic material insulation, which is resistant to moderate heat, sunlight, and water.

In addition to withstanding weather, the cord’s strong insulation also protects it from getting soaked in chemicals and other oily substances. It is also worth noting that an outdoor cord is noticeably heavier than an indoor one due to this thick protective cover. Overall, the solid and durable cord insulation makes it safe to use outdoors and is worth spending your money on.

Length

You’ll need an outdoor extension cord that is long enough for your needs. If the outlet where you’ll be connecting the cords is far, then you should get a cord that can cover the distance. A short one is also great if the outlet is close, but it is best to acquire a long one so may use it in farther areas of your house.

Plug

Extension cords either have two prongs or three prongs for their plug. Considering the plug type might seem inconsequential, but doing so is beneficial for your safety. For instance, three-pronged extension cords have a safer mechanism than those with two. Its third prong acts as a safe conduit for power surges to dispel. Thus, it reduces the risk of electrical shock and fire. Due to their high insulation, two-pronged outdoor extension cords are nevertheless still useful and safe to use.

Amperage

Another important factor to consider when choosing an outdoor extension cord is the amperage rating. This rating refers to the maximum amount of current that the cord can accommodate through its gauge or wire’s diameter. Knowing a cord’s power capacity is essential since it guides consumers like you with the proper usage of such a product. Using a cord based on its power rating lessens the risk of overheating that may cause a fire.

To know what the amperage rating that an outdoor extension cord has, simply look for the indicated American Wire Gauge (AWG) number. Take note that the lower the AWG number, the higher is its capacity and use. For example, two-pronged cords with AWG numbers 18, 16, and 14, are all considered light-duty extension cords. They are generally suitable for small electrical devices with 7 Amps, such as clocks and lamps.

On the other hand, three-pronged extension cords with AWG numbers 16, 14, and 12, are of medium-duty. They can handle devices with 10 amps like a computer system and television. At the same time, they can also handle lawnmowers and hedge trimmers of the same amp rating.

If you wish to use your heating appliances and tools like drills and saws, then heavy-duty cords are the ones to get. These are three-pronged extension cords with AWG numbers 14, 12, and 10, which are all suitable for devices with 10 amps and up to 15 amp ratings.

10 Excellent Outdoor Extension Cords to Try

Now that you know the things to know when choosing an outdoor extension cord, check out our top picks of products that will suit your needs.

1. Woods 0258 General Purpose Extension Cord

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A sleek and functional outdoor extension cord is a must if you want to set up lighting outdoors. Having an Amp rating of 13, the Woods General Purpose Extension Cord is perfect to use if you want to brighten up your deck with fairy lights. It even has a subtle black color that may suit your wooden deck’s dark color.

Plus, it has a length of 15 feet that makes it easy to connect to a nearby electrical outlet. In addition to its use for lighting purposes, this medium-duty extension cord also comes in handy when drilling. Just set it up at your outdoor workshop, connect your drill, and it’s good to go.

2. Yard Master 9940010 Outdoor Garden 120-Foot Extension Cord

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If you want an outdoor extension cord that is not just effective but is also highly visible, get this one from Yard Master. With its vibrant lime green jacket, this extension cord stands out and is easy to spot at night. Thus, it is convenient to use on any outdoor area even where there is more traffic. You may use it on your patio and on walkways.

The Yard Master outdoor extension cord is also a light-duty cord. This means that you can use it for decorative lighting as well as for other electrical devices with 10 Amps. With this rating and its 120-foot length, you can try this cord with your lawn cleaning tools such as string trimmers and edgers.

Read also: 13 Best 100′ Outdoor Extension Cord for 2024

3. UltraPro 25-Foot Extension Cord

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A two-pronged outdoor extension cord is great, but the one with a third prong is proven to be safer to use. Unlike those with only two prongs, the latter has a grounded mechanism that lessens the risk of electrical shock when touched. An excellent example of this is the UltraPro Extension Cord.

With its considerable length of 25 feet and input current of 13 amps, you can use this cord for many purposes. For example, you may use it for installing bush lights in your yard. You may also use it to illuminate the place during your backyard camping with portable lamps and flashlights. Just connect it to an outlet so that you can also use it for charging devices at your outdoor office.

4. K Kasonic 50-Foot Extension Cord

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Planning a barbeque party soon? The easy-to-use K Kasonic outdoor extension cord is what you need to make it a success! It has a total of 50 feet that can cover the distance from your patio and garden to your home’s power outlet. With this length and its compatibility with 13-amp devices, you may use it to connect your electric grill and toaster. Furthermore, it has an appealing white color that may complement your house’s outdoor paint. Such color is also visible at night to lessen the risk of tripping on it.

5. Amazon’s Basics 100-Foot Heavy Duty Indoor and Outdoor Extension Cord 

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It’s no fun showering in frosty, cold water. Thus, you’ll need a water heater to help you combat the cold season. With the Amazon Basics Extension Cord’s power capacity of up to 15 Amps, you can use any outdoor water heater of your choice. You need not worry about installing your heaters in the extreme weather outside since this extension cord has a thick protective jacket. Hence, it is resistant to moisture and sunlight. Indoors, you may also employ the Amazon Basics extension cord for space heaters to keep your room comfier to stay in during winter.

6. Clear Power 100-Foot Extra Heavy Duty Contractor Grade Extension Cord

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Heaters aren’t the only thing that you need to put into use when the snowy season kicks in. You’ll also need to have your snow blowers up and running once again. To use these tools for a snow-free driveway, you’ll need the dependable outdoor extension cord from Clear Power. It has a heavy-duty capacity of 13 Amps suitable for your snow-cleaning tools. Like the cords mentioned previously, the Clear Power cord also has thick insulation. Therefore, it can effortlessly withstand the winter season. This vinyl jacket is also resistant to chemicals and oil, making it ideal for your garage and outdoor construction workshop.

What’s more, this extension cord comes with an adapter with multiple outlets. It comes in handy when you have lots of extension cords that need to be sorted out. Just connect them with the adapter so they’ll look neat and organized in no time.

Read also: 13 Best Black Outdoor Extension Cord for 2024

7. LifeSupplyUSA 200-Foot Extension Cord

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Another yellow-colored outdoor extension cord that you can use for your open-air festivities is this one from LifeSupplyUSA. Made with a durable rugged vinyl jacket, this extension cord is highly visible and resistant to corrosion. It also has a length of whooping 200 feet! For these reasons, the LifeSupplyUSA cord is suitable for both big and casual outdoor gatherings. If you’re looking forward to a family movie night outdoors, for instance, this cord can help you set up all the equipment needed.

It has a power capacity of up to 13 amps which makes it suitable for a TV and a projector. Likewise, this extension cord is outstanding for outdoor musical gigs. It can handle anything from small stereo sets to large sound systems and amplifiers. Of course, it is also effective for musical instruments like guitars, piano, and drum sets.

8. Dewenwils Outdoor Light Timer 12-Foot Extension Cord

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Setting up accent lighting outdoors will be a breeze with the solid construction of the Dewenwils Outdoor Extension Cord. Equipped with a light sensor timer, this extension cord can save you the trouble of manually switching your lights off and on repetitively.

It also has a current capacity of up to 15 amps and a total length of 12 ft. Therefore, you may use it to decorate your yard and even the garage with Christmas lights and string lights. Just connect the cord on a wall socket, set its timer to your preference, and let it take care of the rest.

9. Bestten Outdoor Power Stake and 30-Foot Extension Cord 

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While outdoor extension cords are weatherproof, not all of them come with outlet lids. Hence, you still need to keep these parts away from the rain to prevent water damage. This wouldn’t be the case when you use the Bestten Outdoor Power Stake and Extension Cord. With its power stake that is equipped with protective covers, the risk of moisture and dust clogging the power strip is minimalized. You can simply close the lids of the unused outlets so that they’re protected.

Moreover, this upstanding stake construction makes it easier for you to use. It won’t go all over the place since you can install and secure it to the ground. This sturdy design is also beneficial if you are planning to use it for a long time outdoors. Aside from its stability and durability, the Bestten stake and extension cord is suitable for electrical devices with up to 13 amps. As a result, you may use it for lawnmowers as well as porch lighting and pool pumps.

10. Link 2 Home Cord Reel and 60-Foot Extension Cord

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Sky’s the limit with the Link 2 Home Extension Cord. Having a total of four sockets, this cord reel is applicable from lighting to sawing. You may use it to provide twinkly lighting during your outdoor romantic date night.

At the same time, this waterproof outdoor extension cord is also excellent to help you finish your DIY wooden furniture project. It can handle your carpentry and construction electrical tools like drills, saws, and trimmers. Since it is portable, you can easily carry this cord to your outdoor craft and working station.

With all the things we discussed, you’ll be able to get the best outdoor extension cords for your needs. Give one or two of these products a try and see how they work well around your furniture and on your outdoor devices!