It might seem like any old extension cord will do when you need a little more length to connect your electronics with a power outlet. To an extent, that’s true, but where expensive and high-power electronics are concerned, you may not want to rely on whatever extension cord you have just lying around. Just like you’d want a quality surge protector to keep your electronics safe, you should look for quality extension cords.While thin and cheap extension cords can certainly carry power from the wall outlet over to where you have electronics needing power, they may not do as good a job carry a lot of power. It may not provide power that’s as consistent as a thicker cable, thus impacting the performance or lifespan of your electronics. And, a thin cord carrying a lot of juice can overheat, which may put a lot more than your electronics at risk.You’ll find extension cords list their gauges (their thickness), and in many cases will indicate how many volts and amps, or simply how many watts, they can handle. Once you know the power requirements of your devices on the receiving end, you can figure out which cable will be right for your setup. We’ve selected a wide variety of options below that can handle everything from long, 100-foot runs to short connections that just need a little extra wiggle room.
TL;DR These are the Best Extension Cords:
1. US Wire and Cable 74050
Best Extension Cord
Max Amp: 15 amps Wire Gauge: 12 gauge Wattage: 1,875 watts Voltage: 125 volts Available Lengths: 25, 50, 100-foot Warranty: Limited Lifetime
US Wire and Cable is out to impress with its 74050 extension cord. This cable delivers excellence in every way and offers versatility to power everything from your PS4 Pro to your home renovation. The 74050 can also be safely used outdoors, delivering reliable electricity for all of your summer fun.Thanks to its 12 gauge copper wiring, it can deliver 15 amps and 1,875 watts of power. Its also wrapped in weather resistant vinyl sleeving to protect it from the elements and remain flexible even in extreme cold. Illuminated ends quickly display whether its receiving power.
2. Cable Matters 16 AWG Heavy Duty Extension Cord
Best Budget Extension Cord
Max Amp: 13 amps Wire Gauge: 16 gauge Wattage: 1,625 watts Voltage: 120 volts Available Lengths: 1 – 50-feet Warranty: Lifetime
When it comes to value, its hard to beat Cable Matters. These standard, single outlet extension cords offer plentiful lengths for affordable prices. In fact, a two-pack of 25-foot cords comes in at only $15.99, and will leave you with a cable to spare!These Cable Matters cords arent intended for heavy duty use and at this price we wouldnt expect them to be. Still, theyll work well for the vast majority of household uses thanks to their 16-gauge copper wiring, rated for 13 amps and 1625 watts.
3. Maximm Cable Rotating Extension Cord
Best Indoor Extension Cord
Max Amp: 13 amps Wire Gauge: 16 gauge Wattage: 1625 watts Voltage: 125 volts Available Lengths: 1 – 25-feet
If youre looking for the best indoor extension cord, look no further: this innovative cord from Maximm checks all of the boxes. The cable is white, so it easily blends in with home decor, and uses a flat plug design that doesnt protrude from the wall like other cables. Once its plugged in, you can also rotate it and make room for other cables or reposition it for better cable management.This Maxxim cable is strictly for indoor use, and while it will work great even for high-end gaming PCs, you wont want to push it by running high-amp tools and appliances. Still, with 13 amps and 1,625 watts of through-power, it makes a great solution for devices that require extra reach without becoming an eyesore.
4. Voltec 05-00364 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Extension Cord
Best Outdoor Extension Cord
Max Amp: 15 amps Wire Gauge: 12 gauge Wattage: 1875 watts Voltage: 120 volts Available Lengths: 25-feet
Getting ready for an outdoor party? Look no further than the Voltec 05-00364 12/3 SJTW Outdoor Extension cord. Not only is it outfitted with heavy gauge wire to power high draw devices and appliances, its also ruggedized for outdoor use.The 05-00105 has a suite of features that make it the perfect choice for outdoor use. The wire shielded by a flexible jacket that makes it easy to use but resistant to water, sunlight, and rough use. It is also rated for use in temperatures from -40 to 140F degrees. If you’re working in the dark or just need to ensure the cord is still carrying power, a light built into the receptable at the end of the cord will make it easy to see.
5. AmazonBasics Indoor 3 Prong Extension Power Strip
Best Light Duty Extension Cord
Max Amp: 13 amps Wattage: 1,625 watts Voltage: 125 volts Available Lengths: 6, 8, 12-feet
Sometimes its best to keep things simple, and thats where this handy 2-pack of extension cords from AmazonBasics comes in. Available in 6, 8, or 12-foot lengths, these extension cords have the same size and shape as normal lightweight devices: thin, narrow, and easily routable. It does get a bit bigger at the end, but thats because it terminates in a 3-outlet power strip, complete with ground ports for three-prong devices.Despite its svelte look, this AmazonBasics extension cord is quite capable, transferring 13 amps and 1,625 watts of power. Amazon doesnt list a wire gauge, but based on the specs its likely 16-gauge, so youll want to stick to light duty use with this one.
6. Iron Forge Cable Illuminated Extension Cord
Best Heavy Duty Extension Cord
Max Amp: 15 amps Wire Gauge: 10 gauge Wattage: 1875 watts Voltage: 125 volts Available Lengths: 10 – 200-feet Warranty: Lifetime
If you need a heavy duty extension cord, look no further than this Iron Forge Cable. Rated at 15 amps and 1,875 watts, its capable of driving major power tools and household items alike.The real selling point of this cable is its use of 10 gauge wire. Using a thicker wire allows this extension cord to offer consistent power, even over the course of big projects with seriously beefy power tools. Where other cables would fail and become a fire risk, this extension cord will stand up to the heat. Literally.
7. AHRise Smart WiFi Surge Protector
Best Smart Extension Cord
Max Amp: 15 amps Operating Voltage: 125V Wattage: 1875 watts Joules: 1,680 Joules USB: 4-port, 2.4A each/4.8A 24W Total Available Lengths: 8, 10-feet Warranty: 1-year
The AHRise Smart WiFi Surge Protector will make the perfect addition to your smart home. This 8-outlet intelligent surge protector features three smart outlets compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and AHRises own app (no hub required). Put your devices on a schedule, enable remote control, or issue voice commands using your app of choice.It doesnt offer the greatest length at only six feet, but it makes up for that by adding an extra layer of protection to keep you safe from power surges. This device is also able to absorb 1,680 joules of electricity. Its also quite versatile with 15 amps and 1875 watts of power. Not convinced? Its also able to charge your devices with four high speed USB ports capable of 2.4A each and 4.8A, 24W of total power.
8. AmazonBasics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord
Best Extended Length Extension Cord
Max Amp: 13 amps Wire Gauge: 16 gauge Wattage: 1625 watts Voltage: 125 volts Available Lengths: 15, 25, 50, 75, 100-feet Warranty: 1-year
Looking for something with a little more length? Amazon has come to your rescue with the AmazonBasics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord. Available in bright orange for visibility and green for when you want it to blend in, this cable is made for outdoor use in short or long-term use, such as driving a seasonal display. The best part? You can pick up the full 100-foot length for only $25!This AmazonBasics Vinyl Extension cord is a perfect fit for lawn projects where you need power across the yard. This green version is rated for 13 amps and 1,625 watts: more than enough for most electric lawn equipment. The orange version is rated for slightly less but still offers plenty of juice for most applications. Its also coated in vinyl to resist the elements.
9. Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector
Best Extension Power Strip
Max Amp: 15 amps Operating Voltage: 125V Wattage: 1875 watts Joules: 4156 Joules Spike Voltage: 6000 volts Available Lengths: 8, 10-feet Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Looking for the best of both worlds? Belkin has you covered with their 12-Outlet Surge Protector with 10-foot Cord. Not only does it provide a length worthy of most living spaces, its surge protection qualities are the perfect fit for safeguarding your expensive electronics.This hybrid surge protector/extension cord is the perfect fit for making sure your gaming PC is able survive dangerous storms and power outages. Its able to absorb an impressive 4,156 joules and 6,000 volts of spike voltage. It even has a limited lifetime warranty so you can buy with confidence. Just remember, surge protectors do eventually wear out and lose their protection, so plan on replacing it every 3-5 years.
What To Look for in an Extension Cord
Shopping for an extension cord isnt the most complex task, but there are still a few things to keep in mind. If you want to be sure to find the cable that matches your needs, heres what you need to look for.The first thing you need to look for is what size wire the extension cord uses, referred to as its gauge or AWG. A wires gauge is its diameter, and the lower the gauge, the higher its diameter. A lower gauge extension cord is a good fit for heavy duty devices that draw a lot of power. Whereas high gauge extension cords are a better fit for smaller household devices.
Hand in hand with gauge, pay close attention to the level of current an extension cord is rated to carry, which is usually listed in amperage and wattage. Before choosing an extension cord, be sure to check the electricity needs of the device you intend to power. Never try to overpower your extension cord. If its rated for 10 amps, stick to that. Over taxing an extension cord can cause the cord to fail or even cause a fire. Its always a good idea to get a little more than what you need than cutting it too close.
Likewise, think of every place you may need to use this extension cord and choose the type that matches your needs. Many are rated for both indoor and outdoor use, which usually means they offer water resistance, but dont count on that. Read the descriptions and dont push any electrical cord beyond its intended purpose.
Finally, no matter what you intend to use it for, remember that extension cords are temporary solutions. A well-made cord will last many years but is no replacement for a dedicated outlet. If you plan on keeping the device youre powering in its position, its often a wiser idea to pay a professional to place an outlet in a convenient position, both for aesthetics and long-term safety.
Chris Coke is a tech critic that cares way too much about mechanical keyboards. Check him out at IGN, MMORPG.com, or PC Perspective. Follow him on Twitter @gamebynight.
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