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Extension cords make it easy to power devices when outlets are out of reach or already in use. Whether you’re setting up home office equipment, plugging in appliances, or managing holiday lights, a reliable cord can make all the difference. To help you choose the right one, the This Old House Team reviewed the best extension cords on Amazon.
Top 5 Extension Cords
- Best Length: Amazon Basics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord
- Best Multi-Pack: Cable Matters Heavy-Duty Extension Cord
- Best for Outdoor Use: Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord
- Best for Multiple Devices: Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
- Best Outlet Protection: GE Three-Outlet Power Strip
Best Length
Amazon Basics Vinyl Outdoor Extension Cord
- $36.09
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Available in orange or green
- Available in 15-, 20-, 50-, 75-, and 100-foot lengths
- Has one three-prong outlet
- Supports 10 amps
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked the flexibility of this cord, as it allowed them to bend the cord without it kinking or breaking, and they also liked the cord’s reach. However, some customers expressed concerns about how hot the cord got, saying that it might have caught fire if they continued using it.
Best Multi-Pack
Cable Matters Heavy-Duty Extension Cord
- $16.99
- $18.49
- 8% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Available in black or white
- Available in three-, six-, 10-, and 15-foot lengths
- Has one three-prong outlet
- Supports 13 amps
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised the heavy-duty cord and said that its thick coating allowed them to run powerful appliances and tools outdoors without worrying about the cord breaking or wearing out. However, many customers said the cord was stiff and difficult to maneuver.
Best for Outdoor Use
Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord
- $29.6
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Available in yellow
- Available in 50- or 100-foot lengths
- Has one three-prong outlet
- Supports 15 amps
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised the cord’s 15-amp power rating and were able to power large equipment. For example, several customers used the cord to power their RVs. Some complaints centered on the manufacturer shipping a cord made in China instead of a cord made in the United States, but customers were able to remedy the problem by contacting Amazon for a new cord.
Best for Multiple Devices
Anker Power Strip Surge Protector
- $26.97
- $35.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Available in white
- Available in six-, eight-, or 10-foot lengths
- Has 12 three-prong outlets and three USB ports
- Supports 3.1 amps
What Customers Are Saying
Customers liked using the cord in areas where several devices needed to be plugged in. For example, one customer used the cord to power a television, DVD player, gaming console, and other TV-related devices. However, a few customers said that the power switch was flimsy and the USB ports were faulty.
Best Outlet Protection
GE Three-Outlet Power Strip
- $9.94
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Available in black, white, brown, and green
- Available in six-, nine-, 12-, and 15-foot lengths
- Has three two-prong outlets
- Supports 13 amps
What Customers Are Saying
Customers used this cord for tasks like charging electronic devices or plugging in a lamp and liked that the cord comes in several colors. However, some customers complained that their cord stopped working after a few months.
Buying Guide
From cord length to amperage rating, here are a few factors to consider before purchasing an extension cord.
Number of Outlets
Most extension cords come with just one outlet that supports a single device. If you want to plug in more than one device, select an extension cord with multiple outlets like the Anker Power Strip Surge Protector.
Amperage Rating
Every power cord should have an amperage rating that signals how much power it can handle, with a higher amperage rating denoting a more powerful cord. Most extension cords are rated to support around 13 amps, though some models like the Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord can handle up to 15 amps.
Cord Length
Power cords can be as short as six feet and as long as 100 feet. If you need an extension cord to power indoor electronics, a cord under 20 feet should suffice. If you need to power corded tools like electric chainsaws, a cord that’s 50 feet or longer may be a better choice.
Number of Prongs
The majority of extension cords are equipped with three-prong outlets, though some indoor models like the GE Three-Outlet Power Strip have two-prong outlets. If you need to power a few device chargers, a two-prong extension cord should work. If you need to power small appliances or tools like electric drills, use a three-prong model, as this type of cord tends to have an extra prong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the gauge of an extension cord refer to?
The gauge of an extension cord refers to the diameter of the metal conductors it holds. Smaller wire gauges denote thick extension cords that can carry large amounts of electricity. For example, 12-gauge cords can handle tool loads between 10 and 15 amps. Many outdoor extension cords have small gauge numbers to support heavy-duty machinery.
Can I use an extension cord to power my refrigerator?
If your refrigerator is too far away from a wall outlet, a heavy-duty extension cord can be used to power the appliance. To prevent a fire, ensure that you purchase an extension cord with an amp rating equal to your refrigerator’s amperage.
What is a surge protector?
A surge protector is a device found in many power strips that protects devices from voltage spikes caused by events like lightning strikes.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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