Twinkling lights to put around the patio? Check. Stereo system ready to take outside? Check. Outdoor extension cord? Uh oh. Without this one, you can't set the scene for a party or plug in a tool to fix up your yard. And don't even think about running into the house and grabbing any old extension cord to use outside. If it's not designed for outdoor use, it won't be safe to use it out there. You see, indoor extension cords don't have the protective insulation they need to guard the wires against moisture or severe temperature changes. Your safest option is to pick up one of these quality outdoor extension cords. They'll keep you safely connected to the grid when you're out of the house. AmazonBasics 16/3 Vinyl Outdoor Extension Short or Long, You DecideYou can get this durable extension cord in different sizes between 15-100 feet. No matter how far you need to stretch that current, you'll be set.Best OverallFind on Amazon How long of a space do you need to cover with your outdoor extension cord? Whether you’re just needing to stretch a few feet or you need to go halfway across the yard, you can get the length you need. This 16-gauge extension cord is available in different lengths between 15-100 feet. This way, you can pick the length you need without having a ton of extra cord to lug around. You can get this cord in two different colors: green and orange. If you’re trying to hide your cord a bit so it doesn’t stick out, green is a better choice. It works perfectly for landscaping and seasonal decor, and it will blend in more, making it less visible. That said, if you’re using it around anything with cutting power, you risk not seeing it and clipping it with your tool. Since the bright orange is easier to see, you will be more likely to notice it before you hit it. No matter what color you go with, you’ll get a quality outdoor extension cord that’s rated for 13 amps to give you plenty of power anywhere. Pros Grounded cord that’s safe to use inside or out Good choices on the length so you won’t have to pay for more than you need Durable vinyl coating that’ll hold up well to use Cons 16-gauge wire isn’t suitable for everything, so you will have some limitations with this extension cord. Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord Don't Lose the Wire For the TreesThis bright yellow extension cord is highly visible, so it won't blend into the shrubs or grass. Best Heavy DutyFind on Amazon If you’re looking for a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord, this one is a winner. It’s bright yellow, so it’s easy to see even from a distance away. The wire is 12-guage, which can carry more power, so you can plug in appliances or power tools without worrying about having enough power to run them properly. The vinyl jacket around the wire is flexible and weather-resistant. What does that mean? Simple: you can use this cord safely in all weather conditions – especially since the jacket and connectors are built to last. There are reinforced blades on the connector, too, so you’re less likely to bend or break a prong. This means you’ll be using this outdoor extension cord for a long time. Pros End that lights up faintly to show you that there’s power Thicker 12/3 wire that can carry power well Highly visible so you can see it easily and won’t have to stop and look for it Cons It’s a pretty stiff cord, so you may have trouble rolling it up when you’re done. An extension cord roller can help. This defaults as a bundle. If you just want the extension cord, make sure you select that option so you don’t pay for another product you won’t use. GoGreen Power Outdoor Extension Cord Stretch It Here or ThereYou'll be able to reach nearly everything with this long extension cord. Best Long CordFind on Amazon If you’re looking for a longer outdoor extension cord, this one has a great price point for a 50- or 100-foot cord. Smaller sizes are also available, so don’t rule this one out if you don’t need to extend your power far. You can select between 14/3 or 16/3 to give you some options in gauge based on what you want to power up. The heavy-duty jacket will hold up well in the elements. Unlike bright orange or yellow cords, this one is black, making it a great option if you prefer a cord that doesn’t call attention to itself. Pros Two different gauge options available, so you can pick the one that best meets your needs Good price point per foot, so you can save some money on your outdoor extension cord Black color, which can be hard to find in an outdoor extension cord Cons Gets really stiff in the extreme cold, so you may not want to use it during cold snaps. K Kasonic 3 Outlet Extension Cord Room For AllThis extension cord has three outlets on the end, so you can use multiple tools without having to switch the wires around. Best with Multiple OutletsFind on Amazon Sometimes, you just need a bit more power. If that’s the case, opt for this outdoor extension cord. Instead of a single outlet on the end, it has three. With this, you can plug in more than one item without having to stretch another extension cord across the way. This cord is 50-feet long, so you can stretch it quite a distance. There’s a convenient hanging hook on the outlet end, too, so you don’t have to leave it on the ground. This will help keep dirt and debris from potentially damaging it over time. All in all, it’s a very durable cord that’ll help you get power where you need it. Pros Three outlets so you can plug in several items at once Rated for indoor and outdoor use, so it’s perfect for any type of environment Outlet portion is only 1-inch wide, making it low profile and easier to fit behind furniture or in other tight spaces Cons The outlets on the double side are fairly close together, so you won’t be able to fit two large plugs into it. Southwire 50-Foot Contractor Grade Extension Cord Shines When PoweredWith ends that light up if they have power, you won't have to guess whether or not you have everything hooked up correctly. Best with Lighted EndFind on Amazon If you plug something into an extension cord, you expect it to work. But sometimes, you’ll accidentally trip a breaker. To help you quickly troubleshoot the problem, this extension cord has a lighted end. If there’s power running to the cord, it’ll light up – end of story. That way, there’s no doubt over whether or not it’s plugged in. If your tool stops working, you can check for the light. If it’s not there, no need to fidget with the tool or scratch your head, perplexed at the cause; rather, you know the extension cord came loose. This can save you a lot of time. This heavy-duty outdoor extension cord is tough enough to withstand the elements. The vinyl jacket is water-resistant, as are the connectors, so it’ll hold up well even in the rain. The 12-gauge extension cord can carry a lot of power without melting or failing, too. All in all, it’s a workhorse that’ll help you get your job done right. Pros Made in America with high-quality parts Light on the female end when there’s power so you can quickly check the status 25-, 50-, and 100-foot options available Cons The plug end is larger than on many other extension cords, so if you have a recessed receptacle, it may not fit properly. Higher price point than many extension cords, but it is a heavy-duty, high-quality product. Frequently Asked Questions What is a gauge on an outdoor extension cord? When you’re shopping for an extension cord, you’ll notice they all have a number that looks something like this: 12/3. This is the cord’s American Wire Gauge (AWG). The first number in this combination refers to the gauge of the wire. The lower the number, the thicker the wire, and the more capacity it has to carry power. A simple reference is that 16/3 is for light-duty, 14/3 is for medium-duty, 12/3 is heavy-duty, and 10/3 is extremely heavy-duty. The gauge you need depends on what you plan on using the cord for and how long of a distance the power needs to travel. The second number refers to the number of wires inside the jacket. So if there’s a three, there are three wires inside, one of which is a ground. How should I store my outdoor extension cords? Outdoor extension cords aren’t cheap, so you want to take care of them. To help prolong their life expectancy, make sure you store them properly when they’re not in use. If you roll your cord up incorrectly, you can twist the wires inside and cause damage over time. It’s best to alternate the direction of your curls as you wrap it up. This will help keep the cord flexible and make it easy to use when it’s time. To help keep it in place, you can use a Velcro cord wrap or even some zip ties. You can also purchase cord reels or spools, if you prefer. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Dog Tie Out Cables Read more The Best Outdoor Dog Fences 2024 Read more The Best Dog Fences For The Yard Read more