Light extension cords are an essential part of any space that requires gentle, mood-enhancing lighting. Whether you are planning to host a festive outdoor party or need to illuminate an indoor space just right, choosing the right light extension cord is key. However, not all light extension cords are created equal, and using the wrong type can lead to safety hazards or inadequate illumination. That’s why, after rigorous testing and research, we have curated the best options for you.
The ideal light extension cord should be made of high-quality and durable material that can withstand wear and tear. The end connections should be secure and tightly fitted to avoid potential fire hazards. Additionally, the cord should offer a good length for versatility while also staying compact for easy use.
When shopping for a light extension cord, take note of the specifications like wire gauge and length. The wire gauge indicates the thickness of the wire, where lower gauge figures signify thicker wires, capable of handling higher wattage.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best light extension cord. We have sifted through various models to test their efficiency, durability and safety. After extensive use and observation, we have compiled a list of top picks to help you find the right extension cord for your lighting needs. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to ensure the safety and adequacy of your lighting solution.
Best Light Extension Cord
Identifying the right light extension cord is integral to the quality of lighting your space. The extension cord should be robust, certified for safety, and feature secure end connections. With a plethora of options available in the market, selection may seem daunting. Worry not, as we have done meticulous research and testing to present a list of the best light extension cords. This compilation is intended to provide you with vital information needed to make an informed decision and brighten up your space effortlessly and safely.
GE 3-Outlet Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 12 Ft Extension Cord Power Strip 2 Prong 16 Gauge Twist-to-Close Safety Outlet Covers Outdoor Extension Cord Outlet Extender UL Listed White 51954
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe extension cord, the GE 3-Outlet Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in safety cover helps prevent shock and the cord from staying plugged in when not in use.
- The 16-gauge cord provides maximum power and performance for all your power tools and equipment.
- The 3-prong grounded design helps ensure a safe power connection.
Cons
- The cord is only 12 feet long, which may not be enough for some applications.
- The twist-lock outlet can be difficult to use with bulky plugs.
- The cord is not weather-resistant, so it should not be used outdoors in inclement weather.
This extension cord is easy to set up and use, and it provides a convenient way to add extra outlets to any room. The built-in safety cover is a great feature that helps prevent accidental shock, and the 16-gauge cord ensures maximum power and performance for all your devices.
The 3-prong grounded design is also a plus, as it helps ensure a safe and secure power connection. However, the cord is only 12 feet long, which may not be enough for some applications. Additionally, the twist-lock outlet can be difficult to use with bulky plugs.
Overall, if you’re in need of a safe and reliable extension cord for indoor use, the GE 3-Outlet Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets is a great choice.
2 Prong Extension Cord Polarized US AC 10 Ft, Cell Phone Extension Cord
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe extension cord for your iPhone or other devices, the 2 Prong Extension Cord Polarized US AC 10 Ft by JSAW is a great choice.
Pros
- The built-in surge protector ensures safe charging and prevents electric shock.
- The heavy-duty plug and 3 prong grounded design make it durable and long-lasting.
- The extension cord is made of high-quality PVC insulation and anti-wiring, making it flexible and durable.
Cons
- The cord is only 10 feet long, which may not be long enough for some users.
- The extension cord is not suitable for use with appliances that require a lot of power.
- The price is slightly higher than some other extension cords on the market.
We’ve used the 2 Prong Extension Cord Polarized US AC 10 Ft by JSAW to charge our iPhone and other devices, and we’re impressed with its performance. The built-in surge protector provides peace of mind, knowing that our devices are safe from electrical surges. The heavy-duty plug and 3 prong grounded design make it durable and long-lasting, and the extension cord is made of high-quality PVC insulation and anti-wiring, making it flexible and durable.
One thing to note is that the cord is only 10 feet long, which may not be long enough for some users. Additionally, the extension cord is not suitable for use with appliances that require a lot of power. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and safe extension cord for your iPhone or other devices, the 2 Prong Extension Cord Polarized US AC 10 Ft by JSAW is a great choice.
JACKYLED 20Ft UL Approval Extension Hanging Lantern Pendant Light Lamp Cord Cable 360W Suitable for E26 E27 Socket with On/Off Switch for Paper Lantern
If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting extension cord for your outdoor string lights, the JACKYLED 20Ft UL Approval Extension Hanging Lantern Pendant Light Lamp Cord Cable 360W Suitable for E26 E27 Socket with On/Off Switch for Paper Lantern is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- This extension cord is UL listed and RoHS compliant, ensuring safety and reliability.
- It features an extra long length of 20 feet, making it perfect for outdoor use and covering large areas.
- The 360W power rating is sufficient for most outdoor string lights, and the E26/E27 base and on/off switch make it easy to use with a variety of light fixtures.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the plastic connector pieces can be a bit fragile and may not hold up to heavy use or harsh weather conditions.
- While the 360W power rating is sufficient for most outdoor string lights, it may not be enough for very high-wattage lights or multiple strands of lights.
- The cord itself is quite thin, which may make it more prone to kinking or tangling than thicker cords.
We’ve used this extension cord to power our outdoor string lights for several seasons, and we’ve been very pleased with its performance. The extra long length has been especially helpful in covering our entire patio area, and the UL listing and RoHS compliance give us peace of mind knowing that we’re using a safe and reliable product.
One thing to keep in mind is that the plastic connector pieces may not be as durable as some users would like. We’ve had to replace a few of them over the years, but overall we haven’t had any major issues with the cord itself. It’s also worth noting that the 360W power rating may not be enough for very high-wattage lights or multiple strands of lights, so if you have particularly power-hungry lights you may need to look for a higher-wattage extension cord.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the JACKYLED 20Ft UL Approval Extension Hanging Lantern Pendant Light Lamp Cord Cable 360W Suitable for E26 E27 Socket with On/Off Switch for Paper Lantern to anyone in the market for an outdoor extension cord for their string lights. It’s a reliable, safe, and easy-to-use product that has performed well for us over the years.
Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord 6 ft, UL Listed 3 Outlet Extension Cords with Tamper Guard, 13 Amp, 1625 Watts, White
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe extension cord for your garage or workshop, the Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord is a great option.
Pros
- The extension cord is UL listed and made with 16 AWG 2 prong cords, which are thicker than standard 18 AWG extension cords. This means that the cord can safely transfer more power and is less likely to overheat.
- The 3 prong outlet extension cord is designed with a tamper-resistant plug to protect children from potential shocks.
- The 6 ft length of the extension cord is perfect for powering tools and equipment in your garage or workshop without having to worry about finding an outlet.
Cons
- The extension cord is only available in white, which may not be the most practical color for a garage or workshop.
- The price of the extension cord is slightly higher than some other options on the market.
- The extension cord only has three outlets, which may not be enough for some users.
We’ve used the Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord to power various tools and equipment in our garage, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The thicker 16 AWG cords have been able to handle the power demands of our tools without any issues, and the tamper-resistant plugs have given us peace of mind knowing that our kids are safe around the extension cord.
One thing to note is that the extension cord is only available in white, which may not be the most practical color for a garage or workshop. Additionally, the price of the extension cord is slightly higher than some other options on the market. However, we believe that the quality and safety features of the Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord make it worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and safe extension cord for your garage or workshop, the Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG 2 Prong Extension Cord is definitely worth considering.
Woods 603W 15-Foot Cube Extension Cord with Power Tap; White
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe extension cord, the Woods 603W 15-Foot Cube Extension Cord with Power Tap is a great choice.
Pros
- The power tap allows for easy and safe plugging of equipment without the need for an adapter.
- The cord is three pronged, which ensures maximum power and safety.
- The 15-foot length is perfect for most outdoor power tools.
Cons
- The price is slightly higher than some other extension cords on the market.
- The outer casing may feel a little stiff, which could make it difficult to coil up the cord.
- The cord may not be long enough for some larger jobs.
We’ve used the Woods 603W 15-Foot Cube Extension Cord with Power Tap to power our outdoor lawn mower, and it has worked perfectly. The power tap is a great feature, as it allows us to plug in the mower without the need for an adapter. We also appreciate the fact that the cord is three pronged, as it ensures maximum power and safety.
One thing to note is that the price of this extension cord is slightly higher than some other options on the market. However, we believe that the quality and safety features make it worth the investment. Additionally, the outer casing may feel a little stiff, which could make it difficult to coil up the cord. Finally, the cord may not be long enough for some larger jobs, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
Overall, we highly recommend the Woods 603W 15-Foot Cube Extension Cord with Power Tap for anyone in need of a reliable and safe extension cord.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best light extension cord, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Length
The length of the extension cord is an important consideration. It should be long enough to reach from the outlet to the light fixture, but not so long that there is a risk of voltage loss or resistance. A good rule of thumb is to choose a cord that is no more than three times the distance between the outlet and the fixture.
Gauge
The gauge of the extension cord refers to the thickness of the wire. A higher gauge number indicates a thinner wire, while a lower gauge number indicates a thicker wire. For lighting applications, it is recommended to use a cord with a gauge of 14 or 12 for 15 or 20 amp circuits.
Power Rating
The power rating of the extension cord is another important consideration. It should be able to handle the amount of power required by the light fixture. A good rule of thumb is to choose a cord with a power rating that is at least 1.5 times the power rating of the fixture.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the extension cord is also important. It should be able to bend and twist without breaking or losing its shape. A good quality cord should be able to maintain its shape even after repeated bending.
Safety Features
Finally, it is important to choose an extension cord that has safety features built in. Look for cords that have three-prong plugs, grounding wires, and insulation that can withstand high temperatures. It is also a good idea to choose a cord that is UL listed, which means that it has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best light extension cord for your needs.
