Extension cords are super important in tech, acting like bridges for energy to reach our gadgets. You’ll find them everywhere—home offices, data centers, factories—because they’re **easy, handy, and safe**. But picking the right one matters a ton. Wrong cords can cause overloads, voltage dips, or even fires.
The best power extension cord should have a robust design, be highly durable, and offer exceptional safety measures. The cord should also allow for efficient transmission of power, and ideally be suited for indoor and outdoor use. The use of a substandard or the wrong power extension cord can result in damaged equipment, voltage fluctuations, and fire risks.
When purchasing a power extension cord, it’s essential to look at its specifications. The cord should be certified to meet safety standards, have a suitable length for your needs, and feature a heavy-duty, heat-resistant jacket. Narrowing down the best option from the multitude of products available can be daunting, but fear not — we have done the heavy lifting for you.
Through meticulous examination using stringent benchmarks, we have tested and evaluated numerous power extension cords. This deep-dive process has enabled us to identify the top performers that provide consistent and safe power transmission. By the end of this article, we will share our comprehensive insights, guiding you to make an informed choice on the best power extension cords.
Best Power Extension Cord
Choosing the right power extension cord is critical not only for efficient power distribution but for safety as well. The extension cord needs to be durable, user-friendly, and cater to your specific needs. Given the slew of options on the market, finding the best one can be a daunting task. To make your decision-making process more manageable, we’ve curated a list of the best power extension cords, based on our comprehensive testing and observations. This list is designed to provide you the necessary information to make an educated decision on the best power extension cord for your needs.
Monoprice 6ft 16AWG Power Extension Cord Cable – SJT 16/3C NEMA 5-15P TO NEMA 5-15R (13A/125V) AP301+SP506 – Black
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe power extension cord, the Monoprice 6ft 16AWG Power Extension Cord Cable is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The SJT 16/3C 16 AWG 3-prong extension cord is UL listed for safety.
- The 16 AWG stranded copper conductors are thicker and more flexible than the standard 18 AWG cords, providing greater power transfer capability.
- The high-grade rubber outer jacket is more durable and provides better insulation than the standard PVC jackets.
Cons
- The cord is a bit stiff, making it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.
- The plugs are a bit bulky, which may not be suitable for some outlets.
- The cord is not as long as some other extension cords on the market.
We’ve used the Monoprice 6ft 16AWG Power Extension Cord Cable to power our outdoor Christmas lights, and it has performed excellently. The UL listing gives us peace of mind that the cord is safe to use, and the thicker and more flexible conductors have provided reliable power transfer.
The high-grade rubber outer jacket is also a significant plus, as it provides better insulation and is more durable than the standard PVC jackets. We’ve used this cord in harsh weather conditions, and it has held up well.
While the cord is a bit stiff and the plugs are a bit bulky, we haven’t found these to be significant drawbacks. The cord is long enough for most applications, but if you need a longer cord, you may want to consider a different option.
Overall, we highly recommend the Monoprice 6ft 16AWG Power Extension Cord Cable for anyone in need of a reliable and safe power extension cord.
Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 13 Amps, 125V, 6 Foot, Black
If you’re looking for a basic extension cord for your home or office, the Amazon Basics Extension Cord is a reliable and affordable option.
Pros
- The three-prong plug and grounded outlets ensure safe power transfer.
- The 13-amp rating allows for powering multiple devices at once.
- The braided stainless steel flex provides durability and flexibility.
Cons
- The cord is only 6 feet long, which may not be enough for some uses.
- The thin gauge wire may not be suitable for high-power devices.
- The black color may make it difficult to see the cord in some environments.
We’ve used the Amazon Basics Extension Cord to power a variety of devices, including lamps, fans, and small appliances. The three-prong plug and grounded outlets provide peace of mind knowing that the power transfer is safe. The 13-amp rating also allows for powering multiple devices at once without overloading the circuit.
The braided stainless steel flex provides durability and flexibility, making it easy to maneuver the cord without it getting tangled or damaged. However, the 6-foot length may not be long enough for some uses, and the thin gauge wire may not be suitable for high-power devices.
Overall, if you’re looking for a basic extension cord for your home or office, the Amazon Basics Extension Cord is a reliable and affordable option.
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 10 Ft Extension Cord, Power Strip, 800 Joules, Flat Plug, Twist-to-Close Safety Covers, UL Listed, White, 14092
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe surge protector for your home, the GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector is a great option.
Pros
- The 6-foot cord is long enough to reach most outlets, and the flat plug design helps prevent the cord from bending at the plug.
- The 6 outlets are spaced evenly, and the twist-to-close safety covers help protect against accidental contact.
- The power strip is UL listed and has a high joule rating of 800, which helps protect your devices from power surges.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the safety covers can be difficult to open and close.
- The surge protector does not have a built-in timer, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The surge protector does not have a switch to turn off power to the outlets, which may be a safety feature for some users.
The GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and safe surge protector for their home. The 6-foot cord is long enough to reach most outlets, and the flat plug design helps prevent the cord from bending at the plug. The 6 outlets are spaced evenly, and the twist-to-close safety covers help protect against accidental contact. Additionally, the power strip is UL listed and has a high joule rating of 800, which helps protect your devices from power surges.
One potential downside of the surge protector is that some users have reported that the safety covers can be difficult to open and close. Additionally, the surge protector does not have a built-in timer, which may be inconvenient for some users. Finally, the surge protector does not have a switch to turn off power to the outlets, which may be a safety feature for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and safe surge protector for your home, the GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector is a great option to consider.
6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip – 8 Widely Outlets with 4 USB Ports, 3 Side Outlet Extender with 6 Feet Extension Cord, Flat Plug, Wall Mount, Desk USB Charging Station, ETL,White
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile power strip, the 6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip by Oyamax is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With 8 AC outlets and 4 USB ports, this power strip can charge up to 12 devices simultaneously, making it perfect for use in offices, homes, and dorms.
- The 3 side outlet extenders and 6-feet long power cord make it easy to place the power strip behind furniture and charge devices in the back.
- The power strip is designed with safety in mind, featuring surge protection, overheat protection, and short-circuit protection.
Cons
- The power strip is quite large, so it may not fit in all outlet boxes.
- The plastic material feels a bit flimsy, so it may not be the most durable option.
- Some users have reported issues with the USB ports not working properly.
We’ve been using the 6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The multiple outlets and USB ports make it easy to charge all of our devices at once, and the extended outlets and long power cord are great features that make the power strip more versatile.
The safety features of the power strip are also a big plus, as they give us peace of mind knowing that our devices are protected from power surges and other potential hazards.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the 6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip by Oyamax to anyone in need of a reliable and versatile power strip.
Surge Protector Power Strip – 8 Widely Outlets with 4 USB Charging Ports, Multi Plug Outlet Extender with 5Ft Braided Extension Cord, Flat Plug Wall Mount Desk USB Charging Station for Home Office ETL
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe surge protector power strip for your home office, the Surge Protector Power Strip by LINZIDE is a great option.
Pros
- The power strip has 8 widely spaced AC outlets and 4 USB charging ports, which can charge 2 devices simultaneously, making it perfect for charging multiple devices at the same time.
- The flat design of the surge protector power strip allows you to place it behind furniture or other objects, and the right angle plug helps to save space on the power strip, making it a great choice for tight spaces.
- The power strip is equipped with 4 high-speed USB charging ports, which can charge 2 devices simultaneously at 2.4A, and the smart IC technology can intelligently identify the connected devices and adjust the output current accordingly, making it more efficient and safe.
Cons
- The power strip is not suitable for use in damp or wet locations, and it should be kept away from water sources, making it less versatile than some other options.
- The surge protector power strip is not designed to be used as a permanent wiring device, and it should be installed and used in accordance with local electrical codes, which may limit its flexibility in some situations.
- The power strip does not have a built-in timer or automatic shut-off feature, which may be a drawback for some users who want to conserve energy or prevent overcharging.
We’ve used the Surge Protector Power Strip by LINZIDE in our home office, and we’ve been impressed with its performance and features. The wide spacing of the outlets and the addition of USB ports make it easy to charge multiple devices at once, and the flat design and right angle plug help to save space and prevent clutter.
The smart IC technology also ensures that the power strip is more efficient and safe, as it can identify the connected devices and adjust the output current accordingly. We’ve found that it’s able to charge our devices quickly and without any issues.
While the power strip may not be suitable for use in damp or wet locations, and it should be installed and used in accordance with local electrical codes, we believe that it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and safe surge protector power strip for their home office.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a power extension cord, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Length
The length of the extension cord is an important factor to consider. Make sure to choose a cord that is long enough to reach the outlet you need to use, but not so long that it becomes a safety hazard. A cord that is too long can pose a tripping hazard or cause the electricity to weaken, which can be dangerous.
Power Capacity
The power capacity of the extension cord is another important factor to consider. Make sure to choose a cord that can handle the amount of power you need. If you need to power heavy-duty appliances, you’ll need a cord with a higher power capacity.
Voltage
The voltage of the extension cord is also important to consider. Make sure to choose a cord with a voltage that matches the voltage of your electrical outlet. Using a cord with a different voltage can be dangerous and may cause damage to your appliances.
Type of Cord
There are different types of power extension cords available, including extension cords with three prongs and extension cords with two prongs. Make sure to choose a cord that is appropriate for the type of outlet you will be using it with.
Safety Features
When choosing a power extension cord, it’s important to consider safety features. Look for cords with built-in surge protectors, grounded outlets, and other safety features that can help protect your appliances and prevent electrical fires.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best power extension cord for your needs and ensure that you’re using it safely.
