This is a bigger concern for thin cords, since thin cords have less insulation. They’re also flat instead of round, which makes them more susceptible to wear. If you’re considering using one on a permanent basis, it’s essential to make sure the wire is properly routed. Make sure it’s not pulled tight around any corners or edges. And take measures to ensure you don’t walk on the cord or trip over it. The less it’s disturbed, the more the insulation will maintain its integrity. Now that we know what we’re looking for, let’s talk about these cords! Outdoor cords have extra insulation to withstand wear and tear, and some are designed to be used in extreme temperatures without compromising performance. Outdoor cords also tend to carry more power, and are available in longer lengths than indoor cords. Light-Duty HPN: This type of extension cord is built to handle high temperatures, making them more compatible with high-temperature appliances. There are also multiple options for the plug itself. The standard version is designed for a vertical outlet, and the cord comes out of the bottom. However, there’s an alternate version for upside-down outlets, where the plug is inverted. If that’s not enough, there are also two variants with additional outlets. Both of these have two sets of prongs, which plug into both your top and bottom outlets. The cords can either come out of the top and bottom of the plate, or both from the bottom. Either way, you get two cords running from your outlet, each with three outlets on the end.

But extension cords come with their own set of issues. You need one that’s long enough to reach from the outlet to your device. You need one with sufficient amperage, and you want it to be fire-safe. More than that, you also need one with a practical design and form factor. If you’re trying to fit a cord behind a sofa, for example, you might not have room for a normal-sized plug. In that case, you want a flat, low-profile cord that will accommodate your furniture.We wish this extension cord came in at least one shorter size for small spaces, and it’s on the pricey side for a relatively short extension cord. However, the extension cord does come with three outlets and a chic leather cord wrap, and it’s covered in braided nylon to elevate the style. One feature that makes this extension cord even more unique is the fact that it can be mounted to the wall on a sleek hook, or hung from a metal stand (sold separately) for desktop use if needed. The length of your extension cord not only indicates how far it can reach, but also how much resistance is placed on the current flowing through it. S: This extension cord is considered the most basic and made for standard and general use around the house (think: plugging your phone charger in). Using the correct gauge is especially important when dealing with larger, heavy-duty items, since a higher gauge cord may not be able to deliver the amps required, and could result in the cord overheating or damage to the device it’s plugged into. This gauge number—denoted as “AWG (American Wire Gauge)”—is typically printed on the cord itself. Length To avoid these issues, it’s best to buy a cord that’s longer than you actually need. That way, it’s guaranteed to reach as far as you need it to. Not only that, but if you need to repurpose the cord, you’ll have a longer cord with more versatility.

We also did our best to include a good variety of options, from light-duty models to use in your bedroom or living room, to ultra-heavy-duty options for your garage or workshop. In the interest of safety, We also made sure to only include cords that have been listed with a nationally recognized testing laboratory, whether that be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratory). You should always look for the UL or ETL mark. Extension cords are useful to have around the house, especially when faced with minimal outlets. However, many extension cords only come with one or two outlets. If you’re in need of a way to plug in multiple devices from a distance, consider the Cordinate Designer 3-Outlet Power Strip With Surge Protection. But suppose you want to run a whole lot of low-powered devices? Is there a way to get even more outlets? If that’s what you need, take a look at the BESTEK Power Strip Tower. It’s big and bulky, but it has eight power outlets, along with multiple USB charging ports. Even the most modern cords are not UL-rated for permanent use. Retail stores and other businesses can actually be fined for using extension cords in a permanent installation. If you own your own home, there’s no reason you should ever have to do this. Use an extension cord temporarily when you need to. But over the long run, it makes sense to have outlets installed where you need them. That way, you don’t have to use an extension cord, and your risk of fire goes down. Unless you like the idea of your home going up in flames, installing new outlets is a no-brainer.I’ve utilized countless extension cords in my career as a residential and commercial carpenter, and used that experience to help guide the decision making process for this list. I also sourced and personally tested several models that we felt would benefit from additional, hands-on review, noting how easy they were to use, any durability issues, and versatility benefits.