Whether you want to extend the reach of your vacuum cleaner or run multiple power tools at a time, you need an extension cord that’s safe, high-quality, and does the work. We’ve tested a lot of options since 2019, and have the six safest extension cord recommendations. Check it out!
Here are the safest extension cords you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Vacuum Cleaner (16-Gauge Extension Cord): AmazonBasics L6LAC034-DT-R
- Best For Living Room (16-Gauge Extension Cord): GE 51954
- Best For Tight Spaces (16-Gauge Extension Cord): Maximm ADW-360-3303-W
- Best For Kitchen (14-Gauge Extension Cord): FIRMERST DC-331830-7580B
- Best For Lawn (14-Gauge Extension Cord): GearIT 100-Foot 14-Gauge 3-Conductor
- Best For Farm (14-Gauge Extension Cord): Southwire 2451
- Best For Power Tools (12-Gauge Extension Cord): Clear Power CP10090
- Best For Landscaping (12-Gauge Extension Cord): IRON FORGE CABLE IFC-123Y25
- American-Made (12-Gauge Extension Cord): Southwire 2589
| 9 Safest Extension Cords | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Vacuum Cleaner | AmazonBasics L6LAC034-DT-R
| |
Best For Living Room | GE 51954
| |
Best For Tight Spaces | Maximm ADW-360-3303-W
| |
Best For Kitchen | FIRMERST DC-331830-7580B
| |
Best For Lawn | GearIT 100-Foot 14-Gauge 3-Conductor
| |
Best For Farm | Southwire 2451
| |
Best For Power Tools | Clear Power CP10090
| |
Best For Landscaping | IRON FORGE CABLE IFC-123Y25
| |
American-Made | Southwire 2589
| |
Best For Vacuum Cleaner: AmazonBasics L6LAC034-DT-R
- Ideal for vacuum cleaners – 10’ length & 13-amp rating
- Easy to use - plug connector housing
- A bit bulky than other similar counterparts
The AmazonBasics L6LAC034-DT-R is a sturdy, heavy-capacity, and flexible extension cord that features a vinyl cord sheath and is perfect for an extremely short cord vacuum.
It has a 13-amp rating and is 10' long - which is enough that you don't have to move the plug when vacuuming your car.
The plug connector housing is easy to use, while the LED indicator lights let you know when it's properly connected, which are two bonus points.
| AmazonBasics L6LAC034-DT-R Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 10’ |
Voltage | 125V |
Input Current | 13 Amps |
Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
Highlight Features | 10’ length & 13-amp rating plug connector housing |
For light-duty use, such as powering a vacuum cleaner, we find the AmazonBasics L6LAC034-DT-R is the shiniest contender.
Best For Living Room: GE 51954
- Easy to keep out of sight – three neutral color options
- Hold the plug blades securely - tamper-proof safety covers
- It’s stiff
The GE 51954 is a great extension cord for living rooms.
With a 12' length, it can go around your couch or underneath furniture. Plus, the three neutral color options (white, brown, and black) make the cord easily blend into the space and stay out of sight.
This model is high-quality, UL-listed, and has tamper-proof safety covers. Meanwhile, the socket end holds the plug blades securely and tightly.
| GE 51954 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 12’ |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 13 Amps |
Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
Highlight Features | three neutral color options tamper-proof safety covers |
If you are in need for a safe extension cord that can power most appliances in your living room and is easy to keep out of sight, then pick the GE 51954
Best For Tight Spaces: Maximm ADW-360-3303-W
- Best for tight spaces – 3’ length & slim-profile design
- Easy to power multiple devices simultaneously - three outlets and 360° rotating flat plug
- A bit pricey
If you're looking for a safe extension cord for tight spaces such as behind desks, bookshelves, or furniture, the 3' Maximm ADW-360-3303-W might be what you are after.
It has a slim-profile design to provide angular flexibility.
With the three outlets and 360° rotating flat plug, it gives you the ability to easily power multiple devices or appliances at once.
| Maximm ADW-360-3303-W Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 3’ |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 15 Amps |
Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
Highlight Features | 3’ length & slim-profile design three outlets and 360° rotating flat plug |
The best extension cord for tight spaces should be compact and easy to fold while still powerful enough to the intended use. Out of a bunch, we find the Maximm ADW-360-3303-W meets these requirements and works as expected.
Best For Kitchen: FIRMERST DC-331830-7580B
- Best for small kitchen – 6’ length
- Space-saving - slim flat plug design
- Easy to fold
- Unable to go to the left of the plug
The FIRMERST DC-331830-7580B is a UL- and CUL-listed 14-gauge extension cord that fits just right for all kitchen appliances, such as toasters, ovens, and microwaves.
It is 6' long, flexible enough to work, and easy to plug in or put out when you are cleaning your kitchen.
It's also space-efficient to suit those tight spaces where a standard outlet just won't work, while still allowing you to plug into the top outlet and still have usage of the bottom outlet.
| FIRMERST DC-331830-7580B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 6’ |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 15A |
Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
Highlight Features | 6’ length slim flat plug design Easy to fold |
If you’re seeking the safest 14-gauge extension cord for your kitchen, we highly recommend the FIRMERST DC-331830-7580B
Best For Lawn: GearIT 100-Foot 14-Gauge 3-Conductor
- Suitable for large lawns – 100’ length
- Able to withstand dragging across rough surfaces - exterior cable shield
- Withstand tough conditions - SJWT rating
- Not for extreme winter weather conditions
- The ended light could be brighter
Solid and 100' long, the GearIT can easily reach the end of a large lawn with a few feet to spare. It works well with leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and yard edgers.
Featuring a great exterior cable shield, you can drag this cord across rough surfaces with no fear of ripping it up. The SJWT rating means it's durable enough to withstand tough conditions and temperature ranges from -40F to 130F.
Additionally, the highly visible yellow cable jacket is easy to spot, which helps prevent accidents during use.
| GearIT 100-Foot 14-Gauge 3-Conductor Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 100’ |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 13 Amps |
Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
Highlight Features | 100’ length exterior cable shield SJWT rating |
For a large lawn, you won’t find any option out there could work as greatly as the GearIT 100-Foot 14-Gauge 3-Conductor
Best For Farm: Southwire 2451
- Resistance to oil and chemicals - vinyl jacket
- Easy to use - Flexible and tangle-free
- Rugged – temperature ranges of flexible and tangle-free
- Wish it had caps to protect the unused outlet from elements
The Southwire 2451 sets apart from the competition for its water-resistant vinyl jacket that can resist moisture, oil, and chemicals. Besides, it's rated for outdoor use, from -58°F up to 221°F. In any weather condition, it still stays flexible and tangle-free during use, making it an excellent addition to farms.
The color is another notable feature of this extension cord. Unlike other counterparts, it is neither dark green nor orange, but rather black.
The 25-foot length and 15-amp input current of this cord offer plenty of use. A great extension cord at a great price.
| Southwire 2451 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 25’ |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 15 Amps |
Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
Highlight Features | vinyl jacket Flexible and tangle-free temperature ranges of flexible and tangle-free |
On the market for the safest 14-gauge extension cord for farms? Then, you should try the Southwire 2451
Best For Power Tools: Clear Power CP10090
- No issues with power tools accidentally pulling off the socket - locking connector
- Heavy-duty - temperature ranges of -58°F up to +221°
- Not heat up power tools quickly
- Not very flexible
- It might not suitable for the elderly – heavyweight
The Clear Power CP10090 is a must-have whenever you're going to use power tools outdoors and a long way from the power source.
This extension cord is 25' long and has 15A input current. It can repel corrosion, abrasion, kink, weather, water, and oil - which is rugged enough for construction. It can hold up well in temperature ranges of -58°F up to +221°F.
It's also great enough for power hungry devices without heating them up quickly or training on tasks that require heavy torque.
We appreciate the locking connector, so no more problems with power tools accidentally catching something and coming unplugged.
| Clear Power CP10090 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 25’ |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 15 Amps |
Connector Gender | 3 Prong Grounded Plug |
Highlight Features | locking connector temperature ranges of -58°F up to +221° Not heat up power tools quickly |
The Clear Power CP10090 is built with durability and reliability in mind, making it the best choice for power tools.
Best For Landscaping: IRON FORGE CABLE IFC-123Y25
- Ideal for landscaping - 1875W & temperature ranges of -40°F to +140°F
- Safety - Slip-resistant design
- It has an odor
For landscaping, we find the IRON FORGE CABLE IFC-123Y25 is good enough.
It's a 25'-long 1875W extension cord that can work well in temperature ranges of -40°F to +140°F. The high-quality vinyl cover makes the cord weatherproof and water-resistant while the reinforced blades resist breakage and bending.
Like other counterparts, this extension cord is UL-listed.
| IRON FORGE CABLE IFC-123Y25 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 25’ |
Voltage | 125 Volts |
Input Current | 15 Amps |
Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
Highlight Features | 1875W temperature ranges of -40°F to +140°F Slip-resistant design |
We suggest the IRON FORGE CABLE IFC-123Y25 for those seeking the best 12-gauge extension cord for landscaping
American-Made: Southwire 2589
- Reliable – made in the US
- Perfect for large areas – 100’ length
- Heavyweight
For those who are big fans of American-made extension cords, don't hesitate to pick the Southwire 2589. It's a 100' cord made by Southwire, a popular manufacturer of extension cords in the US, which ensures the quality.
This product is recommended for powering appliances, gardening, and landscaping.
Apart from common features like lighted end, reinforced blades, and vinyl cover, we like the eye-catching yellow cover of this cord, which is both for safety and aesthetics.
| Southwire 2589 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 100’ |
Voltage | 120 volts |
Input Current | 15 amps |
Connector Gender | Female-to-Male |
Highlight Features | made in the US 100’ length |
If you prefer an American-made extension cord, our favorite pick is the Southwire 2589
How To Choose The Safest Extension Cord?
Gauge Of Extension Cord
When choosing an extension cord, the most important factor to consider is the gauge of the cord.
If you’re working with appliances, power tools, or other electronic devices that require a lot of power, you’ll need to choose an extension cord with the appropriate gauge.
The gauge is the thickness of the conductor (the metal wire inside the cord).
The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire, and the more electricity it can carry.
Generally, extension cords for indoor use are 16-gauge or 18-gauge. For outdoor use, a 14-gauge is acceptable.
If you’re not sure which gauge to choose, err on the side of a thicker conductor. It’s better to have a cord that can handle more power than you need than one that can’t handle enough.
When in doubt, refer to the power requirements of the appliance or tool you’re using. The owner’s manual will list the minimum recommended gauge for the cord.
Safety Features
When choosing an extension cord, safety is always the top priority. The three main safety features to look for are:
1) A built-in circuit breaker that will trip if the cord is overloaded, preventing fires.
2) Heavy-duty construction that can withstand wear and tear.
3) An insulation rating that matches or exceeds the wattage rating of the appliance or tool you will be using with the extension cord.
Cord Length
You want to make sure that the cord is long enough to reach from the outlet to where you need it, but not so long that it becomes a tripping hazard.
Some extension cords are also available in different lengths, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Just keep in mind that the longer the cord, the more expensive it will be.
To get an idea of how long your extension cord should be, first measure the distance from the outlet to where you need it. Then, add a few extra feet to account for any obstacles in your way.
Once you have a good idea of how long your extension cord should be, you can start shopping around.
Input Current
When it comes to extension cords, the input current is one of the most important factors to consider. This is because the input current determines how much power the cord can supply to your devices.
If you have devices that require a lot of power, then you'll need an extension cord with a high input current.
On the other hand, if you only have devices that require a small amount of power, then you can get away with an extension cord with a lower input current.
Which Brands Make The Safest Extension Cord?
Amazonbasics
When it comes to extension cords, AmazonBasics is the brand that offers the safest product at the most affordable prices.
Their extension cords are praised for heavy-duty construction, durability, and safety. They all are UL-listed, meaning they've been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories, a leading independent safety science company.
They also have an integrated circuit breaker that protects against overloads and overheating.
GE
GE is a trusted brand when it comes to extension cords.
Their cords are made with high quality materials and construction, which makes them durable and safe to use.
They offer a variety of lengths and gauges to choose from, so you can find the perfect cord for your needs. And their customer service is top-notch, so you can be sure you're getting the best product possible.
Maximm Cable
Maximm Cable is the brand that makes the best safest extension cord. Their products bring together the finest materials and stunning design to create something very special.
The Maximm Cable team is committed to providing the highest quality products and customer service. They take pride in their work and stand behind their products.
FAQs
How likely is an extension cord to catch fire?
If used improperly, extension cords are prone to overheating and can catch fires.
Is a 12 or 14-gauge extension cord better?
If your extension cord is 150' long, the 12-gauge is better for 8-10 Amps while the 14-gauge is better for 1-7 Amps.
If your extension cord is 100' long, the 12-gauge is better for 14-15 Amps while the 14-gauge is better for 11-13 Amps.
What should not be plugged into an extension cord?
You should not use an extension cord for space heaters, toaster ovens, toasters, refrigerators, coffee pots, microwaves, or any high-power load. Otherwise, it might cause the cord to be overheated and catch fires.
Can I leave an extension cord plugged in?
No, you cannot. Extension cords are designed for temporary use. Besides, for safety reasons, it’s not recommended leaving an extension cord plugged in when not being actively used.
How often should you replace extension cords?
You should replace extension cords every 5 years, for safety.
Conclusion
With a bunch of different extension cords on the market, it can be challenging to figure out which one will suit your individual needs. Hopefully, this review article has answered some of your questions and helped guide you toward the safest extension cord.
Thanks for reading!
