The holidays are formally upon us and many of us are digging out boxes of Christmas light , quick to decorate for the time of year . There are many different resource out there to help us choose the best lighting choice for our infinite and inspire us to put together originative andeye - catching outdoor lighting displays . However , there ’s one important piece of the puzzle that ’s often taken for yield – the extension cords !
What skilful is an extravagant lighting video display without the power necessitate to light up it up ?
Selecting the best extension corduroy for your porch , railyard or outdoor space can make the process of decorating for the holidays far easier . In this guide , I divulge down the important constituent to debate when prefer the good extension cord for the job . I also share our top 5 pick to aid you get start !
The Backyard Boss Top Extension Cords for 2021
PRODUCT
FEATURES
DEWENWILS Outdoor Light Timer with 12 Ft Extension Cord
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Yodotek 50 Ft Seven Outlet Outdoor Extension Cord
ReelWorks Industrial 80 ’ Commercial Extension Cord Reel
K KASONIC 6 - Outlet Outdoor Power Stake
DEWENWILS 25 Ft Candy Cane Outdoor Christmas Extension Cord
Why You Can Trust Us
I have always had a weakness for holiday decorating , hold up all out for every vacation from Halloween and Christmas to Easter and St. Patrick ’s mean solar day . Of of course , this stand for spending FAR more money than necessary picking up all the provision necessary to bestow my vision to spirit . Each year , we add something young to our displays and with more decorations come a need for supporting power .
In recent year , we made the decision to upgrade our electrical corduroy to better serve the decorations that we were cast out . This meant get the picture into the detail of the cords currently on the market place , finding out what factor set them asunder from one another . In this guide , I have combined my personal experience and the information that I gathered during this inquiry phase with the opinions of the remainder of the Backyard Boss team .
Best Extension Cord with Timer
This 12 - foot elongation cord offer three ground outlets and a waterproofed timekeeper that mechanically control your sparkle , let down your power bills .
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Why We Like It : nullify running up your power invoice this vacation season by accidentally forgetting to close down your holiday light source . The programing features useable on the DEWENWILS Outdoor Light Timer with 12 Ft Extension Cord feature a nightfall to dawn sensor , allowing you to program the light . They can come on as the sun move down and continue on for 2 , 4 , 6 , or 8 hours , or until it senses the return of the sunshine at first light . This will continue repeating daily , making it wanton to set it and forget it throughout the busy Christmas schedule .
The 12 - foot - long cord is longer than most available timer units , combining an outdoor timekeeper with an reference electric cord . The cloggy - duty electric cord is weatherproof and is rated as good to utilize between temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degree Fahrenheit . The timer luck has 2 establish - in mounting hole on the back and right side to well hang it up where require and the correct - slant plug permit the back guardian on our outdoor outlet to stay in topographic point during function .
Who Should Buy It : The DEWENWILS Outdoor Light Timer with 12 Ft Extension Cord is a big selection for anyone that is interested in schedule their light throughout the season .
Best Extension Cord with Multiple Spaced Outlets
With seven outlets spaced out along the length of the cord , this outdoor extension cord will provide index to your larger vacation lighting displays .
Why We Like It : The Yodotek 50 Ft Seven Outlet Outdoor Extension Cord is specifically designed to oblige prominent railyard display by offer up seven way out . This reserve you to easily plug - in decorations in dissimilar sphere of the yard without worrying about scat disjoined electric cord to each locating . If the 50 - foot size is too heavy , there is a smaller 25 - foundation pick useable in your choice of 12 - gauge or 14 - gauge wiring . Each of these outlets is outfitted with an IP44 waterproof cap to protect it from the elements when not in use . A risque tycoon index number light makes it wanton to see whether the electric cord is plugged in and operational from a length .
This highly durable extension cord is rated as secure to use down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit . It is made from 100 % copper wiring which has been coated with FT-1 fire resistance PVC , allow it to handle temperatures up to 221 degrees Fahrenheit . In the upshot that you do go into a trouble , the company backs their product with a 1 - class warranty and 3 years of client service .
Who Should corrupt It : If you are attend for an electric electric cord that will simultaneously power multiple laurel wreath across the distance of your front grounds , this is a great selection to reckon .
Best Retractable Extension Cord
construct with a commercial - grade industrial cord reel , this extension electric cord provides great power for up to 80 ’ while handily hive away without business organization for snagging or tangling .
Why We Like It : With an telling 80 - foot cord , the ReelWorks Industrial 80 ’ Commercial Extension Cord Reel will make it easier for householder that do n’t have outdoor power outlets conveniently available for their holiday decorating demand . When your extension phone cord is n’t in purpose , it easily stow forth in a commercial - grade , indestructible extension electric cord reel free from snags or tangling . On the back of the cord reel , a steel swivel bracket include get on holes with slide and lock grooves for well stability and can be rotated up to 135 - degrees . The electric cord has a make - in circuit surf that will trip when the index is a picayune too much to operate safely and can easily be reset with a button on the side of the reel .
All 3 of the included electrical outlets are bunch together on a single connexion . This electrical connective has a construct - in LED light and a atomic number 10 glow strip along the corduroy itself to make it easy to distinguish in low - light source conditions . The propagation corduroy itself is premium degree and resistant to Lucy in the sky with diamonds , alkalis , pee , oil , UV ray , and ozone . It is also flame retardant and rated as safe for utilisation in temperatures ranging from -58 degree Fahrenheit to 221 degrees Fahrenheit . The product was designed for use in industrial and commercial-grade setting .
Who Should bribe It : The tough and durable blueprint of the ReelWorks Industrial 80 ’ Commercial Extension Cord Reel extend significant reach , well-heeled storage , and the power to endure up to the ill-usage of regular or ongoing use .
Best Outdoor Power Stake
Easily secured in your yard or garden with the built - in garden stake , this outside top executive option provides ongoing power while coalesce easy with your landscaping .
Why We Like It : This lightweight magnate solution number in at less than 2 lbs , form it easy to move as take , providing you with mightiness anywhere in your outside outer space . The K KASONIC 6 - Outlet Outdoor Power Stake include six outlets have on a double - sided power strip link up to a garden stakes , permit you to secure your might source out of doors regardless of the weather conditions . Each of the outlets features a protective flip cover to keep them good in wet weather position . At the base of one side , an on - off electric switch with a water - resistant circuit breaker makes it easy to plough off the power if needed while also keeping you and your phratry safe .
A 9 - foot cord extends from the power cartoon strip , allowing you to easy pass on your out-of-door power outlet , even if it ’s not exactly where it ’s needed . The power strip and cord are both gullible in color , do it wanton to comprise with your horticulture or landscaping without it being too obvious to any passer-by . If you do choose to use the power strip indoors , the stake can easy be take away .
Who Should Buy It : Homeowners that are looking for an ongoing mogul result in the yard or garden should consider the convenience of the K KASONIC 6 - Outlet Outdoor Power Stake .
Best Decorative Holiday Extension Cord
grace to look like a confect cane , this outdoor extension cord will not only leave might to your holiday décor , but it will also look festive while doing it .
Why We Like It : vacation devotee , this is a perfect propagation electric cord option that will not only supply power to your vacation kindling but also offers a fun and festive aesthetic that will easy operate into your seasonal display . This extension electric cord plan feature a red and clean spiral practice that give it a candy - cane - comparable esthetic . The distance of the cord features two electric electric outlet , evenly spaced , while a third can be discover at the remainder .
Each of the three outlets features a convenient guard natural covering that will easily protect it from the elements including snow , rain , and rubble . The telephone extension electric cord features a 16 AWG wiring system that is capable of power most Christmas decoration and LED light strands . The bore of conducting wire used in these electrical cord makes them extremely flexible , easy align your cords ( as need ) around any other decorations or obstacle throughout your dress efforts . This is an indoor / outdoor product , which means that it can be used effectively outdoors however it should n’t be left exposed to the element for an extended period of time .
Who Should Buy It : The DEWENWILS 25 Ft Candy Cane Outdoor Christmas Extension Cord is a great choice for vacation lover that are searching for an extension cord that is both functional and play into the vacation aesthetic .
Important Factors to Consider When Shopping for an Extension Cord
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Power Transmission
This is a divisor that can be difficult for many people to realise , so we ’re going to attempt to break up it down in the uncomplicated room potential . The power transmission refers to the amount of power that a cord can nurse and provide to your Christmas lights and electric devices . This is subject on the caliber of the wire in the cords as well as the duration of the cord .
The gauge of wire is measured inAmerican Wire Gauge(AWG ) . The number assigned to each cable television service represent how thick the cable is . The modest the identification number , the compact the cable and the high the amperage . Due to the size and weight implication , most little cords pack low AWG tons ( higher amperage ) while longer corduroys bear higher AWG lashings ( scurvy amperage , lighter weight unit ) .
Most of the cords that we have let in on this list are more than capable of powering the standard conduce Christmas lights owned by the average person . However , it is significant to note that over - power a cord for an extended time can stimulate equipment casualty to the cord or your devices from voltage bead or even pose a substantial fire risk .
Length
One of the most obvious factors to consider is the length that you require . To picture this out , you ’ll first have to have an estimate of where your lights and decoration are going to be placed . When you have determined the space that you will necessitate to cover , purchase a cord that ’s even longer . Not only will this give you some elbow room for error if you have measured wrong ( after all , we ’re all just human ) but it will also give you extra distance to voyage around any items that may be in the way at the meter .
If possible , keep off ‘ daisy - chain ’ your cords . This means connect multiple extension corduroys together to endeavor to turn over a longer distance . Doing this bestow resistance to the movement of electrical energy between the electrical outlet that you are plugged into and the item you are power which can lead to heat figure - up and a higher blast risk .
Number of Outlets
As mentioned , daisy - chain your electric cords can make a higher ardour risk . With that in mind , you want to be sure that your cord will put up the needed number of release without having to add an supernumerary cord . There are different ways that exit can be featured on an electric cord , depend on your needs . This include bunch up the outlets all together at the end of the cord , proffer a cord that divide off to multiple cords each with outlets at the goal , or a cord that features outlets spread out along the duration of the cord .
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Extension Cord Rating
Every extension corduroy has been place using a series of letters , piss it easy to shape which cord is best suited for your needs . This rating will be included in the product verbal description of the cord when you are stag and is also print onto the corduroy ’s outer jacket . While there are a broad salmagundi of different ratings that can be used , the most common rating include :
The Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Extension Cords
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You may be reading this wondering why you ca n’t just use your usual telephone extension cord from inside the firm outside , especially if your only use for outdoor cords is once a year during the vacation season . It may seem like an unnecessary disbursement just for the holiday , however , there are some important conflict to consider .
The biggest difference between the two type of denotation cord is the fact that outdoor extension cords are contrive to hold pic to the component . During the winter , this means a undestroyable , waterproof jacket crown to protect the cord as well as a duncish bed of insularity for use in colder temperature . out-of-door extension cords are sort into three family set out from light - tariff cord for periodic function to rugged , construction - quality corduroy .
How We Picked
With so many unlike indoor and out-of-door extension cords on the market place , we recognized that it was our responsibility to help our readers read which factors were necessary when pick out an extension electric cord for consumption with their holiday décor . This necessitate not only understanding the dissimilar cords that are available but also hollow deeper into the features that each offered .
To peg down down the available options , we evaluate the durability of each of the corduroy including their weatherproof ratings and their ability to put up up to ongoing use . From there we take care at the length of the cords , the number of release , and any extra feature of speech that the cord bid such as timer and mounting gear . at long last , we read through the client reviews of those that have buy and used the cord to better understand how they perform in real - life scenario .
The Best Extension Cord to Light Up Your Holiday Decorations This Festive Season
While we powerfully believe that each of the corduroy name in this guide would be a capital investment funds for your vacation decorating pauperization , there was one cord that stood out for the features that it offered . The combination of a durable 12 - animal foot telephone extension cord with the flexibleness of the built - in timekeeper make theDEWENWILS Outdoor Light Timer with 12 Ft Extension Corda keen option for any space . This yr , set up your vacation video display and give up the scheduling setting of this cord to take care of the quietus ! Not only will you be able-bodied to bask your lighting worry - free , but you will even save some money along the way .
