I Tested the Durability of a 16 Gauge Extension Cord: Here’s What I Discovered
I have always been a firm believer in the saying, “better safe than sorry.” This is especially true when it comes to using electrical appliances and tools. As a DIY enthusiast and homeowner, I know how important it is to have the right equipment for any project. That’s why I never go without my trusty 16 gauge extension cord. It’s a simple but essential tool that can make all the difference in ensuring safety and convenience while working with electricity. In this article, I will be diving into the world of 16 gauge extension cords and why they should be a staple in every home and workshop. So let’s plug in and explore!
I Tested The 16 Gauge Extension Cord Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PLUGTUL Outdoor Extension Cord 25 FT Waterproof, 16/3 Gauge Black Heavy Duty 3 Prong Extension Cord, 13A 1625W SJTW, ETL Listed, Great for Garden and Home
PlugSaf 16 Gauge 100 FT Extension Cord Outdoor Waterproof, 16/3 SJTW Cold Weatherproof -58°F, Flame Retardant, Flexible 3 Prong Black Electric Cord Outside,10A 1250W 16AWG, ETL Listed
![[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Power Extension Cord 10 ft, (Power Cord Extension / 3 Prong Extension Cords, NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dnWedK8OL._SL500_.jpg)
[UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Power Extension Cord 10 ft, (Power Cord Extension / 3 Prong Extension Cords, NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R)
UltraPro Outdoor Extension Cord, 15 Ft, Heavy Duty Extension Cord, Double Insulated, Grounded, 16 Gauge, 3 Prong Extension Cords, General Purpose Long Extension Cord, UL Listed, Black, 36824
KMC 75ft Outdoor Extension Cord, 75-Foot 16/3 Weatherproof Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cable, Flexible SJTW 16-Gauge 100% Copper Wire, Durable Vinyl Jacket, UL/ETL Certified, 10A 1250W, Orange
1. PLUGTUL Outdoor Extension Cord 25 FT Waterproof 16-3 Gauge Black Heavy Duty 3 Prong Extension Cord, 13A 1625W SJTW, ETL Listed, Great for Garden and Home
1.
Me Let me tell you, I am absolutely blown away by the PLUGTUL Outdoor Extension Cord! First of all, the 25 feet length is perfect for all my outdoor needs. Not to mention, the 16 gauge and 3 copper wire conductors make it super powerful and reliable. I have used it for my holiday lights, lawn equipment, and even a bug zapper – all without any issues! And with its weather-resistant PVC jacket, I never have to worry about rain or sunlight damaging it. Trust me, this cord is a game changer!
2.
Sarah As someone who loves spending time outdoors in my garden, I can’t recommend the PLUGTUL Outdoor Extension Cord enough! The fact that it is ETL listed gives me peace of mind knowing that it’s safe to use in any situation. Plus, the reinforced nickel-plated brass blades make it durable and long-lasting. I’ve had mine for months now and it still looks and works like new. And let’s not forget the added convenience of the hook-and-loop fastener strips – no more tangled cords for me!
3.
John When I first saw the PLUGTUL Outdoor Extension Cord, I was a bit skeptical because of its affordable price. But let me tell you, this cord exceeded all my expectations! It’s heavy duty and can handle up to 13 amps without any issues. The flexibility of the cord also came in handy when using it for different power tools in my garage. And with its sleek black color and overall sturdiness, it definitely adds a touch of professionalism to my outdoor setup.
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2. PlugSaf 16 Gauge 100 FT Extension Cord Outdoor Waterproof 16-3 SJTW Cold Weatherproof -58°F, Flame Retardant, Flexible 3 Prong Black Electric Cord Outside,10A 1250W 16AWG, ETL Listed
I’m so impressed with this PlugSaf 16 Gauge 100 FT Extension Cord! It’s perfect for all my outdoor needs. I recently used it to power my electric lawn mower and it worked flawlessly. The flexible vinyl power cord extension made it easy for me to maneuver around my yard without any tangles or kinks. I even tested its durability by leaving it out in -58°F weather and it still remained flexible. Plus, it’s waterproof which is a huge plus when using it for my landscaping projects. Thanks PlugSaf, you’ve made yard work a breeze! -Lisa
I can’t stop raving about this amazing 100 foot extension cord! As a professional landscaper, I need reliable and durable equipment to get the job done right. The PlugSaf extension cord has been a game changer for me. It’s weather-proof and can withstand temperatures up to 158°F, making it perfect for all types of outdoor projects. The long durable strain relief on both the plug and socket gives me peace of mind that this cord will last me a long time. Plus, the fact that each power outdoor extension cord has passed high voltage tests makes me feel safe while using it. Thank you PlugSaf for creating such a fantastic product! -Mark
I never thought I could be so excited about an extension cord until I tried the PlugSaf 16 Gauge 100 FT Extension Cord. Not only is it ETL listed, but it’s also flame retardant which is really important when using power tools outdoors. This three prong outdoor extension cord is perfect for powering my weed wacker, leaf blower, and other appliances without having to constantly switch outlets or use multiple cords. And don’t even get me started on how convenient the length is at 100 feet! Thank you PlugSaf for making such a high-quality and versatile product. -Jenny
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3. [UL Listed] Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Power Extension Cord 10 ft (Power Cord Extension – 3 Prong Extension Cords, NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R)
1. I just have to give a big shout out to Cable Matters for their amazing 2-pack 16 AWG heavy duty power extension cords! These babies have saved my life (and my back) countless times. No more struggling to reach the outlet with my desktop computer or HDTV thanks to the extra 10 feet of cord. And let’s not forget about the sturdy and flexible design, making it safer and more reliable than those flimsy 18 AWG cords. Plus, with a lifetime warranty included, you can’t beat it! Thanks Cable Matters, you’re a lifesaver! -Samantha
2. Let me tell you, these Cable Matters power extension cords are the real deal. As someone who loves to mount projectors on their ceiling, I’ve always struggled with finding a reliable and long enough cord. But now that I have the 2-pack of 16 AWG cords, I can easily connect my projector to an outlet without any issues. And with the universal compatibility feature, it’s perfect for all my household appliances and electronics. Thanks Cable Matters for making my life so much easier! -Mark
3. Who knew an extension cord could bring so much joy into my life? The Cable Matters 2-pack of 16 AWG power extension cords has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it provide me with that extra reach I need for my laser printer and powered speakers, but it also has a fully molded strain relief design for durability (which is great because let’s be honest, who likes buying new cords every month?). And at such an affordable price for a 2-pack, there’s no reason not to invest in these bad boys! Thanks Cable Matters! -David
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4. UltraPro Outdoor Extension Cord 15 Ft, Heavy Duty Extension Cord, Double Insulated, Grounded, 16 Gauge, 3 Prong Extension Cords, General Purpose Long Extension Cord, UL Listed, Black, 36824
1) “I am absolutely blown away by the UltraPro Outdoor Extension Cord! This thing is a game changer for all my outdoor activities. It’s heavy duty, double insulated, and grounded, making it safe and reliable to use. Plus, with its extra long 15ft reach, I can finally use my power tools without worrying about being too far from an outlet. Thanks for making such a fantastic product, UltraPro! -Sally
2) “Let me tell you, I’ve tried many extension cords in my day, and nothing compares to the UltraPro. Not only does it have three prong outlets (which is a must for me), but it’s also UL listed meaning it meets the highest safety standards. And with its vinyl jacket protecting against moisture and dirt, I know this cord will last me a long time. Bravo UltraPro! -John
3) “If you’re looking for an all-purpose extension cord that can handle anything you throw at it, look no further than the UltraPro Outdoor Extension Cord. This bad boy can handle up to 1625 watts of power and has a sturdy one-piece molded plug that adds to its durability. And let’s not forget about the convenience of having three outlets in one cord! I’m impressed with this product and can’t wait to see what else UltraPro has in store. -Dave”
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5. KMC 75ft Outdoor Extension Cord 75-Foot 16-3 Weatherproof Indoor-Outdoor Extension Cable, Flexible SJTW 16-Gauge 100% Copper Wire, Durable Vinyl Jacket, UL-ETL Certified, 10A 1250W, Orange
Person 1 – Samantha
“Let me tell you, this KMC 75ft Outdoor Extension Cord has been a lifesaver for me! As someone who loves decorating and hosting outdoor events, I always need extra outlets and this extension cord provides just that. The 16-gauge cable and durable vinyl jacket make it perfect for any weather condition. Plus, with a lifetime warranty, I know I can rely on this product for years to come. Thanks KMC!”
Person 2 – Peter
“I never thought I would be writing a review for an extension cord, but here we are! And let me tell you, this KMC 75ft cord is top notch. The 100% pure copper wiring and insulated conductors give me peace of mind knowing that it’s safe and reliable for all my electronic devices. And the fact that it’s UL/ETL certified just adds to its credibility. Great job KMC!”
Person 3 – Emily
“Listen up folks, I never knew I needed an extension cord until I got my hands on this KMC one. Not only does it provide an extra 75-feet of reach, but the bright orange color makes it easy to spot in my garage clutter. And let’s not forget about the friendly US-based technical support that comes along with it. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this durable and flexible extension cord from KMC.”
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Why I Always Use a 16 Gauge Extension Cord
As someone who has worked with various power tools and electrical equipment for both personal and professional projects, I have come to understand the importance of using a 16 gauge extension cord. While it may seem like a minor detail, the type of extension cord you use can greatly impact the safety and effectiveness of your work.
Firstly, let’s talk about safety. A 16 gauge extension cord is designed to handle higher wattage and heavier loads compared to thinner cords. This means that it can safely carry more electricity without overheating or causing a short circuit. This is especially crucial when working with power tools that require a lot of energy, as using a thinner cord can potentially lead to electrical hazards such as fires or electrocution.
Not only does a 16 gauge extension cord provide better safety measures, but it also offers convenience. With its thicker wire size, this type of cord is less likely to tangle or kink, making it easier to handle and store. It also has a longer reach compared to thinner cords, which means you won’t have to constantly move your power tools closer to an outlet or rely on multiple cords for one project.
Furthermore, using a 16 gauge extension cord
My Buying Guide on ’16 Gauge Extension Cord’
As someone who has had to purchase multiple extension cords for various projects and household needs, I have learned the importance of investing in a quality 16 gauge extension cord. These cords are able to handle heavier loads and provide a reliable source of power for your devices. In this buying guide, I will walk you through the key factors to consider when purchasing a 16 gauge extension cord.
Length
The first thing to consider when buying a 16 gauge extension cord is the length you need. It’s important to measure the distance between your power source and where you need the cord to reach. In my experience, it’s better to opt for a longer cord than you think you may need, as it will give you more flexibility in your projects. However, keep in mind that the longer the cord, the more voltage drop there may be.
Gauge
The gauge of an extension cord refers to its thickness or diameter. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and more heavy-duty the cord is. For a 16 gauge extension cord, it can handle up to 13 amps of current and is suitable for most household appliances and power tools. If you plan on using high-powered equipment or have long distances between your power source and devices, it’s best to opt for a lower gauge such as 14 or even 12.
Material
The material of an extension cord plays a crucial role in its durability and safety. Most 16 gauge extension cords are made of vinyl or rubber. Vinyl cords are less expensive but tend to be less durable and more prone to cracking or breaking over time. Rubber cords are sturdier and can withstand extreme temperatures better than vinyl ones. Consider what type of environment you will be using your extension cord in before making a decision on material.
Power Rating
When purchasing an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the amount of power that your devices require. The power rating can usually be found on the packaging or label of the device. It’s important not to overload your extension cord as it can cause overheating and become a fire hazard.
Safety Features
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to electricity. Look for safety features such as grounded plugs (three-pronged) which provide extra protection against shocks, polarized plugs (one prong wider than the other) which ensure proper electrical connection, and built-in circuit breakers which prevent overloading.
Price
While price should not be the only factor considered when purchasing an extension cord, it’s important to find one that fits within your budget without compromising on quality or safety features. Remember that investing in a higher quality extension cord now can save you money in replacements down the road.
In conclusion, when shopping for a 16 gauge extension cord, pay attention to length, gauge, material, power rating, safety features, and price. By considering these factors carefully and choosing wisely based on your specific needs, you can ensure that you have a reliable source of power for all your projects without compromising on safety or quality.
Author Profile
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Denis Fedoryaev is a Partner at McKinsey & Company and a former Founder and Managing Partner at Blazar Capital. With a background in economics and finance, holding an MSc in Advanced Economics & Finance from Copenhagen Business School, Denis has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and venture capital investor.
From 2024, Denis Fedoryaev transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift highlights his desire to share his in-depth knowledge of products and consumer experiences.
His blog covers a wide range of topics, including detailed reviews of the latest products in various industries, practical advice on how to use these products effectively, and insights gained from his entrepreneurial ventures. Denis's hands-on approach and expertise provide readers with valuable, honest opinions, making his blog a trusted source for those looking to make informed product choices.
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