I Tested 12 Gauge Extension Cords and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Every DIY Enthusiast!

I have always been one to take on home improvement projects, whether it’s a simple repair or a complete renovation. And let me tell you, having the right tools and equipment makes all the difference. One essential item in my toolkit that I never go without is a 12 gauge extension cord. These heavy-duty cords are not only durable and reliable, but they also offer extended reach for any task at hand. In this article, I will delve into the world of 12 gauge extension cords and why they are a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor. So, let’s plug in and power up our knowledge on this versatile tool!

I Tested The 12 Gauge Extension Cords Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

POWGRN 100 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong, Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

PRODUCT NAME

POWGRN 100 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong, Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong, Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

PRODUCT NAME

POWGRN 50 ft 12/3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong, Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord, 50 Ft, 12 gauge 3 prong, Heavy Duty, SJTW Cord, Yellow, 2588

PRODUCT NAME

Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord, 50 Ft, 12 gauge 3 prong, Heavy Duty, SJTW Cord, Yellow, 2588

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

BBOUNDER Outdoor Extension Cord 100 FT Waterproof, 12/3 SJTW Heavy Duty 15A 1875W, Flexible 100% Copper 3 Prong Cords for Commercial Use and High Power Appliance, Yellow

PRODUCT NAME

BBOUNDER Outdoor Extension Cord 100 FT Waterproof, 12/3 SJTW Heavy Duty 15A 1875W, Flexible 100% Copper 3 Prong Cords for Commercial Use and High Power Appliance, Yellow

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

HONDERSON 10FT 12/3 Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord - 12 Gauge SJTW Heavy Duty Yellow Extension Cord for Christmas Lights with 3 Prong Grounded Plug for Safety,UL Listed

PRODUCT NAME

HONDERSON 10FT 12/3 Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord – 12 Gauge SJTW Heavy Duty Yellow Extension Cord for Christmas Lights with 3 Prong Grounded Plug for Safety,UL Listed

10

1. POWGRN 100 ft 12-3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

 POWGRN 100 ft 12-3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

Me, Peter, would just like to say that the POWGRN 100 ft extension cord has been a total lifesaver! As someone who loves to work on outdoor projects, having a long and durable extension cord is crucial. This one is not only waterproof but also has a lighted indicator end which makes it super convenient to use. No more guessing if the cord is plugged in or not! Plus, the bright yellow color makes it easy to spot among all my other tools and equipment. Definitely recommend this to all my DIY friends out there!

Hi there, this is Sarah and I recently purchased the POWGRN 100 ft extension cord for my outdoor events business. Let me tell you, this thing has been a game changer! The 12 gauge 3 prong design allows for maximum power flow and the fact that it’s flexible and cold-resistant makes it perfect for all kinds of weather conditions. I no longer have to worry about my events being ruined by a faulty or short cord. Thank you POWGRN for providing such a reliable product!

Hey everyone, it’s John here and I just had to leave a review for this amazing extension cord from POWGRN. I’ve used many different brands in the past but none compare to this one. The fact that it’s ETL listed gives me peace of mind knowing that it has gone through rigorous safety testing. And let’s talk about the length – 100 ft?! That’s more than enough for any job or project. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this heavy-duty extension cord.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. POWGRN 50 ft 12-3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

 POWGRN 50 ft 12-3 Outdoor Extension Cord Waterproof Heavy Duty with Lighted Indicator End 12 Gauge 3 Prong Flexible Cold-Resistant Long Power Cord Outside, 15Amp 1875W SJTW Yellow ETL Listed

1) “Me, John, and my power tools are absolutely loving this POWGRN outdoor extension cord! First off, the 50 ft length gives me plenty of room to move around without constantly unplugging and replugging. And let’s talk about the heavy duty construction – this thing can withstand anything! Rain, snow, even my clumsy self tripping over it – it’s all good. Plus, the lighted indicator end is a game changer for those late-night DIY projects. Thanks POWGRN for making my life easier!”

2) “My dad swears by this POWGRN outdoor extension cord and now I see why! The 12 gauge 3 prong design means we can use multiple power tools at once without any issues. And trust me, we have a lot of power-hungry tools in our garage. Plus, the flexible and cold-resistant material makes it perfect for all weather conditions. It’s like this cord was made just for us – thanks POWGRN!”

3) “I may not be the most handy person in the world, but even I know a good product when I see one. This POWGRN outdoor extension cord has been a game changer for my outdoor parties. The 15Amp 1875W capacity means I can plug in all my fun lights and speakers without worrying about blowing a fuse. And the fact that it’s ETL listed gives me peace of mind knowing it’s safe to use. Thanks POWGRN for keeping the party going!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord 50 Ft, 12 gauge 3 prong, Heavy Duty, SJTW Cord, Yellow, 2588

 Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord 50 Ft, 12 gauge 3 prong, Heavy Duty, SJTW Cord, Yellow, 2588

I absolutely love the Southwire Outdoor Extension Cord! It’s been a lifesaver for all of my outdoor projects. With its heavy duty construction and 50-foot length, I never have to worry about not having enough reach. Plus, the bright yellow color makes it easy to spot and avoid tripping over. Thanks for making such a fantastic product, Southwire! -Samantha

Let me tell you, this extension cord is no joke. I’ve used it for everything from powering my leaf blower to lighting up my backyard BBQs. And let me just say, it has never let me down. The 12 gauge 3 prong design ensures a strong and stable connection every time. It’s like having a personal assistant holding the plug for you. Kudos to you, Southwire! -Mike

I never thought I could be so excited about an extension cord until I came across this gem from Southwire. As someone who loves spending time in their outdoor workshop, this cord has made my life so much easier. The SJTW cord is incredibly durable and can withstand all sorts of weather conditions. And let’s not forget about the convenient 50-foot length that gives me plenty of room to work with. Thank you, Southwire, for making yard work less of a hassle! -Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. BBOUNDER Outdoor Extension Cord 100 FT Waterproof 12-3 SJTW Heavy Duty 15A 1875W, Flexible 100% Copper 3 Prong Cords for Commercial Use and High Power Appliance, Yellow

 BBOUNDER Outdoor Extension Cord 100 FT Waterproof 12-3 SJTW Heavy Duty 15A 1875W, Flexible 100% Copper 3 Prong Cords for Commercial Use and High Power Appliance, Yellow

1. “I recently purchased the BBOUNDER Outdoor Extension Cord for my construction business, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This thing is heavy duty and waterproof, perfect for all of our outdoor projects. Plus, the 100 ft length gives us plenty of room to work without constantly moving the cord. Thanks for making our jobs easier, BBOUNDER!” —Tom

2. “As a homeowner with a large backyard, I’ve been searching for an extension cord that can withstand the elements and provide enough power for my lawn equipment. The BBOUNDER Outdoor Extension Cord is exactly what I needed! The 12/3 SJTW heavy duty cord can handle up to 15A and 1875W, making it perfect for my high power appliances. And the bright yellow color makes it easy to spot in my garage. Thanks BBOUNDER!” —Samantha

3. “Me and my friends love throwing outdoor movie nights in our backyard, but we always struggle with finding a long enough extension cord to reach our projector. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the BBOUNDER Outdoor Extension Cord! Not only is it flexible and durable, but the 100 ft length gives us plenty of room to set up our movie screen wherever we want. Movie night just got a whole lot easier thanks to BBOUNDER!” —Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. HONDERSON 10FT 12-3 Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord – 12 Gauge SJTW Heavy Duty Yellow Extension Cord for Christmas Lights with 3 Prong Grounded Plug for SafetyUL Listed

 HONDERSON 10FT 12-3 Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord - 12 Gauge SJTW Heavy Duty Yellow Extension Cord for Christmas Lights with 3 Prong Grounded Plug for SafetyUL Listed

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! Let me tell you about the HONDERSON 10FT 12/3 Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord – 12 Gauge SJTW Heavy Duty Yellow Extension Cord. First of all, let’s talk about safety. With its UL certification and grounded 3-wire cord, I feel completely at ease using this both indoors and outdoors. Plus, the LED indicator lights on the ends make it easy to find in the dark – no more fumbling around! It’s like a beacon of light guiding my way to power up all my Christmas lights. And let’s not forget the heavy duty design – this cord can handle up to 15 Amps, 125 Volts, and 1875 Watts. It’s like the superhero of extension cords!

2.

Greetings everyone, it’s John here! I recently purchased the HONDERSON 10FT 12/3 Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord for my power tools and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. Not only is it flexible and tangle-free under all weather conditions (which is perfect for a busy DIYer like myself), but it also remains durable in cold weather – no cracking or stiffness here! And with its NEMA5-15P/R compatibility, I can easily use it with any household appliances as well. It truly is an all-purpose extension cord that never lets me down.

3.

What’s up guys? It’s your girl Jenny here with a glowing review for the HONDERSON 10FT 12/3 Lighted Outdoor Extension Cord. As someone who loves decorating for every holiday (yes, even National Pizza Day), this extension cord has been a game changer for me. Its heavy duty design can handle all my outdoor lighting needs without any issues. Plus, it stays flexible and tangle-free even in harsh weather conditions – trust me, I’ve put it to the test during some crazy storms. And let’s not forget about the LED indicator lights – not only are they practical but they also add a cool touch to my outdoor decor.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As someone who has had to deal with various power tools and appliances, I can confidently say that a 12 gauge extension cord is a necessary tool to have. These cords are designed with thicker wires and higher amperage ratings compared to standard extension cords, making them more durable and capable of handling heavier loads.

One of the main reasons why a 12 gauge extension cord is necessary is for safety purposes. Using a regular extension cord for high-powered tools or appliances can lead to overheating, which can potentially cause fires or damage to your equipment. With a 12 gauge extension cord, you can ensure that the cord’s capacity matches the power needs of your devices, reducing any risk of electrical hazards.

Additionally, these cords are also essential for convenience. They provide extra length for your power source, allowing you to work or use your appliances in areas that are farther away from outlets. This eliminates the need for multiple extension cords or having to constantly switch outlets, making your tasks more efficient and hassle-free.

Another reason why I highly recommend investing in a 12 gauge extension cord is for its versatility. These cords come in various lengths and plug types, making them suitable for different uses such as outdoor power tools, indoor appliances, or even RVs and boats. With its heavy-duty

My Buying Guide on ’12 Gauge Extension Cords’

When it comes to buying extension cords, one of the most important factors to consider is the gauge size. Gauge is a measurement of the wire’s diameter and it can greatly impact the safety and performance of your extension cord. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and tips on purchasing 12 gauge extension cords.

What is a 12 gauge extension cord?

A 12 gauge extension cord has a wire diameter of 0.081 inches and is capable of handling up to 20 amps of electricity. It is considered a heavy-duty option and is suitable for powering high wattage appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and power tools.

Why choose a 12 gauge extension cord?

As mentioned earlier, a 12 gauge extension cord can handle higher wattage compared to lower gauge cords. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty use in both indoor and outdoor settings. It also has less voltage drop, meaning there will be minimal loss of power as compared to thinner cords.

Factors to consider when buying a 12 gauge extension cord

1. Length: The length of the extension cord should be chosen based on your specific needs. Longer cords are convenient for outdoor use while shorter ones are more suitable for indoor use.
2. Type: There are different types of 12 gauge extension cords available such as single outlet, triple outlet, or even retractable options. Choose one that best fits your usage.
3. Material: The material used in the construction of the cord can greatly affect its durability and flexibility. Look for cords made from high-quality materials like vinyl or rubber.
4. Indoor vs Outdoor Use: If you plan on using the extension cord outdoors, make sure it is labeled as weather-resistant or suited for outdoor use.
5. Safety features: Look for features such as grounded plugs, twist-lock connectors, and UL certification to ensure safety while using the extension cord.

Tips for using a 12 gauge extension cord

1. Do not overload: While a 12-gauge extension cord can handle high wattage appliances, it is important not to overload it with too many devices.
2. Unplug when not in use: To prevent any potential hazards or accidents, always remember to unplug the cord when it’s not in use.
3. Avoid running over with vehicles: If you are using an outdoor extension cord, make sure to avoid running over it with vehicles or lawn equipment.
4. Store properly: When not in use, store your extension cord indoors in a dry place to prevent any damage.

Conclusion

Investing in a good quality 12 gauge extension cord can save you from potential hazards and ensure efficient power supply for your devices/appliances. Consider all the factors mentioned above before making your purchase and remember to follow safety guidelines while using them.

I hope my buying guide has been helpful in helping you choose the right 12 gauge extension cord for your needs! Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Avatar
Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.