Over the weekend, I took a quick look through older post drafts that were started but long forgotten about. Last night’s Leatherman Skeletool review was one such post. Deep in the list was a 3-year-old idea post about US Wire extension cords.
I followed the Amazon link I left for myself, and the light bulb in my head shined anew. Ah – USA-made extension cords, that will surely be of interest!
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I check on a couple of the US Wire products, and what do I see? Made in the USA or China in the product description. Uch, really?
And then, this morning, I came across listings for new AmazonBasics outdoor extension cords. I found it interesting, because there times when you want a thick and robust cord, other times you want something long and low-powered.
AmazonBasics is Amazon’s house brand, which they put onto electronics accessories, such as charging cords, audio cords, batteries, tablet cases, and the such. Apparently Amazon now offers AmazonBasics extension cords.
I will soon be searching for a high quality extension cord maker, but I think I would trust these AmazonBasics cords without much hesitation, at least for occasional use. I don’t think they’re built for regular use, use in demanding environments, and certainly not heavy duty use.
They’re made with vinyl-jacketed 16-gauge 3-wire cord, with a standard 3-prong male and female plugs at the ends. There are 2 sizes – 50′ for $15, and 100′ for $23.
They seem decent as light duty outdoor extension cords. Keep in mind that the 16-gauge cord is going to limit the current draw.
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According to Coleman Cable and a couple of other online sources, it seems that 16-gauge cables are generally limited to 13A loads for 50-foot lengths, and 10A loads for 100-foot lengths. (Can anyone find an NEC or OSHA source for these specs?)
Buy Now(50′ via Amazon)
Buy Now(100′ via Amazon)
If you have you tried these extension cords, what do you think? Is there a brand that you would recommend better, either for light or heavy duty use?
Stan
Stuart, if you are looking for a 100% made in the United States of America quality extension cord, Harry J Epstein sells two Coleman variations model numbers 02588 and 02589. Plus these cords are 12 gauge and have a heavy duty vinyl jacket that resists moisture, abrasion and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Here are the links. http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/ExtCord/02588.html andhttp://store.harryepstein.com/cp/ExtCord/02589.html
These are UL/cUL/ETL Listed / Meets OSHA requirements for Outdoor use as well. Try finding that at Harbor Freight with their imported (likely China) made extension cords that probably have lead as well.
Tom
I always wonder this around Christmas when I am struggling to find enough cords to take care of my Christmas lights….. what makes a cord suitable for outdoor use? They are always labeled but I never bothered to find out what makes them indoor or outdoor cords. The outdoor ones are always thicker and more bulky for sure, but I didn’t know whether that is what makes them for outdoor use or whether that was a product of them being made in generally longer lengths.
steve
As far as what makes a cord suitable for wet use: It’s the type of insulation used on the wire and jacket.
Also the really heavy duty weatherproof cords have WD rated receptacles and are GFCI integrated.
steve
The NFPA will allow anyone who has interest to make an account and read a low quality version of the NEC (NFPA 70) for free – which is a nice change from the past when they wanted $80 for any of it.
http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=70
adam
if you look at most tool manuals (i know crazy), it has a chart listing cable gauge, length and amp limitations.
Tator
Best extension cords are lengths of 12/3 sjo cord with pass and Seymour cord ends. Have used these for years and they hold up well, but I don’t think these are OSHA approved because they don’t have a molded cord end.
But it's me!
I have two 50′ lengths of the US Wire cords from before the US OR China notation. Based on the mostly positive reviews and US construction, I purchased them, but it was mostly the US made that sold me (and the reasonable price). Great cords with lighted ends. Not heavy duty, but good enough to drag across the yard with an electric trimmer (and take a few hits OK).
I prefer most extension cords be 12 gauge, just in case someone cobbles too many together, like my seemingly brainless teenagers. Nothing like finding a melted plug and cord…
I have a nice collection of multiple 12 gauge cords I cobbled together from some demo work I did years ago. They were tossing them and said I could have all I wanted. For the cost of plugs, I have some seriously heavy duty cords. Wish I had saved more.
adam
$40 for US Wire & Cable 100 ft of 12/3 at Home Depot. can’t comment on COO
http://www.homedepot.com/p/U-S-Wire-Cable-100-ft-12-3-Extension-Cord-59100HD/205854680
Drew M
I’ve been looking for a cord like this at a decent price. How have I never noticed this one?
I have a Utilitech 25-ft 12-Gauge Yellow Outdoor Extension Cord from Lowes and honestly, I have no idea what the jacket is made from but I do know it feels quality and it doesn’t get stiff in the winter like my REALLY cheap orange 50ft 16awg does.
Drew M
Picked one up late last week before they ran out. Thanks!
Norm
There is all kinds of info on this, but really it boils down to manufacturers specifications, as that is what they will be rated and tested for:
http://www.rvpowerprotection.com/Links_files/extension-cords.pdf
http://www.diybyexample.info/2010/07/what-size-extension-cord-do-i-need/
http://electrical.about.com/od/wiringcircuitry/a/extensioncordchart.htm
http://www.electrician2.com/calculators/vd_calculator.html
I’ve been searching but I can’t find the proper equation, unless it’s all derived from Ohm’s Law and the NEC table 400
DanG
I am so glad that all of you wonderful reader give us other links that we can obtain the extension cord at other locations for cheaper prices. I am getting so sick and tired of Amazon. They are there for one purpose and one purpose only and that is to rip us off. Every time I hear the name Amazon I want to heave. I want to support the small guy. I don’t want to support an overgrown conglomerate. They make enough money, they don’t need us. Every time Stuart reviews a product and gives us a location to purchase it at And it turns out to be Amazon. I turn my head the other way. I just figure he is be paid off by them.
adam
If you read a lot of reviews & articles on ToolGuyd, I think you would come to find Stuart is pretty up front on everything, If Amazon is paying him, great, it keeps the site running, and who wouldn’t accept money if offered to them.
If we could all support the local guy, I’m sure we would try, but the local guy can’t keep everything in stock. Yes Amazon is huge, but they also make very little money on products they sell. This is always a topic on there quarterly reports.
Stuart
What other retailers do you expect to sell AmazonBasics cords?
Joking aside, there’s a shortlist of retailers I typically link out to. Some are affiliate partners, meaning ToolGuyd is partially supported through sales made through those links. Others are not, and I link to them just as well.
Most readers want an easy link, others want to shop around with model numbers. I try to supply both when possible.
There’s a longer list of recommended distributors here – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/shop/%3C/a%3E and I add to it every so often. The fact is, I don’t often link out to other sources because it’s a pain to manage. After 1 year, Amazon is likely to still carry a product, smaller independent retailers might not. It’s a hassle to check for and update dead links all the time.
If you have a favorite dealer you prefer to shop at, that’s why I include model numbers at the top of most posts. Sometimes they’re at the bottom.
My task is to provide a link to the best place to purchase from, and if possible the cheapest reputable source from among those I can generally recommend. If you don’t like the vendors I link to, simply shop where you want to, which is what I already expect for you to do anyways.
Amazon happens to be one of my favorite retailers. I’ve had issues with them in the past, as with other retailers, but there has never been an issue that their customer service couldn’t resolve at or above my satisfaction. Nope, I’ve never been “paid off by them.” Would be a lot easier to explain my affinity for them if I had.
Andy
I would always rather buy from a publicly traded company. When you buy from the small guy you speak of, you are helping him and a maybe a small handful of employees. When you buy from somewhere like Amazon or home Depot, you are helping everyone who owns any stock in that company, including a large percentage of retirees in this country. Both of my parents are retired and support themselves through stock ownership in companies like Amazon. Heck, a large portion of my income comes from investments in companies like these. Nothing against mom and pops, but I want to support everyone in this country, not just a small handful of people.
Dave in VT
And there goes the landscape. There goes the individuality of small towns. No offense meant, but I think intentionally putting your money into huge corporations is near-sighted, as it will eventually result in less competition and then inflated prices.
Garrick
Actually it doesn’t matter whether we buy from a large corporation or a mom and pop business. The profits go to people.
Buy from the best you can find with a reasonable effort, and know you are supporting the best.
Tom
I’m not as happy with Amazon as I used to be because they seem to sit on your order for a very long time (4+ days) before shipping unless you pay for the Prime membership. No thanks, I don’t need to be treated like a second class citizen.
As I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve found that I’m much happier when I stop by my local hardware store and buy from them. Sure it might cost a few bucks more on my total bill, but I know that my money is helping a family and their employees who live right here in my community alongside me and my family. I also get to see the product and make sure it fits my needs, plus I get a bag of popcorn and some time to chat with the other dads and weekend DIYers who cherish those 30 mins errands to the hardware store to talk shop w/o our young kids interrupting all the time. 😉
Cro
I got ahold of some 25′ Bosch extension cords awhile back…HANDS DOWN the best cord I’ve ever used, but now I can’t find them anywhere! Need a 50 footer!
Stan
Since Amazon was mentioned, I’d like to provide my “two cents” if you will as others have in this article. I have mixed feelings about Amazon. On one hand, they sometimes carry items that my local distributors may not carry and have allowed me to support American manufacturing multiple instances. I wish that was more important to others, but I digress on that.
However, they aren’t without fault and man have they really screwed up several of my orders over the years. Once I received a damaged USA made Stack tool box and the person I spoke to insisted this the fault of UPS despite the fact this came from Ontrac. So I was about to order another from Stack-On directly and was given one under warranty.
Then there was the case of my Klein multimeter Amazon decided to ship to a neighbor and thankfully I knew this neighbor as well. As if I didn’t chances are I’d never receive this. I’ve had more issues, but generally the issues were damaged or in some cases lost.
Personally I’d rather support a smaller independent business such as Harry J Epstein. Family owned, run and they conduct business in a professional, respectful and honest fashion. Not only do they list the country of origin of every tool they sell, but you can call and email them and they will ACTUALLY respond to your emails and phone calls.
Additionally, they care about American manufacturing and are actually educated about the items they sell in addition. Unlike some businesses, you aren’t just seen as a walking dollar sign and it’s not all about money either. I wish I could buy everything and anything only from them and make it a point to do so when I can.
But in Amazon’s defense, they have allowed me to buy certain USA made items that just aren’t sold locally anymore if at all. For example, I needed a GFCI outlet recently and all that was locally at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware was made in China. Amazon (as well as Grainger) sells the Hubbell Wiring GFCI outlet model number GF15WLU that is American made.
At the time this was available within two days and I needed this within that time period as well. So not only did I support American manufacturing, but I was able to get this project done in a timely fashion as well.
Honestly if these local brick and mortar really want to compete with Amazon, in my case they need to offer USA made alternatives . In the general sense, pricing on Amazon sometimes is better.
Russ
I’ve bought several ‘Amazon Basics’ branded items and I’ve been happy with all of them. I haven’t tried their tools or extension cords but if I needed such, and the specs met my needs, I wouldn’t hesitate to order them.