You probably use an outdoor extension cord around your house. Not unless you’re always lucky enough to have an electrical outlet right where you need it. But, most individuals are unaware of how harmful it may be to use the incorrect cord.
During the off-season, a standard outside extension cord will do. During the winter, though, it will most likely freeze solid. So, having cold weather extension cords bring a little preparedness.
Here are Some of the Best Cold Weather Extension Cords
Best for Extreme Weather: Iron Forge Cable
- BUILT FOR EXTREME WEATHER - This cold weather extension cord can handle temperatures as low as -58°F and as high as +221°F, all while remaining flexible and working without interruption.
- OIL & WATER RESISTANT - Designed for rugged outdoor use, this extreme weather extension cord is oil, water, and flame resistant. REINFORCED BLADES protect prongs from bending or breaking.
- LIGHTED SOCKET - The female end of the cord lights up to indicate when the power is on. Slip resistant design, heavy duty strain relief for optimal performance, and 3 prong grounded plug for added...
- HEAVY DUTY 12 gauge blue and red cord can handle shop vacs, air compressors, circular saws, lawn mowers and other heavy duty power tools. UL listed, 3 wire 100 ft weather extension cord, 15 amp, 125...
They can withstand all types of harsh weather. This extension cord can withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit. It can even work with as high as 221 degrees Fahrenheit. It operates without fail in all weather situations and is adaptable to a wide range of tools. It is also suitable for heavy usage, including lawnmowers, snowblowers, and air compressors. It has an oil- and water-repellent body. It can endure grease, water, and flame due to its sturdy outdoor design.
Details & Technical Specifications:
- It comes in three sizes: 25 foot, 50 foot, and 100 foot.
- 3-conductor, 12-gauge wire
- Heavy-duty
- It can survive extreme temperatures as low as -55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Long-Distance: U.S. Wire & Cable 100ft
- Heavy-duty extension cord ideal for extreme weather conditions
- Individually insulated conductors surrounded by an outside jacket
- Lighted plug ensures power is connected
- Won't mar floors or walls
U.S. Wire & Cable comes in a 100-foot extension cable and a 12-gauge gauge. These properties make it suitable for heavy-duty applications. It has a blue and red color scheme on top of each other. It also has many insulated layers to survive freezing temperatures.
Details & Technical Specifications:
Cold-weather resistant (Stays flexible between 221F to -94 degrees F)
- Volts: 125
- Abrasion-resistant
- Female Plug with Light
- 15 watts
- Heavy-duty
Best Short-Distance: Watts-Wire
- Watts Wire's Grounded 12-Gauge (12/3) 25-foot Multi-Outlet Lighted w/ Ground Extension Cords are the perfect cord all around. Our cords are designed around the contractor and perfect for the hobbyist.
- Our SJEOW Extremely flexible oil-resistant rubber extension cord stays flexible in temperatures from -58°F to 220°F and is the only cord you will ever need in your toolbox.
- Our cords use 12-Gauge soft-drawn copper to give 120V 15-amps with minimal voltage drop providing all the power you require! Our multi-tap pig-tail power splitter is the best on the market!
- Our cords include strength adding poly strands in the cord to make it handle heavy day after day use. These can support up to 150lbs without damage! Don't waste time with a half-strength competitor!
It is one of the best extension cords to use if you need a 15-amp cord that is shorter but thicker. It’s an extension cord with many lights. It is incredibly pliable and oil and grease resistant. It can resist extreme cold ranging from -58 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
This cord is so tough that you might never need to store it in the toolbox.
Details & Technical Specifications:
- 12-Gauge cord
- Cold-weather resistant
- Outlets with three lights
- Oil-resistant
- Fire-resistant
- Moisture-resistant
Best affordable: Woods
- Has lighted ends to let you know when the power is on
- Neon blue color provides fantastic visibility in the garage and worksite
- Ul listed and meets OSHA requirements for outdoor use
- Reinforced blades prevent accident bending or breaking
It is a 25-ft extreme extension cord for cold weather with very little or no power loss while in use. This product has LED ends to ensure that the power is on. This feature aids visibility in low-light situations.
It is best for light and heavy-duty appliances, tools, and electronics. Search for the manufacturer’s warranty. It would guarantee that you are purchasing an authentic product.
Details & Technical Specifications:
- Cold weather resistant
- Meets OSHA requirements
- 16/3 Extension Cord
- 3 size options: 25ft, 50ft, and 100ft
- Ul listed
Best Medium Range: Southwire
- High visibility blue low-temperature vinyl jacket; resists oil; grease;moisture
- 3-conductor; 12-gauge wire; 15-amp rating
- Contractor grade; circular saw; heater; table saw
- Power indicator light lets you know where the power is 12 GAUGE HEAVY DUTY; 50 ft
This 50-foot cold weather extension cord is excellent for various outdoor power tools, such as electric snowblowers or lawnmowers. It has a high-visibility blue color vinyl jacket for added visibility. The extension cord will be safe even in severely cold weather. It has a vinyl insulation jacket resistant to moisture, oil, and grease.
Details & Technical Specifications:
- Oil-resistant
- Grease-resistant
- Moisture-resistant
- 12-Gauge cord
- 10-15 amps rating
Why do You Need a Cold Weather Extension Cord?
Is this anything that has happened to you? You must use an extension cord outside because it’s winter or close to winter. You take one from the inside and put it to use. But, it’s impossible to coil it up neatly for storing because it’s so cold and stiff! You can solve it by using a specially designed cold weather extension cord.
When it comes to outdoor cords, a lot may go wrong because Mother Nature can be pretty harsh. Cold weather extension cords are an excellent alternative to explore during sub-zero temperatures. It’s significant to remember that cold weather can harden the cords’ outer covering. It makes them more likely to break and become exposed. These cords can withstand sub-zero temperatures. It has a protective coating that prevents it from exposing and harming it to the cold.
If an extension cord breaks, it can be pretty dangerous. It can cause electrical problems, resulting in system failure or worse.
How to Choose the Best Cold Weather Extension Cord?
It can be confusing to choose the best cold weather extension cord. Don’t worry! We got you covered. Here are some of the factors to consider before purchasing an extension cord:
Power Rating
You must know the power requirements and ratings. It is one of the first steps in determining the best extension cord. In the United States, the usual outlet is 120V. It is the maximum current that the device can draw from the household circuit.
Most residential properties have a typical amp rating of 20 amps. If you’re using a 15-amp device, make sure there’s nothing else plugged into the circuit. It would prevent the breaker from tripping.
Gauge Rating
Check the cord’s thickness. It will determine the amount of electricity it can carry into the appliance. The thicker the copper wire, the smaller the gauge number. It is contrary to popular belief that smaller gauge numbers are stronger. The thicker wire delivers more power (or amperage).
The most commonly used extension cords are 12- and 14-gauge cords. The 14-gauge cords are for applications with a medium to the light range.
Cord Length
When deciding what length of cord to get, consider your specific demands. Make sure the cord extends to the end of your driveway or pathway.
The extension cord’s length must still meet the amperage requirements of your device.
You should keep the length as short as possible since the longer it is, the more power you’ll lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between regular cords and cold weather-resistant cords?
Cold weather extension wires are substantially better insulated. It protects them from freezing and stopping during extreme weather conditions. The protective outer jacket of cold weather extension cables has unique compounds. It keeps the cord flexible in the cold. In the cold, specific varieties of rubber or plastic will freeze and then snap if moved around. These extension cords are flexible in all climates and will not break if they freeze.
Cold weather extension cords have bright jacket colors for fantastic visibility. They sometimes come in pink, blue, or green.
Do extension cords work in the cold?
Unlike conventional outdoor power cords, cold-weather extension cords have thick insulation. It would defend against dampness and sub-zero temperatures. It stays flexible in temperatures as low as -67°F. That is why they are safe and simple to handle, even when freezing.
Which is better: a 12-gauge extension cord or a 16-gauge extension cord?
The wire gauge determines the thickness of the wire cable. Remember that the thicker the wire cable, the lower the wire gauge is. A heavy-duty extension cord has 10-gauge to 12-gauge wire. A medium-duty cord has a 14-gauge wire, whereas a light-duty cord has a 16-gauge wire.
Final Word
The best cold weather extension cord isn’t always the most expensive. It should handle a broader range of tools and appliances without sacrificing power.
Include all the resistance properties when choosing a cold weather extension cord. Consider getting cords resistant to moisture, flame, oil, and chemicals. Cords that aren’t resistant to moisture, heat, or oil might get dirty during and after use.
We hope that this article provides you with the information you need. Be wise in choosing the best cold-weather extension cord to be winter prepared.