How to Tell if Your Extension Cord is for Outdoor Use

A good outdoor cable should be able to take a lot of punishment from the elements, like rain and heat. An extension cord that isn't rated specifically for outdoor use can hurt you or damage your electronic devices - and can pose a danger to your personal safety, too. How can you be sure that your cables will be able to withstand the elements?

Just as you should consider the specifications you require for your data and network cables, it's important to consider how and where you plan to use your extension cords. While it's become easy and convenient to find affordable extension cables, not all power cords are meant for use indoors AND outdoors! Outdoor cables must be made of sturdy, high-quality materials in order to withstand the elements. If you accidentally purchase a cable meant for indoor-use only, you run the risk of damage to your electronic devices - and you risk your personal safety, as well. A damaged or fraying cable is no joke. Buying from a reliable and reputable cable company is essential. 

Whether you’re operating your power tools for some overdue landscaping out in the front yard or putting in some work on that old boat on the dock, it’s important to be using the right power cord. It's important to keep in mind that most store-bought extension cords are intended only for use inside the home, and that extensive exposure to the elements can contribute more wear and tear on your cables than they're able to handle. That's where Cables.com comes in. Our New York-based Datacomm cables are proudly manufactured right here in the US to stringent specifications that make them perfect for your outdoor installation. Let's take a look at what makes a good extension cable outdoor-rated, and what Cables.com has to offer. 

What Extension Cable is Good for Outdoors?

A reliable outdoor extension cord will be resistant to the elements, as well as any disturbances that might be caused by pests or weather events. Cables.com stocks a variety of high quality extension cables meant to withstand exposure to rain or shine. This means cables that are manufactured from quality wire and strong, sturdy jacket material that won't fray or break down easily. 

One excellent example of this is our SJTW Outdoor-rated extension cable. SJTW cables are considered "hard service" cables with weather-resistant thermoplastic jackets. That makes this cord ideal for running in your backyard, or outside of an office building. This heavy duty 14 awg cable features a 15 amp jacket with a molded 5-15 plug and receptacle. It's UL-listed, which means it's passed rigorous testing by Underwriter Laboratories and meets nationally recognized standards of sustainability and safety. 

Cables.com also offers watertight power extension cords for your home or business in various lengths. These watertight outdoor extension cables are bright yellow so they're easy to spot, and are available in a variety of amperages from 15A to 30A. 

Additionally, we stock SJTOW Bulldog Tough Outdoor Extension Cords with Primelight Power Indicator. These 14/3 contractor-grade heavy duty outdoor extension cords feature a neon lamp embedded in the female connector in order to let you know when the power is flowing. If anything has compromised the integrity of the cable or your connection, it will be easy to tell before risking injuring yourself while handling the cable. 

Shopping Cables.com

If you haven't found exactly what you're looking for in an outdoor cable yet, there's no need to worry! Cables.com won't let you walk away empty handed. Whatever configuration you require, you always have the option of building your own Custom Cable. You can CONTACT US using our web form, call us toll free at 1-800-372-3725, or email us at sales@cables.com. 

SHOP NOW: Outdoor Rated SJTW Extension Power Cord - Power Cord Extension Cable Outdoor Rated SJTW - 50 feet - 16/3 Outdoor Extension Cable